11 NIGHTS / 12 DAYS
Day 01 – BKK/CCU/DEL/KTM/DAC – PARO
The flight to Bhutan gives you the enchanting views of great Himalayas and slowly descends to Paro valley with sights of typical buildings and farmland. After the Immigration & custom formalities you will be transferred to hotel. If time permit, visit the places of interests or walk around the paro town. Overnight hotel.
Day 02 – PARO – CHELI-LA/PARO
Start very early morning by 0400 hours with packed breakfast to take the opportunity to see the Himalayan Monal, Blood pheasant and other high altitude birds. Explore at Cheli-la for 3-4 hours and drive back to hotel for lunch. After lunch visit the National Museum, Paro Dzong . Overnight Hotel.
Day 03 – PARO – PUNAKHA
Early morning start the hike to Taktsang (Tiger Nest) monastery of 8th c. found on the sheer cliff of a rock 3000ft above the paro valley. It takes 5 hours time for the visit with walk. After lunch start the journey to Punakha. Stop at Dochu-la pass Alt. 3150m. to enjoy the views and its surrounding. Continue the drive all the way down to the Punakha valley Alt. 1630m. Overnight Hotel.
Day 04 – PUNAKHA – DAMJI/PUNAKHA
Start very early morning by 0400 hours with packed breakfast to take the chances to see the early birds of broad leaves vegetation. Lunch back to hotel. After lunch, visit Punakha Dzong, and Chimi lhakhang. Overnight Hotel.
Day 05 – PUNAKHA – TRONGSA
The journey to Trongsa is 5/6 hours drive by passing Wangdue Dzong of the Sha province and crossing Peli-la pass 3280 m. The drive is with winding road with views of farm lands and villages, through the conifer vegetations and stop at Chendebje near the Eye Chorten (stupa) for lunch. After lunch continue the drive to Trongsa with the view of valleys and its farmlands and through the dense forest of mixed vegetation. Make an interval stop for few minutes for birding on the road. Overnight Hotel.
Day 06 – TRONGSA – TINGTIBE
Start early as possible to Tingtibe so to make several stops for birding en-route. The drive is through the broadleaves and chir-pine vegetation, passing by villages and Zhemgang town to Tingtibe campsite at altitude 1200 M. Overnight tented camp.
Day 07 – TINGTIBE – HALT
To-day, explore along Mangdi-chu valley between Tingtibe and Gongphu village, following the river. Lunch at camp. After lunch make the choice toward Zhemgang or to Tagma village. Overnight tented camp.
Day 08 – TINGTIBE – TRONGSA
Make an early start to make several stops for birding. The journey will take one through sub-tropical vegetation, passing by the villages and farmland to Trongsa town. Picnic lunch on the way. Overnight Hotel.
Day 09 – TRONGSA – PHOBJEKHA
Start the journey to Phobjekha valley the winter migration place for the Black Necked Crane. The drive is with winding road through the forest, passing by villages and farmland to cross the Peli-la pass and Lawa-la pass to Phobjrkha valley. After lunch hike on the nature trial for bird watch as well to enjoy the sight of surrounding atmosphere. One can witness back necked crane from mid November to Mid March every year. While on hike one could see the birds like lark, hen harrier, tits, finches and sun bird in spring. Also visit the crane center and the Gangtey monastery. The drive is 4/5 hours, valley Alt. 2890and Overnight Farm Guest House/Hotel.
Day 10 – PHOBJEKHA – THIMPHU
Start the journey to Thimphu the capital of Bhutan. The journey is through the villages, high altitude green forests, with winding road, passing by Wangdue town to cross the Dochu-la pass of beautiful chortens and temple to Thimphu city. One can make short stop on the way for bird watch. The drive time is 5-6 hours and overnight Hotel.
Day 11 – THIMPHU – SIGHTSEEING
Morning visit the Memorial Chorten of third king of Bhutan, Handicraft Emporium, Changangkha monastery of 13th century, Simtokha Dzong of 17th centruy and small zoo of Takin the national animal of Bhutan and walk around the Thimphu city. Afternoon, drive to Tango Chari area for bird watching. Overnight Hotel.
Day 12 – THIMPHU – PARO AIRPORT
Drive to Paro International Airport for the flight to your next destination. The drive from Thimphu to Paro International Air-port is one hour and the reporting time for the flight is two hours ahead of the flight departure time. Your guide and driver will see you to the Airport and bid farewell.
Note : Birding program could be done from west to east and vise versa and the program days will need 15 to 16 days and one had to stay in tented camps on route seldom. We also have birding site in sub-tropical region in Zhemgang District and in Manas Natrional Park.