Bhutan; Bird Watching

We will take an early morning flight to Paro, Bhutan's only airport. Our route parallels the Himalayas and when the weather is good, this flight will be truly spectacular. After clearing immigration we'll drive through the wide, flat-bottomed Paro Valley making a few stops to look for Ibis bill, Wallcreeper or perhaps a regional specialty such as Rufous-fronted Tit. Night in Thimpu, Bhutan’s delightful capital.

We'll head east out of Thimpu, up onto the western slopes of the Dochu La, the first of a series of passes. Entering the pristine forests of hemlock, fir, oak and blossoming magnolias and rhododendrons we should see a wealth of birds in species-rich feeding flocks. Highlights may include a skulking Hill Partridge or Satyr Tragopan, a quarrelsome Nutcracker, a Golden Bush-Robin, an immaculate Cutia or even a gorgeous Fire-tailed Myzornis. In the recent past we've even managed excellent views of Ward's Trogon, one of Bhutan's premier avian prizes. Most of our birding will be from paved roads which are virtually lacking in traffic. Several times we'll explore side trails, while your Bhutanese guide move ahead to prepare lunch. After lunch we'll arrive at out splendid hotel near Punakha, Bhutan s former capital. Night near Punakha.

Today we'll explore the braided channels of the Mo Chhu River and the bird-rich subtropical forests toward Tashitang. We should see an impressive array of species here perhaps including White-bellied Heron, one of Bhutan's most elusive specialties. We may also see more Ibisbills as well as a host of forest birds such as Bay Woodpecker, Red-headed Trogon, Wedge-tailed Pigeon, perhaps three species of forktails, Yellow - vented Warbler, Fire-capped Tit and White-gorgeted Flycatcher. We ll also search for a variety of skulkers including Lesser Shortwing, Spotted and Pygmy Wren-Babblers and two of the three species of tesias. Night near Punakha.

Continuing east we'll make a series of brief stops to scan the river channel for Pallas's Gull and Pallas's Fish-Eagle as well as to check forest edges or explore some of the small patches of cultivation. About an hour before the end of our journey, we ll enter
particularly productive forest where we ll look three magnificent pheasants – Blood Pheasant, Satyr r Tragopan and the majestic Himalayan Monal. Other species could include Spotted Laughingthrush, Rufous-vented Tit, White-browed Bush Robin and White-winged Grosbeak. Our guest house for the night is superbly situated right next to Gangtey Gompa in the heart of the Phobjika Valley. Night in Gangtey.

Leaving Gangtey we'll backtrack briefly before heading up over the Pele La Pass and into central Bhutan. A stand of bamboo extends for about three miles below the pass and here we'll search for specialties such as Great and Brown Parrotbills and Golden-breasted Fulvetta, surely one of the world s most attractive passerines. We'll arrive at Trongsa in the evening, early enough to have views of Bhutan s largest and undoubtedly most impressive dzong (fortress - monastery). Night in Trongsa.

After breakfast drive back to Paro en-route visit Wangdue Dzong, one of the major towns and district headquarters of Western Bhutan. We make a short stop to view the Wangdue Phodrang Dzong dramatically located on the spur of a hill at the confluence of the Tsang Chhu and Dang Chhu and then continue drive to Paro via Dochola pass. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Paro - Departure (to Kathmandu or your next travel destination). An early breakfast served at your hotel and then drive a short distance to the Paro airport where your Bhutanese escort will bid you farewell at Paro airport. Good-bye and happy journey back home.