Truly Bhutan Travel

06 Days

Birding Bhutan Heron

Overview of the 6-Day Birding Bhutan Heron Tour

Embark on a captivating 6-day journey through Bhutan, a Himalayan kingdom renowned for its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes. This meticulously crafted bird-watching tour combines the thrill of discovering exotic avian species with exploring Bhutan’s architectural marvels and tranquil monasteries.

Brief Itinerary Overview

Day 01 | Arrival in Paro:

  • Arrival at Paro International Airport and greeted by a Truly Bhutan representative.
  • Visit to the National Museum of Bhutan (subject to opening hours).
  • Exploration of Paro Dzong (fortress) and leisurely walk through Paro town.
  • Enjoy a welcome dinner with traditional Bhutanese drink Ara.

Key Attractions: Rinpung Dzong, Taktshang, Kyichu Lhakhang, and more.
Day 02 | Paro to Thimphu:

  • Early morning drive to Chelela pass, Bhutan’s highest accessible point by car.
  • Bird watching for species like Himalayan Monal and Blood Pheasants.
  • Breakfast near the pass with views of Mt. Jomolhari.
  • Hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) viewpoint.
  • Drive to Thimphu, explore local handicraft shops.

Key Attractions: Tashichho Dzong, Dochula Pass, Memorial Chorten.

Day 03 | Thimphu Exploration:

  • Hike to Cheri Monastery with potential bird sightings including Spotted Laughingthrush.
  • Sightseeing in Thimphu: Memorial Chorten, Weaving Center, and Bhutanese paper factory.
  • Visit to the post office for Bhutanese bird stamps.

Key Attractions: Changangkha Lhakhang, The Tallest Buddha Image.

Day 04 | Thimphu to Punakha:

  • Drive over Dochula pass with panoramic views of the Himalayas.
  • Bird watching en route with species like Satyr Tragopan.
  • Visit the iconic Punakha Dzong.

Key Attractions: Chhimi Lhakhang, Punakha Dzong.

Day 05 | Punakha Exploration:

  • Bird watching along the Mo Chu valley.
  • Exploring local cultural and natural sites.

Key Attractions: Khamsum Yulley, Talo Goenpa.

Day 06 | Punakha to Paro:

  • Return drive to Paro via Thimphu for additional shopping.
  • Final evening stroll in Paro for last-minute souvenirs.

Key Attractions: Rinpung Dzong, Drukgyel Dzong.

This 6-day Birding Bhutan Heron tour is a blend of natural wonders and cultural immersion. Participants will enjoy bird watching in some of the most scenic locations in Bhutan, coupled with visits to iconic cultural sites. The tour provides comfortable accommodations and a taste of Bhutanese hospitality, making it a perfect getaway for nature enthusiasts and cultural explorers alike.

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Detailed Program

Arrived at Paro and were received by our representative of Truly Bhutan at the Paro International airport, the only airport in the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan.  From directly we will visit the National Museum of Bhutan if it is not closed.
Lunch in Paro.

we will visit Paro dzong (fortress) and then stroll around Paro town.
Welcome dinner & drinks (Bhutanese local drink Ara) at Paro.

Places and attractions:

Accommodation options:

Very early in the morning, we will drive to Chelela pass with your packed breakfast. The pass is the highest pass, where the car can go in Bhutan.  On the way we may see the following birds:

  • Colorful Himalayan Monal
  • Flocks of Blood Pheasants.
  • Kalij Pheasants.
  • Grosbeaks
  • Bullfinches
  • Cutia

Besides, seeing these birds we can also see the Mountain Jomolhari & Jichu Drakye beautifully on clear days from the past. There are lots of prayer flags here at the pass.
We will have our breakfast here, near the pass. After enjoying the sight of birds, prayer flags, and mountains on clear days, and then we will drive back to Paro, to our hotel.  We will take a rest in the hotel for about 1 hour and then we will hike to Taktsang, Tiger’s Nest to the viewpoint.  We will have lunch here at the viewpoint, Taktsang cafeteria.

Walk back to the car point and then we will drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. The drive will take about 1 hour and 30 minutes from the road point.
Evening stroll around the Thimphu town and explore handicraft shops for Authentic Bhutanese Souvenirs and gifts for your friends and loved ones.

Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel, in Thimphu.

Places and attractions:

Accommodation options:

We will hike to Cheri Monastery and during the hike, we may spot the following birds:

  • Spotted Laughingthrush
  • Fire Capped Tit
  • Golden Breasted Fulvetta.
  • Yellow Backed Flowerpecker
  • Maroon Backed Accentor

Lunch pack lunch.

Drive back to Thimphu and do some sightseeing in Thimphu, like visiting Memorial Chorten, Weaving center, Bhutanese paper factory, and the post office to buy the Famous Bhutanese Stamps. We have bird stamps also-which are very beautiful and can be good souvenirs for your bird lover friends and your collections too.

Dinner and overnight stay in a hotel, Thimphu.

Places and attractions:

Accommodation options:

Drive to Punakha over Dochula pass (3150m).  Stop for a while at the pass for a breathtaking of the eastern Himalayan Mountain Ranges on clear days and also to see the 108 small chortens (stupas).  The following bird species can be found on our way to Punakha.

  • Golden-naped Finch.
  • Rufous-breasted Bush Robin
  • Satyr Tragopan
  • Slender-billed Scimitar Babbler
  • Tree Creepers.

Lunch will be at Lobesa.
Hike to Chhimi Lhakhang, which is located on a hilltop. This temple is also known as ‘the temple of fertility. The hike will take about 25 minutes from the road end through the farm fields. Then we will drive to Punakha and visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong.
Dinner and overnight stay at Punakha, Hotel.

Places and attractions:

Accommodation options:

We will see the bird along the Mo chu valley side. The following birds can be found here:

  • White-bellied Heron
  • White-gorgeted Flycatcher
  • Yellow-vented Warbler and many more water birds are mostly migratory birds.

Places and attractions:

Accommodation options:

Drive to Paro via Thimphu. On reaching Thimphu, we will do some more shopping in Thimphu’s capital town. Lunch at Thimphu.

Continue our journey to Paro. Evening stroll around Paro town for your last shopping in Bhutan.
Dinner and overnight stay at Paro.

Dinner can be arranged at the farmhouse if our guests are interested.

Places and attractions:

Accommodation options:

Frequently Asked Question

Most hotels provide a variety of meals, the most popular of which are Indian, Chinese, and the more typical continental cuisine.

Non-vegetarian cuisine such as pork, beef, chicken, and fish are widely accessible across Bhutan. Ask the hotel and restaurant for recommendations on what is fresh and in season.

For parties of seven or more people, Truly Bhutan provides comfortable passenger coaster buses. In addition, you will be traveling around the nation in six-seat Japanese hi-ace buses. Smaller parties of one to two travelers will explore the country in 4WD Toyota Prados and Korean vehicles such as the Tucson, Santa Fe, and Creata.

Bhutan is a formal country, therefore visitors should dress comfortably. Shorts, skirts, and exposing apparel should be avoided.

Bhutanese people uniquely greet others, sometimes with a small nod of the head or a modest bow if we encounter older, senior citizens. When meeting Bhutanese, guests are expected to follow local decorum and not speak too loudly.

When greeting new people, a nod of the head is also welcomed, especially in villages and towns outside of Thimphu. In public, intimacy is often frowned upon.

  • Inclusion
  • Exclusion
  • Insurance
  • Airport pick-up and drop-off by private vehicle.
  • 3-star accommodation (4 & 5 stars may require an additional premium update).
  • Bhutan visa fee – including all necessary processing
  • Route Permit
  • Three meals per day during your stay in Bhutan
  • A licensed Bhutanese tour guide
  • All land transportation by private vehicle
  • Camping equipment and haulage for trekking tours
  • Sightseeing as per itinerary
  • Monuments entrance fees where applicable
  • Drinking water
  • All internal taxes and charges
  • A sustainable development fee of $200. (This sustainable development fee goes towards free education, free healthcare, and poverty alleviation, along with the building of infrastructure.)
  • Airfare & Travel Insurance
  • Expenses of personal nature, Tips to guides and drivers
  • Expenses occurred due to unavoidable events i.e. road wrecks, flight delays etc.

Package does not include insurance of any kinds, and that you are required to obtain separate coverage from your home country before your trip begins.

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