The Winter Migrants

Winter transforms Bhutan into a rewarding destination for birdwatching, bringing seasonal visitors to its river valleys, open wetlands and forested highlands. This journey is designed around the search for winter birds, following changing elevations and habitats from the warmer subtropical forests of Punakha to the cold mountain landscapes of Bumthang and Chele La.

Spend your days scanning riverbanks for wintering waterbirds, exploring forests for mixed species flocks, and searching open fields and wetlands for seasonal visitors. In Phobjikha Valley, look for the magnificent Black-necked Cranes that arrive from the Tibetan Plateau to spend the winter. Around Nobding, explore woodland habitats for Himalayan forest birds, while Chele La offers opportunities to seek high altitude specialists adapted to the cold.

With dedicated birding sessions across contrasting habitats, this journey invites you to experience Bhutan at its most compelling for winter birdwatching, where every stop brings a new habitat to explore and another possibility to add to your birding checklist.

What makes this journey different?

Winter brings a remarkable change to Bhutan’s birdlife as seasonal visitors arrive from northern breeding grounds. The Winter Migrants follows this movement across contrasting habitats, from the warmer river valleys of Punakha to the forested highlands of Bumthang and the windswept heights of Chele La.

What makes this journey special is the chance to witness migration unfolding across Bhutan’s landscapes. Scan riverbanks for wintering waterbirds, explore forests for seasonal visitors and watch Black-necked Cranes in Phobjikha Valley. Every stop reveals another chapter in the remarkable story of winter bird migration.

Habitats

Exploring these changing environments reveals how seasonal birds adapt to Bhutan’s varied elevations and winter landscapes.

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Paro
Elevation: 2250m
Arrive in Paro, where your winter birding journey begins in one of Bhutan’s beautiful western valleys. Depending on your arrival time, head towards the Pa Chhu, where the river’s exposed gravel banks, shallow pools and rocky margins provide an excellent introduction to Bhutan’s riverine birdlife. Walk slowly along accessible sections of the river, scanning the water and listening for calls from birds feeding among the stones. The first session will be relaxed, allowing you to settle in while familiarising yourself with the local habitats and the pace of winter birding.
Continue exploring the riverbanks as daylight permits, paying particular attention to movement around the water’s edge and birds perched on exposed rocks. Winter can bring seasonal visitors to the valley, while resident species remain active along the river. Your guide will help establish a preliminary checklist and identify promising locations for further exploration during the return to Paro.
Birds to watch for
Ibisbill, Brown Dipper, White-capped Water Redstart, Plumbeous Water Redstart, River Lapwing, Common Sandpiper, Green Sandpiper, White Wagtail, Grey Wagtail, White-browed Wagtail, Blue Whistling Thrush, Crested Kingfisher, Common Kingfisher, White-throated Kingfisher, Little Egret, Grey Heron, Great Cormorant, Ruddy Shelduck, Oriental Turtle Dove, Eurasian Hoopoe.
Day 02: Paro – Punakha Via Dochu La
Drive Distance: 125Km | Drive Time: 04Hr | Elevation: 1350m
Leave Paro after breakfast and begin the drive towards Punakha, ascending through forested hills to Dochu La. This high mountain pass offers an important opportunity to explore a different birding environment from the river valleys below. Search the coniferous woodland, forest edges and roadside vegetation for small passerines, paying attention to mixed feeding flocks moving through the canopy. Pause at suitable locations to listen for calls before scanning the trees carefully. Weather at the pass can be cold and windy during winter, so the guide will select sheltered locations where birding remains comfortable and productive.
After exploring Dochu La, descend towards Punakha through changing forest habitats. As the elevation falls, the vegetation becomes progressively different, creating opportunities to encounter species associated with warmer broadleaved forests. Make selected stops along the descent rather than rushing directly to the valley. Look for birds feeding along forest margins, crossing clearings or gathering around fruiting trees. Arrive in Punakha during the afternoon and, if daylight permits, enjoy a short session near the river or around the hotel surroundings. The warmer valley will provide a useful contrast to the higher elevation birding earlier in the day.
Birds to watch for
Himalayan Monal, Kalij Pheasant, Blood Pheasant, Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, Grey-crested Tit, Yellow-browed Tit, Green-backed Tit, Black-throated Tit, Yellow-billed Blue Magpie, Eurasian Jay, Spotted Nutcracker, Long-tailed Minivet, Black-faced Laughingthrush, Whiskered Yuhina, Rufous-vented Yuhina, Green-tailed Sunbird, Fire-tailed Sunbird, White-browed Fulvetta, Chestnut-tailed Minla, Brown Bullfinch, Red-headed Bullfinch, Grey Wagtail, Crested Kingfisher
Day 03: Tashithang Birding
Drive Distance: 40 – 60Km | Drive Time: 02Hr | Elevation: 1350m – 1600m
Dedicate the day to exploring the bird-rich surroundings of Tashithang, following suitable stretches of river and forest along the approach to Jigme Dorji National Park. Begin early, when bird activity is often rewarding, and work slowly along the riverbanks, watching for birds feeding in shallow water, resting on exposed stones or flying between the banks. The combination of riverine habitat, subtropical forest and wooded slopes makes this area particularly interesting for a winter birding expedition. Keep an eye on overhanging branches and quiet pools, while scanning the river corridor for larger birds moving between feeding and resting sites.
Continue into suitable forest sections, pausing regularly to listen for calls and locate mixed-species flocks. The subtropical vegetation supports a different bird community from the higher elevation forests around Dochu La, allowing you to broaden the tour’s species list. River bends, clearings and forest edges deserve particular attention, especially where visibility opens into the canopy. Your guide will adjust the day’s route according to recent sightings, accessibility and the weather. Allow enough time at productive locations instead of moving constantly between stops. Return to Punakha in the late afternoon after a full day of searching the river and surrounding woodland.
Birds to watch for
White-bellied Heron, Pallas’s Fish Eagle, Lesser Fish Eagle, Crested Kingfisher, Common Kingfisher, White-throated Kingfisher, Great Cormorant, Little Egret, Grey Heron, River Lapwing, Common Sandpiper, Green Sandpiper, Ruddy Shelduck, Bar-headed Goose, Osprey, Black Eagle, Crested Serpent Eagle, Jungle Owlet, Asian Barred Owlet, Slaty-backed Forktail, Spotted Forktail, Plumbeous Water Redstart, White-capped Water Redstart
Day 04: Punakha – Trongsa
Drive Distance: 140Km | Drive Time: 05Hr | Elevation: 2200m
Depart Punakha and travel eastwards towards Trongsa, passing through the dramatic landscapes of central Bhutan. Although this is primarily a transfer day, the changing elevation and forest cover provide several opportunities for birding along the route. Begin with a short morning session near Punakha, where riverine vegetation and open valley habitats may produce additional sightings before the ascent. As the road climbs, look for birds along forest edges, roadside clearings and patches of broadleaved woodland. The guide will select safe stopping places where the group can scan the canopy and search for movement in the undergrowth without interrupting the journey.
Continue through the mountain forests towards Trongsa, watching for raptors soaring above ridges and smaller birds feeding in mixed flocks. Seasonal conditions can influence bird activity, particularly at exposed locations where winter winds and lower temperatures are common. Rather than attempting to cover every stretch of road, concentrate on habitats that differ from those already explored around Punakha. This approach makes the transfer more rewarding while preserving sufficient time to reach Trongsa before evening. On arrival, settle into your accommodation and, if daylight remains, explore a suitable nearby forest edge for a short final session.
Birds to watch for
Himalayan Buzzard, Black Eagle, Crested Serpent Eagle, Himalayan Griffon, Lammergeier, Kalij Pheasant, Himalayan Monal, Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, Grey-crested Tit, Yellow-browed Tit, Green-backed Tit, Yellow-billed Blue Magpie, Spotted Nutcracker, Eurasian Jay, Long-tailed Minivet, Black-faced Laughingthrush, Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrush, Whiskered Yuhina, White-browed Fulvetta, Brown Dipper, Grey Wagtail, Blue Whistling Thrush, Plumbeous Water Redstart
Day 05: Trongsa – Bumthang
Drive Distance: 70Km | Drive Time: 02Hr | Elevation: 2580m
Leave Trongsa after breakfast and travel towards Bumthang, crossing the Yotong La region through mountain forests and highland landscapes. This shorter transfer allows time for several birding stops along the way. Begin by exploring forest edges around Trongsa, watching for woodpeckers, tits and other woodland birds before the road climbs towards higher elevations. At suitable locations, scan the tree canopy for mixed feeding flocks and check open slopes for birds perched along exposed branches. The changing forest composition along the route offers an opportunity to encounter species associated with cooler mountain habitats.
Continue towards Bumthang, stopping where the terrain opens up or where forest cover creates good viewing opportunities. The transition into the broader valley introduces a mixture of fields, scattered trees, woodland margins and open countryside. These habitats are especially useful for searching for wintering birds and species that favour cultivated landscapes. On reaching Bumthang, check suitable open areas near the accommodation if time allows, particularly where fields meet hedgerows or patches of woodland. The aim is to begin identifying productive local sites before the following full day of birding. Overnight in Bumthang, with the next morning reserved for a more detailed exploration of the valley.
Birds to watch for
Himalayan Monal, Blood Pheasant, Kalij Pheasant, Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, Grey-crested Tit, Yellow-browed Tit, Green-backed Tit, Yellow-billed Blue Magpie, Eurasian Jay, Spotted Nutcracker, Himalayan Buzzard, Himalayan Griffon, Lammergeier, Black-throated Thrush, Red-throated Thrush, Blue Whistling Thrush, White-capped Water Redstart, Plumbeous Water Redstart, Grey Wagtail, White Wagtail, Russet Sparrow, Red-billed Chough, Bar-headed Goose
Day 06: Winter Birding In Bumthang
Drive Distance: 20 – 40Km | Drive Time: 02Hr | Elevation: 2580m
Spend the day exploring Bumthang’s open countryside, woodland edges, riverside habitats and agricultural fields. Begin early, concentrating on locations where open ground meets scattered trees or scrub, as these transitions can attract a variety of feeding birds. Scan the fields carefully for birds moving between cultivated plots, while checking trees and bushes for mixed flocks. Winter is a useful time to investigate these open habitats because seasonal visitors may join resident species, although the precise composition varies with weather, food availability and local conditions. Work slowly through each location, allowing time to identify birds properly and record their behavior.
Later, explore selected riverside stretches and forest margins, where waterbirds and woodland species may provide a different set of observations. If recent reports indicate activity at particular sites, the guide can priorities those areas rather than following a fixed circuit. Bumthang’s varied landscape rewards patient searching, so leave time to revisit a promising field or tree line when birds are feeding actively. This full day also offers a valuable opportunity to build a more complete checklist of central Bhutan’s winter birds before returning towards Trongsa. Finish with a late afternoon session at a productive location and return to your accommodation for the night.
Birds to watch for
Bar-headed Goose, Ruddy Shelduck, Mallard, Eurasian Wigeon, Gadwall, Northern Shoveler, Green-winged Teal, Common Merganser, Common Sandpiper, Green Sandpiper, Grey Heron, Little Egret, Black-throated Thrush, Red-throated Thrush, Blue Whistling Thrush, Grey Wagtail, White Wagtail, Russet Sparrow, Eurasian Tree Sparrow, Red-billed Chough, Yellow-billed Blue Magpie, Spotted Nutcracker, Himalayan Buzzard
Day 07: Bumthang – Trongsa
Drive Distance: 70Km | Drive Time: 02Hr | Elevation: 2200m
Begin the morning with a final birding session in Bumthang before retracing the road towards Trongsa. Use the early hours to revisit a productive field, riverbank or forest edge identified during the previous day. Birds can appear differently from one morning to another, and returning to a known location provides a useful opportunity to check for new arrivals or observe familiar species at closer range. Pay attention to calls, feeding behavior and movement between habitats, recording sightings before departure. This final session helps make the most of your time in the central highlands rather than leaving the valley without a second look.
After breakfast, begin the drive towards Trongsa, stopping at suitable locations along the route. The return journey provides another chance to investigate forest patches, mountain slopes and open areas that were less productive or overlooked on the outward drive. Search for mixed-species flocks and scan exposed ridges for soaring raptors. Because this is a relatively short transfer, the guide can adjust the number and duration of stops according to bird activity and road conditions. Arrive in Trongsa during the afternoon, leaving time for a brief local birding session if daylight permits. Overnight in Trongsa before continuing towards Phobjikha.
Birds to watch for
Himalayan Monal, Blood Pheasant, Kalij Pheasant, Himalayan Buzzard, Himalayan Griffon, Lammergeier, Black Eagle, Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, Grey-crested Tit, Yellow-browed Tit, Green-backed Tit, Yellow-billed Blue Magpie, Eurasian Jay, Spotted Nutcracker, Long-tailed Minivet, Black-faced Laughingthrush, Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrush, Blue Whistling Thrush, Brown Dipper, Grey Wagtail, White-capped Water Redstart, Plumbeous Water Redstart, Red-billed Chough
Day 08: Trongsa – Phobjikha
Drive Distance: 120Km | Drive Time: 04Hr | Elevation: 2900m
Depart Trongsa and travel towards Phobjikha, crossing the highland forests around Pele La before descending into the broad glacial valley. Make selected stops along the way to explore changing forest habitats, paying particular attention to forest edges and clearings where birds may be easier to locate. Higher elevations can bring cold conditions, so dress warmly and allow the guide to choose sheltered sites when wind or snow limits activity. The route offers a useful transition from the wooded central valleys to the more open landscapes of Phobjikha, where wintering birds occupy fields and wetland areas.
As you approach the valley, begin looking for birds across cultivated fields, damp meadows and open stretches of grassland. Phobjikha is especially important during winter for Black-necked Cranes, which migrate to Bhutan from the Tibetan Plateau. After arrival, visit suitable viewing locations to observe the valley’s wintering birds without disturbing them. Scan the open ground and shallow wet areas, using binoculars and a spotting scope where available. If time permits, continue along the valley floor before sunset, when birds may be visible feeding or gathering in open areas. Settle into your accommodation and prepare for a dedicated morning of winter wetland and grassland birding.
Birds to watch for
Black-necked Crane, Bar-headed Goose, Ruddy Shelduck, Eurasian Wigeon, Gadwall, Northern Shoveler, Mallard, Green-winged Teal, Common Merganser, Common Snipe, Common Moorhen, Black-tailed Crake, Grey Heron, Little Egret, River Lapwing, Common Sandpiper, Green Sandpiper, Grey Wagtail, White Wagtail, Alpine Accentor, Red-billed Chough, Himalayan Buzzard, Himalayan Monal
Day 09: Phobjikha – Nobding
Drive Distance: 40Km | Drive Time: 01Hr | Elevation: 2500m
Start the day in Phobjikha with a final morning session among the valley’s fields and wetland habitats. Early hours are useful for observing wintering waterbirds before the group leaves for Nobding. Scan the open ground for cranes and geese, then check the margins of the wetlands for smaller birds feeding among vegetation or along shallow water. Keep a respectful distance from the birds and follow local guidance around sensitive feeding and roosting areas. This final session gives you a chance to compare the valley’s birdlife with the forest species encountered earlier in the journey.
After breakfast, drive towards Nobding through mountain scenery and changing woodland habitats. The route provides opportunities to stop along suitable forest edges and roadside clearings, particularly where mixed-species flocks may be active. As you descend and approach different vegetation zones, look for tits, laughingthrushes, minivets and other forest birds. Rather than attempting to identify every bird from the vehicle, take time at safe pullouts to scan the canopy and listen for calls. Arrive in Nobding with time for a short afternoon session, exploring nearby forest patches to identify promising sites for the following day. Overnight in Nobding, ready for a full day devoted to woodland birding.
Birds to watch for
Black-necked Crane, Bar-headed Goose, Ruddy Shelduck, Eurasian Wigeon, Gadwall, Mallard, Green-winged Teal, Common Merganser, Common Snipe, Black-tailed Crake, River Lapwing, Grey Heron, Grey Wagtail, White Wagtail, Himalayan Monal, Kalij Pheasant, Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, Grey-crested Tit, Yellow-browed Tit, Green-backed Tit, Long-tailed Minivet, Black-faced Laughingthrush, Red-billed Chough
Day 10: Winter Birding Around Nobding
Elevation: 2500m
Dedicate the day to birding the forested slopes and roadside habitats around Nobding, an important stop for exploring the changing woodland environments of central Bhutan. Begin early, when the forest is relatively quiet, and listen for calls before moving slowly along suitable trails and safe roadside sections. Search the canopy for feeding flocks, checking individual trees carefully for movement among branches. Forest edges, patches of bamboo and areas where different vegetation types meet can be especially productive. The objective is to observe the birds in their natural habitat and allow enough time for careful identification, rather than simply moving from one location to another.
Continue through the day by exploring several forest sections at different elevations, adjusting the route to weather and recent sightings. Pay particular attention to mixed-species flocks, which may contain several small woodland birds moving together through the vegetation. Stop frequently to listen, scan the undergrowth and check exposed branches for birds that briefly emerge from cover. Your guide will help distinguish similar species and record useful field observations. If a productive site yields repeated sightings, spend additional time there rather than leaving too soon. Return to the accommodation after the final afternoon session, with the day’s records forming an important contribution to the tour’s overall winter bird checklist.
Birds to watch for
Fire-capped Tit, Yellow-cheeked Tit, Grey-crested Tit, Yellow-browed Tit, Green-backed Tit, Black-throated Tit, Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, Greater Yellownape, Long-tailed Minivet, Scarlet Minivet, Black-faced Laughingthrush, Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrush, Whiskered Yuhina, Rufous-vented Yuhina, White-browed Fulvetta, Chestnut-tailed Minla, Small Niltava, Pygmy Blue Flycatcher, Blue-fronted Redstart, Hodgson’s Redstart, Yellow-billed Blue Magpie, Eurasian Jay, Spotted Nutcracker
Day 11: Nobding – Paro
Drive Distance: 160Km | Drive Time: 04Hr | Elevation: 2250m
Leave Nobding after an early morning birding session near the accommodation, using the available time to revisit a productive forest edge or search for mixed-species flocks. After breakfast, begin the drive towards Paro, passing through the mountain forests and descending towards the western valleys. Plan several birding stops along the route, selecting safe locations with good visibility into the forest canopy or across open slopes. The drive provides a final opportunity to explore habitats that differ from the wetlands of Phobjikha and the higher elevation forests visited earlier in the tour.
Continue towards Paro, watching for raptors above ridgelines and woodland birds around clearings. The guide can adjust the stops according to recent sightings and the time required to reach the valley before dark. Where possible, choose sites that complement the habitats explored during the first part of the journey, adding variety to the overall checklist. On reaching Paro, check into the hotel and enjoy a short riverside birding session if daylight remains. This can also be a useful opportunity to revisit the Pa Chhu and compare the birds recorded at the beginning of the journey with those encountered in central Bhutan. Overnight in Paro.
Birds to watch for
Himalayan Buzzard, Black Eagle, Crested Serpent Eagle, Himalayan Griffon, Lammergeier, Himalayan Monal, Kalij Pheasant, Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, Yellow-cheeked Tit, Grey-crested Tit, Yellow-browed Tit, Green-backed Tit, Fire-capped Tit, Yellow-billed Blue Magpie, Eurasian Jay, Spotted Nutcracker, Long-tailed Minivet, Scarlet Minivet, Black-faced Laughingthrush, White-browed Fulvetta, Blue Whistling Thrush, Brown Dipper, Grey Wagtail
Day 12: Chele La Winter Birding
Drive Distance: 40Km round trip | Drive Time: 01Hr | Elevation: 3988m
Begin early with a drive towards Chele La, one of Bhutan’s highest motorable mountain passes and a key location for high elevation birding. As the road climbs through coniferous forest, stop at suitable locations to scan the trees, listen for calls and search for birds feeding along forest margins. Continue towards the pass, where open slopes, scrub and patches of woodland provide a different set of habitats. Winter conditions can be severe, with snow, wind and low temperatures affecting both access and bird activity, so the guide will select safe and sheltered locations wherever possible.
Spend the morning searching for highland specialists, particularly pheasants and small birds associated with the mountain forests and scrub. Walk short sections where conditions permit, scanning exposed branches and listening for movement in the vegetation. Keep an eye on open slopes and forest edges, where birds may appear briefly before disappearing into cover. The exact species encountered will depend on snow conditions, food availability and recent weather, so patience is essential. After the birding session, descend towards Paro, making additional stops if promising sightings or suitable habitat are encountered. Return to the hotel in the afternoon, allowing time to rest before the following day’s hike to Tiger’s Nest.
Birds to watch for
Himalayan Monal, Blood Pheasant, Satyr Tragopan, Kalij Pheasant, Snow Partridge, Himalayan Griffon, Lammergeier, Himalayan Buzzard, Spotted Nutcracker, Yellow-billed Blue Magpie, Grey-crested Tit, Yellow-browed Tit, Green-backed Tit, Black-throated Tit, Fire-tailed Myzornis, Fire-tailed Sunbird, Green-tailed Sunbird, Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, Collared Grosbeak, Brown Bullfinch, Red-headed Bullfinch, Alpine Accentor, Red-billed Chough
Day 13: Hike To Tiger’s Nest
Hike Distance: 04Km | Drive Time: 04Hr | Elevation: 3120m
After breakfast, travel to the trailhead for the hike to Taktsang Monastery, widely known as Tiger’s Nest. Although this day focuses on one of Bhutan’s most celebrated landmarks, the forested trail also provides opportunities for casual birdwatching. As you climb through pine forest and shaded woodland, look for movement among the trees and listen for calls from the surrounding vegetation. The trail rises gradually before becoming steeper in places, so allow time to rest and enjoy the changing views. Birding should remain secondary to safe walking, particularly on narrow or busy sections of the path.
Continue towards the monastery, where the landscape opens to reveal dramatic cliffs and forested slopes. The hike typically takes several hours for the round trip, depending on pace, rest stops and conditions. If time allows, pause at suitable points along the trail to observe birds without obstructing other visitors. After visiting the monastery, descend carefully to the trailhead and return to Paro. This day offers a different experience from the dedicated birding sessions, combining a memorable cultural landmark with the natural surroundings of the valley. Overnight in Paro, ready for departure the following day.
Birds to watch for
Himalayan Buzzard, Black Eagle, Crested Serpent Eagle, Kalij Pheasant, Himalayan Monal, Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, Grey-crested Tit, Yellow-browed Tit, Green-backed Tit, Black-throated Tit, Yellow-billed Blue Magpie, Eurasian Jay, Spotted Nutcracker, Long-tailed Minivet, Scarlet Minivet, Black-faced Laughingthrush, Whiskered Yuhina, White-browed Fulvetta, Blue Whistling Thrush, Brown Dipper, Grey Wagtail, Plumbeous Water Redstart, White-capped Water Redstart
Day 14: Final Departure
Elevation: 2250m
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before preparing for your transfer to Paro International Airport. Depending on your flight schedule, there may be time for a relaxed morning around the hotel or a short walk through the surrounding area. After nearly two weeks of travelling across Bhutan’s varied landscapes, the journey concludes with memories of wintering cranes in Phobjikha, river birds along the Pa Chhu, woodland flocks in central Bhutan and the high elevation habitats around Chele La. Your birding checklist will reflect the range of environments explored throughout the tour, from subtropical river valleys to colder mountain forests and open highland meadows.
Your guide will assist with the transfer and departure formalities, ensuring you arrive at the airport with sufficient time for check-in. If the flight schedule requires an early departure, the morning will be reserved entirely for the airport transfer. No dedicated birding session is planned for this day, allowing the tour to end without rushing or compromising your travel arrangements. As you leave Bhutan, take with you the observations and experiences gathered along the route, including the seasonal changes that make winter birding in the kingdom distinctive. The journey ends in Paro, with hopes of welcoming you back for another exploration of Bhutan’s birdlife.

Inclusions | Exclusions

Inclusions

Accommodation in comfortable, approved hotels or guesthouses on a twin-sharing basis
Daily meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
Private ground transportation throughout Bhutan, including airport transfers and all scheduled journeys
Services of a licensed Bhutanese tour guide throughout the journey
Services of a specialist birding guide for birdwatching tours, where specified
All sightseeing, excursions and birding sessions mentioned in the itinerary
Entry fees to museums, monuments, national parks and other sites included in the itinerary
Assistance with Bhutan visa or entry permit arrangements
Government Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
Applicable government taxes and service charges included in the quoted tour price
Bottled drinking water during sightseeing and birding excursions
All accommodation and meals for the guide and driver during the tour

Exclusions

International airfare to and from Bhutan
Travel insurance covering medical emergencies, accidents, evacuation and trip cancellation
Additional meals, beverages and snacks
Personal expenses, including laundry, telephone calls, internet charges and room service
Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, birding guides and hotel staff
Optional activities, excursions and experiences not listed in the itinerary
Personal birding equipment, including binoculars, spotting scopes, cameras and accessories
Additional accommodation, meals or transport resulting from flight delays, cancellations, weather disruptions or other unforeseen circumstances
Medical expenses, emergency evacuation and costs arising from personal illness or injury
Excess baggage fees and airline charges
Any service or expense not expressly mentioned under Inclusions

Birding highlights

Black-necked Cranes in the winter wetlands of Phobjikha Valley
Seasonal visitors in Punakha’s warmer subtropical habitats
Winter forest birds around Nobding’s broadleaved woodlands
High altitude birdlife around Chele La and Bumthang
Migratory species across Bhutan’s contrasting winter habitats

Season to travel

November to February is ideal for The Winter Migrants, when seasonal visitors arrive in Bhutan’s valleys, rivers and wetlands. Spot wintering waterbirds, search forest habitats and witness Black-necked Cranes in Phobjikha.

Accommodation: You will stay in comfortable hotels, lodges and locally run properties, with the itinerary designed to balance field time with a good night’s rest.
Meals: Early breakfasts support the best morning field sessions. Packed lunches can be arranged on longer birding days so you can spend more time outdoors.
Group style: We keep the group small enough to move quietly, hear calls, share sightings and adapt the day according to bird activity.

Follow the rhythm of winter migration through Bhutan’s rivers, forests and highland valleys. Discover seasonal visitors, witness Black-necked Cranes in their winter home, and experience the extraordinary birdlife that makes this Himalayan kingdom unforgettable.

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The Winter Migrants

What makes this journey different?

Habitats

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Paro

Birds to watch for

Day 02: Paro – Punakha Via Dochu La

Birds to watch for

Day 03: Tashithang Birding

Birds to watch for

Day 04: Punakha – Trongsa

Birds to watch for

Day 05: Trongsa – Bumthang

Birds to watch for

Day 06: Winter Birding In Bumthang

Birds to watch for

Day 07: Bumthang – Trongsa

Birds to watch for

Day 08: Trongsa – Phobjikha

Birds to watch for

Day 09: Phobjikha – Nobding

Birds to watch for

Day 10: Winter Birding Around Nobding

Birds to watch for

Day 11: Nobding – Paro

Birds to watch for

Day 12: Chele La Winter Birding

Birds to watch for

Day 13: Hike To Tiger’s Nest

Birds to watch for

Day 14: Final Departure

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