Arriving in Paro from Delhi, we will be met by our local guide and driven to Thimphu, the capital of the Kingdom of Bhutan. Our route to the capital takes us along the banks of Pa Chhu, where we will look for Ibisbill, a wader of Himalayan rivers where its grey and brown plumage provides camouflage among the rocks. The Ibisbill is the only member of the family Ibidorhynchidae and is a much sought-after species. In this area we should also find Pied Wagtail, Rosy Pipit, White-capped and Plumbeous Water Redstarts, the exquisite Blue Whistling-thrush, Oriental Turtle Dove, Common Hoopoe, Crested Goshawk and Brown Dipper. After settling in at our accommodation in Thimphu, we may visit a nearby forest or botanic garden, explore this beautiful city, or simply rest after our long journey to this spectacular country.

Accommodation: Thimphu.

Meals: D. 

Today, we will set out early to witness the awe-inspiring sight of the Himalayas as dawn breaks over Dochu La Pass (3150m). The road leading to the pass is adorned with prayer flags and 108 chortens. From here on a clear day, there are magnificent panoramic views of the high Himalayas, including Masagang 7,158 m, Tsendagang 6,960 m, Terigang 7,060 m, Jejegangphug 7,158 m, Kangphugang 7,170 m, Zongphugang 7,060 m and Gangkar Puensum – the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497 m. Following on, we enter the Royal Botanical Park at Lampelri, which forms one of the critical biological corridors connecting the Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park and the Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Park. It has cool broad leaf forests, mixed conifer forests, fir and sub-alpine forests and a temperate rain forest with hundreds of species of flora and fauna. Here, we may have the chance to observe species such as the Grey Nightjar, Hill Partridge, Kalij Pheasant, Rufous-bellied and Darjeeling Woodpeckers, White-collared Blackbird, Maroon-backed Accentor (rare),Tickell’s and Blyth’s Leaf Warbler, Chestnut-crowned Warbler, Black-eared Shrike-babbler, Red-tailed Minla,  Grey-sided Laughingthrush, Rusty-flanked and Hodgson's Treecreepers, Blue-fronted Redstart, and Rufous-bellied Niltava. With a bit of luck, we may also encounter rare species of mammals that the park supports: Musk Deer, Tiger, Leopard, Red Panda, and Leopard Cat. Upon arriving in Punakha, we will visit the majestic Punakha Dzong, famously known as the "Palace of Great Happiness" and is regarded as one of the most beautiful Dzongs in Bhutan. Birding along the Puna Tshang Chu river valley where we should find Osprey, Pallas's Fish-eagle (Endangered), Great Crested Grebe, Bar-headed Goose, Ruddy Shelduck, Gadwall, Eurasian Wigeon, Mallard, Eastern Spot-billed Duck, Red-crested Pochard, Pallas’s Gull, Little Ringed Plover and Grey Heron.

Accommodation: Punakha.

Meals: B, L, D.

Today we ascend through oak and rhododendron forests adorned with lichens, leading us towards Lawa La at an elevation of 3350m. Throughout these diverse habitats, we will have excellent birding opportunities, where we can expect to spot species such as the Ward’s Trogon (one of the top five species in Bhutan and range restricted to Eastern Himalayas), Spotted Elachura (monotypic species and a top target for Bhutan), Rufous-chinned Laughingthrush, Brown-throated Treecreeper, Black-faced Warbler, Chestnut-bellied Rock-thrush, Grey-headed Woodpecker, Dark breasted Rosefinch, Speckled Piculet, Long-billed Thrush (rare), Rufous-winged Fulvetta, White-browed Shrike-babbler, Himalayan Cutia (top targets), Rufous-gorgeted and Slaty-blue Flycatchers. Our journey will take us to the picturesque Phobjikha Valley, renowned for its Black-necked Crane (Near Threatened). These majestic birds migrate from the Tibetan plateau to over-winter in the valley from late October to March. Phobjikha is one of Bhutan's few glacial valleys and serves as an important wildlife preserve. We will spend the rest of the day observing the Black-necked Cranes from advantageous viewpoints and walking in the valley, as these magnificent birds with their impressive seven-and-a-half-foot wingspans gracefully soar overhead. The arrival of these birds is considered an auspicious sign, and the people of the valley eagerly await their annual winter visit, anticipating the blessings they bring. Additionally, the valley is home to a variety of bird species, including the Oriental Skylark, Hen Harrier, Northern Lapwing and Himalayan Vulture (Near Threatened).

Accommodation: Phobjikha.

Meals: B, L, D.

As we make our way back through the Lawa La pass at an elevation of 3350m, we pause once again to admire the breathtaking panoramic views before proceeding to our next birding destination at Pele La pass. Here, in the morning light, we will have our first birding session.Some of the target bird species in this area include the Fire-tailed Myzornis (one of the top birds), Dark-rumped Rosefinch, Brown Bullfinch, White-winged Grosbeak, Gold-napped Finch, Solitary Snipe (rare), and Rufous-vented Yuhina. Continuing our drive towards Chendibji, we will stop to capture photos of the Nepalese-styled Chorten. Situated alongside the river, this picturesque structure was built in the 19th century by Lama Shida and is modeled after the Sambhunath stupa in Kathmandu, Nepal. According to legend, it was constructed to cover the remains of an evil spirit that was vanquished there. From Chendibji, our journey will lead us through breathtaking landscapes as we make our way to Trongsa. We will then ascend to Yotong La pass, the highest pass of the day at 3450m, before descending into the beautiful Bumthang valley for our overnight stay. Along these routes, we may encounter various bird species, including the Himalayan Buzzard, Short-billed Minivet, Eurasian Jay, Yellow-browed Tit, Lemon-rumped Warbler, White-throated Laughingthrush, Green Shrike-babbler, Bar-throated Siva, Rufous Sibia, Red-throated Thrush, White-browed Bush-robin, Green-tailed Sunbird, Alpine Accentor, White-browed Rosefinch and Red Crossbill.

Accommodation: Bumthang.

Meals: B, L, D.

This day offers one of the most breathtaking drives in the Himalayas. As we ascend to Selthang La pass at 3600m, weather permitting, we are treated to awe-inspiring views of the magnificent Gangkar Puensum, standing at 7315m, the highest unclimbed peak in the world. Surrounding us are the stunning landscapes of the High Himalayas, adorned with auspicious prayer flags and typical Bhutanese villages. Along the way, we will pause and explore the tranquil valley of Ura, the highest of the four valleys in Bumthang. Here, we have the opportunity to spot various bird including, Himalayan Monal (top targets for Bhutan), Goldcrest, Greenish Warbler, Beautiful Rosefinch, Collared Grosbeak, White-browed Fulvetta, Eurasian Hobby, Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Upland Buzzard, Himalayan Owl (a recent split from Tawny Owl), Rufous-vented Tit, Buff-barred Warbler and Black-faced Laughingthrush. We then continue our ascent through forests of larch, silver fir, spruce, and towering hemlocks until we reach Thrumshing La (3780m). We keep our eyes open for Blood Pheasants feeding by the roadside as we proceed to the picturesque village of Sengor at 3,000m. In Sengor, we will explore the coniferous forests in search of special bird species, including Asian House Martin, Hoary-throated Barwing, Black-headed Shrike-babbler, Crimson-browed Finch, Himalayan Bluetail, Red-headed Bullfinch, Striated Laughingthrush and Rufous-breasted Bush-robin (rare migrant). Continuing to Yonkola we will stop along Namling waterfall where we will look for Little Forktail. Finally, we descend to the warmer Yongkola region.

Accommodation: Yongkola.

Meals: B, L, D.

Thrumshing La National Park is renowned as one of the finest birding destinations in Asia. This captivating landscape provides us with an exceptional opportunity to encounter some of Bhutan's most extraordinary bird species, many of which are rarely found elsewhere. Alongside numerous commoner species, we will look for Chestnut-breasted Partridge (Vulnerable), Ashy Wood-pigeon (rare), Rufous-necked Hornbill (one of the top five species and Bhutan holds the best place to see this species), Long-billed Wren-babbler (rare), Rufous-throated Wren-babbler (Near Threatened), Himalayan Wedge-billed Babbler (Near Threatened), Beautiful Nuthatch (one of the top five species in Bhutan and range restricted to Eastern Himalayas), Besra, Collared Owlet, Large-billed Leaf Warbler, Grey-cheeked Warbler, Rufous-capped Babbler, Scaly Thrush, Fork-tailed Swift, Golden-throated Barbet, Lesser Yellownape, Yellow-cheeked Tit, Nepal House Martin, Grey-bellied and Slaty-bellied Tesias, Mountain Tailorbird, Black Bulbul, Whistler’s and Broad-billed Warblers, Scaly and Blue-winged Laughingthrushes, Red-faced Liocichla, Yellow-throated Fulvetta, Black-chinned Yuhina, Black-throated and Grey-headed Parrotbills, Alpine Thrush, Golden Bush-robin, Little Forktail, Grey Bushchat, Pygmy Flycatcher, Orange-bellied Leafbird, Common Rosefinch, Scarlet Finch, Rusty-fronted Barwing, Spot-winged Grosbeak, Grey-capped Woodpecker, Grey-chinned Minivet, Grey-backed Shrike, Hair-crested Drongo, Yellow-bellied Fantail, and if luck favors us, the elusive Green Cochoa (rare). As night falls, we will look for Brown Wood-owl, Hodgson's Frogmouth (rare), and Mountain Scops Owl. During the night safari we may also encounter the rare Bhutan Giant Flying Squirrel.

Accommodation: Yongkola.

Meals: B, L, D.

We proceed towards Bumthang, making several additional stops at Namling, Sengor, and Thrumshing La. These stops will allow us to discover more birds, enjoy the vibrant display of flowers, and take in breathtaking vistas. During our birding excursions, we will be on the lookout for a variety of species, including the Slender-billed Scimitar-babbler (top target for Bhutan), Shikra, Great Parrotbill, Himalayan Monal, Blood Pheasant, Satyr Tragopan, Golden-breasted Fulvetta, Eurasian Woodcock, Ashy Drongo, Rufous-fronted Tit, Grey-crested Tit, Stripe-throated Yuhina, White-throated Redstart, Streak-breasted Scimitar-babbler and Little Bunting. In addition to birding, we might have the opportunity to spot a few mammal species, including the Hoary-bellied Squirrel, Himalayan Five-striped Squirrel, and with a stroke of luck, the rare Red Panda. Accommodation: Trongsa. Meals: B, L, D.

Accommodation: Trongsa.

Meals: B, L, D. 

Today's journey will take us through a wide range of altitudes, starting from 2,170m and descending to 600m as we reach Tingtibi In the morning, our focus will be on spotting various bird species, including the Black Eagle, White-tailed Robin, Crested Kingfisher, Oriental Turtle-dove, Barred Cuckoo-dove, Asian Barred Owlet, Asian Palm-swift, Eurasian Hoopoe, Crimson-breasted and Bay Woodpeckers, Black-throated Prinia, Yellow-breasted Greenfinch, Long-tailed Shrike, Bhutan Laughingthrush, Spot-winged Starling (rare), Orange-headed Thrush, Spotted Forktail, Grey-headed Canary-flycatcher, White-gorgeted and Little Pied Flycatchers, Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrike, Lesser Racket-tailed Drongo, Black-throated Tit, Striated and Mountain Bulbuls, White-bellied Erpornis, Scaly-breasted Cupwing, Tibetan Serin, Crested Bunting, and Grey-headed Bullfinch. After a hot breakfast in yet another stunning location, we will continue our journey towards Tingtibi, making additional birding stops whenever time permits. Some of the species we can expect to encounter in the area include the Peregrine Falcon, Oriental Hobby, Fire-breasted Flowerpecker, Mountain Hawk-eagle, Green-billed Malkoha, Great Hornbill (Vulnerable), White-throated Bulbul, Blue Rock-thrush, Common Tailorbird and Yellow-vented Warbler.

Accommodation: Tingtibi

Meals: B, L, D.

Our exploration of the rarely visited Royal Manas National Park in Tingtibi will introduce us to one of the most biodiverse areas in Bhutan, where we can witness an incredible variety of rare and special birds. Throughout the day, our target species will include the White-bellied Heron (Critically Endangered), Pale-billed Parrotbill (a resident species and rarity), White-browed Scimitar Babbler, White-hooded Babbler (a local bamboo specialist and rarity), Pin-tailed Green Pigeon, White-browed Piculet, Pale-headed Woodpecker (a bamboo specialist and rarity), Northern Goshawk, Sultan Tit, Yellow-bellied, Yellow-vented and Rufous-faced Warblers, and Yellow-browed Warblers, Rusty-cheeked Scimitar-babbler, Rufous-necked and Lesser Necklaced Laughingthrushes, Plain Flowerpecker, Silver-eared Mesia, Blue-winged Siva, Common Hill and Common Mynas, Snowy-browed Flycatcher, Oriental Magpie-robin, Black Redstart, Crimson Sunbird, White-rumped Munia, Forest Wagtail, House Swift, Bronzed and Lesser Racket-tailed Drongos, Grey-throated and Golden Babblers, Striated Yuhina, Small Niltava, Blue-naped Pitta (rare), White-throated Kingfisher, Rufescent Prinia, Plain Martin, Black-crested Bulbul, Great Cormorant, Tawny Fish-owl, Spot-bellied Eagle-owl, White-throated Needletail and Streaked Spiderhunter. Tingtibi valley also presents us with the best chance to observe one of Bhutan's rare primates, the Golden Langur, as they forage along the roadside.

Accommodation: Tingtibi

Meals: B, L, D.

Today we journey towards Tama La, situated at an elevation of 1661m, arriving at the picturesque village of Surey. Along the way, we will make a special stop near Tama La, where we'll have the opportunity to search for the rare Yellow-rumped Honeyguide, a species classified as near-threatened. From Surey, we will proceed to the captivating Loderay valley, where the changing altitudes and vegetation create a haven for a diverse range of bird species. Birds we may see include Changeable Hawk and Rufous-bellied Eagles, Hodgson's Hawk-cuckoo, Mountain Imperial-pigeon, Blue-bearded Bee-eater, Wreathed Hornbill (Vulnerable), Greater Yellownape, Black Drongo, Himalayan Swiftlet, Rufous-throated Partridge, Ultramarine Flycatcher, Eurasian Wryneck, White-naped Yuhina, Black-throated Sunbird, Golden-fronted Leafbird, Rufous-backed Sibia, Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch, Maroon Oriole, and Coral-billed Scimitar Babbler.

Accommodation: Gelephu

Meals: B, L, D.

The lush tropical forests of Gelephu are home to a variety of species, including Alexandrine Parakeet (Near Threatened), Jerdon’s Baza, Asian Koel, Rufous Treepie, Greater Coucal, Indian Peafowl, Black Stork, Crested Treeswift, Eastern Jungle Crow, Blue-eared Barbets, Large Woodshrike, Ashy Prinia, Aberrant Bush Warbler, Puff-throated Babbler, Pin-striped Tit-babbler, Great Myna, Asian Pied Starling, Siberian Rubythroat, White-rumped Shama, Black-hooded Oriole, Great (Cinereous) Tit, Common Iora, Indian Thick-knee, Red Collared-dove, Yellow-footed Pigeon, Green Imperial-pigeon, Jacobin and Indian Cuckoos, Indian Roller and Sand Lark. After a satisfying breakfast, our next stop will be the water treatment plant, where we can expect to encounter a range of bird species, such as Lesser Coucal, Little Cormorant, Pied Kingfisher, Painted Snipe, Lesser Adjutant, Asian Openbill, Red-naped Ibis, Black-naped Monarch, Lineated Barbet, Red-wattled Lapwing, Paddyfield Pipit, Common Greenshank, Citrine Wagtail, Red-whiskered Bulbul, Green and Common Sandpipers, Lesser Whistling-duck, Indian Pond-heron, Intermediate Egret, Little Cormorant, Pied Falconet, Black Kite, White-breasted Waterhen, Common Moorhen  Thick-billed Warbler. As night descends, we will embark on a short drive to explore the bustling town of Gelephu in search of owls. Some of the owl species we frequently encounter include the: Brown Hawk Owl, Collared Scops Owl, Asian Barred Owlet, and Spotted Owlet.

Accommodation: Gelephu

Meals: B, L, D.

We will spend the morning birding along the Sarpang road. During this excursion, we may encounter a variety of species, such as Steppe Eagle, Red Junglefowl, Orange-breasted and Thick-billed Green Pigeons, Large-tailed Nightjar, Striated Heron, Cattle and Little Egrets, Emerald Dove, Oriental and Collared Scops-owls and Chestnut-headed Bee-eater. Arriving for lunch in the sub-tropical forests above Sarpang  we should find White-crested Laughingthrush, Barn Swallow, Nepal Fulvetta, Whiskered Yuhina, Red-rumped Swallow, Long-tailed Broadbill, Red-headed Trogon, Red-billed Leiothrix, and Collared Treepie (another rare species).

Accommodation: Tsirang

Meals: B, L, D.

Journeying through the picturesque Sunkosh Valley, we’ll visit the White-bellied Heron Conservation Center to learn about this critically endangered species. Continuing our drive along the Sunkosh River Valley, we’ll keep an eye out for the elusive White-bellied Heron—our third opportunity on the trip to spot it. Along the way, we may also encounter other fascinating bird species such as the Greater Goldenback, Blue-throated Barbet, Rufous Woodpecker, Velvet-fronted Nuthatch, Dusky Warbler, Slaty-backed Forktail, Spot-winged Starling (a rare find), and Long-tailed Minivet.

Accommodation: Punakha.

Meals: B, L, D.

Arriving at the Menchuna farm road we’ll look for species such as Great Barbet, Striated Bulbul, Grey Treepie, Large-billed Crow, Fire-capped Tit, Ashy-throated Warbler, Oriental Honey-buzzard, Grey-hooded Warbler, and Black-winged Cuckooshrike, before continuing to Lamperi Botanical Park. Here we will explore its forest trails, searching for birds like the Brown Parrotbill, Hill Partridge, Scarlet Finch, Bar-throated Siva, Hoary-throated Barwing, and more. From there, we’ll proceed to Paro, crossing the scenic Dochula Pass on the way.

Accommodation: Paro.

Meals: B, L, D.

Today marks our final day in Bhutan, and it promises to be a remarkable experience combining birdwatching and cultural exploration in the beautiful Paro valley. The highlight of the day is the hike up to the renowned Tiger's Nest, also known as Taktsang Monastery. Perched 600m high on a cliff, this monastery holds great significance as it is believed to be the place where Guru Padma Sambhava, an Indian saint, defeated demons on the back of a tiger to spread Buddhism in Bhutan. The hike to the monastery takes about 1½-2 hours through wooded areas, involving an ascent of 340m. Along the way, we will have opportunities for birdwatching, seeking out species such as Hume's Leaf Warbler, Green-backed, Coal Tit, White-tailed Nuthatch, Yellow-billed Blue Magpie, Spotted Nutcracker and Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrush.

As we reach the tea house, a welcome spot for refreshments and one of the best viewpoints of the monastery, we continue the ascent for another half-hour to reach a viewpoint directly across from the monastery. The final stretch involves a steep descent into the gorge separating us from the monastery, followed by a climb back up to reach it. Upon exploring the rocky ledges near the monastery, we'll keep our eyes open for flocks of and Altai Accentors. The nearby waterfall often presents opportunities to observe Little Forktail and White-capped Redstart. As the day comes to an end, we will come together for a delightful farewell dinner. This enchanting evening will provide us with an opportunity to reflect on our journey, share our stories and laughter, and celebrate the remarkable experiences we have had in Bhutan. It will be a heartfelt and memorable occasion as we bid farewell to this enchanting land and the beautiful memories we have created.

There is an alternative option if you do not feel that the walk to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery is for you. This option will include morning birding at Chele La (3,988m) for some of Bhutan's top high-altitude birds and return to Paro (78 km, 3 hrs). We will begin the day with an early morning departure to explore the ancient high boreal forests as we ascend to Chele La, reaching an impressive altitude of 3,988m. Along this route, keep an eye out for the Grey Nightjar, which is often seen on the roadside at dawn. Upon reaching the pass, we will be greeted by breathtaking views of the towering Himalayan peaks, including Jhomolhari (7,219m) and Jichu Drake (6,989m), as well as panoramic vistas of the Paro and Ha valleys. At Chele La, we will have opportunities to observe the colorful Himalayan Monal, Satyr Tragopan, and Blood Pheasant. Other notable bird species we may encounter include the rare Long-legged Buzzard, Himalayan Cuckoo, Rufous-fronted Tit, Greenish Warbler, Red-tailed Minla, Hodgson's Treecreeper, Black-throated Thrush, Blanford's Rosefinch, Collared Grosbeak, White-browed Bush Robin, Alpine Accentor, and flocks of Plain Mountain Finch. After enjoying breakfast amidst the beauty of Chele La, we will continue birding in this stunning area before gradually making our way back to Paro, to explore the quint Paro town, meeting the group members returning from Tigers Nest for the farewell dinner.

Accommodation: Paro (2,300 m).

Meals: B, L, D.

Today we leave the magnificent kingdom of Bhutan and start our journey home.

Accommodation: none.

Meals: B.