BHUTAN'S HORNBILL HAVEN: A BIRDING TOUR FOR FEATHERED ENTHUSIASTS

16 DAYS BHUTAN BIRD WATCHING (HORNBILL) TOUR OVERVIEW

Embark on an Exciting 14-Day Bhutan Bird-Watching Expedition, Exploring Nine Diverse Districts. Encounter Rare Avian Species and Elusive Birds in Unexplored Forests at Varying Elevations. Witness Great and Rufous-necked Hornbills, Ward’s Trogon, Himalayan Monal, and More. Spot 250-270 Bird Species and 10-15 Mammal Species Amidst Breathtaking Landscapes. Visit Ancient Temples and Fortresses on Your Journey.

Tour Highlights & Facts

Duration: 15 nights 16 days
Bird Watching across Bhutan
Farm House/Home Stay Experiences
Bhutanese Dishes & Attires
Traditional Hot Stone Bath
Best Time to Visit- All year around (High Season: March to May & September to November, Low Season: December to February & June to August)

TENTATIVE ITINERARY

At Found Bhutan Tours and Treks, we do not take our guests on a virtual tour before arriving in Bhutan. We want our guests to fully explore and experience Bhutan first-hand. Therefore, we keep our itinerary short and less descriptive.

One of the most breathtaking mountain flights in the world, the journey to Paro offers a continuously shifting view of some of the world's highest peaks. Once customs procedures are completed, our representative from Found Bhutan will meet you at the Paro airport exit doors.

After lunch, spend the afternoon exploring Paro, exploring the attractions in Paro.

Drive to nearby Attractions:

Distance: Few Kms | Driving Time: Few Minutes

Places & Attractions:

Paro Airport, Paro Dzong, National Museum, Bird Watching along Paro Chhu (River)

Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel in Paro.

In the early morning, embark on a scenic drive to the breathtaking Chelila Pass, a pristine alpine meadow at an elevation of 3890m. Return to Paro for lunch, and afterward, journey to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan, with a drive lasting approximately 1.5 hours. In the evening, indulge in birdwatching at the sewage pond in Thimphu. Your overnight stay awaits in Thimphu, Bhutan.

Drive from Paro to Thimphu via Chele-La Pass:

Distance: 115 Kms | Driving Time: 3-4 Hours

Places & Attractions:

Chele-La Pass, Haa Valley, Paro Valley, Bird Watching in Thimphu

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel in Thimphu.

In the morning, embark on an early drive to Punakha via the majestic Dochu-La Pass, situated at an elevation of 3150 meters. Explore the vibrant avian life at the Lamperi Botanical Gardens. Enjoy a scenic drive to Punakha with lunch along the way, and in the late afternoon, visit the historic Punakha Dzong. Your overnight accommodation will be in Punakha, Bhutan.

Drive from Thimphu to Punakha:

Distance: 85 Kms | Driving Time: 2-3 Hours

Places & Attractions:

Dochu-La Pass, Lamperi Botanical Garden, Punakha Dzong

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel in Punakha.

Following an early breakfast, embark on a journey south of Punakha, where you'll traverse some of Bhutan's most pristine and lesser-explored forests. Spend the evening indulging in birdwatching along the scenic Tsirang and Darachu areas. Your overnight stay will be in Tsirang, offering an authentic Bhutanese experience.

Drive from Punakha to Tsirang:

Distance: 116 Kms | Driving Time: 4-5 Hours

Places & Attractions:

Pristine forests, birdwatching along Tsirang and Darachu areas

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel in Tsirang.

Enjoy an early breakfast, and dedicate ample time to birdwatching within the lush forests of Tsirang and Darachu. Afterwards, we'll descend to lower elevations, where you can spot a diverse array of low-elevation avian specialties. Your overnight accommodations await in the enchanting region of Gelephu, offering a unique Bhutanese experience.

Drive from Tsirang to Gelephu:

Distance: 98 Kms | Driving Time: 3-4 Hours

Places & Attractions:

Birdwatching in the region of Gelephu, Southern Bhutan

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel in Gelephu.

In the morning, our birdwatching adventure begins with an exploration of the sewage pond and the fields surrounding Gelephu. Following a satisfying lunch, we'll continue our journey further north of Gelephu, delving into the lush lowland forests that are renowned for their remarkable richness and biodiversity. Your overnight stay will be in Gelephu, ensuring you experience the best of Bhutan's natural wonders.

Drive from your Hotel to nearby birding sites in Gelephu:

Distance: Fes Kms | Driving Time: Few Minutes

Places & Attractions:

Bird Watching in Gelephu

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel in Gelephu.

Begin your day with an early morning ascent from the foothills, where you'll encounter a remarkable range of elevations, starting at 150 meters and reaching as high as 2500 meters. As the day progresses, you'll traverse through Tamala and venture into the picturesque Zhemgang region. Your overnight accommodations will be in Tingtibe, offering a memorable Bhutanese experience amidst the changing landscapes.

Drive from Gelephu to Tingtibe:

Distance: 92 Kms | Driving Time: 3-4 Hours

Places & Attractions:

Bird Watching in the Zhemgang region

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel in Tingtibe.

In the morning, our exploration continues along the Dakphel – Tingtibe road, covering its entire stretch. In the afternoon, we'll shift our focus to the Gomphu road, the pathway that takes you towards the breathtaking Manas National Park. Your overnight stay will be in Tingtibe, where you can immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Bhutan.

Drive along Gomphu Road:

Distance: Few Kms | Driving Time: Few Hours

Places & Attractions:

Bird Watching along Gomphu Road, Manas National Park

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel in Tingtibe.

Concluding our morning birdwatching in this remarkable habitat, we set out on a journey towards Bumthang. This day primarily serves as a transit day, involving a relatively long drive, as we make our way to the captivating Bumthang valley. Your overnight stay will be in Bumthang, where you can unwind amidst the serene beauty of Bhutan.

Drive from Zhemang to Bumthang:

Distance: 170 Kms | Driving Time: 6-7 Hours

Places & Attractions:

Bumthang Valley - The Spiritual heardland of Bhutan

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel in Bumthang.

Our journey takes us from Bumthang to Sengor, as we traverse the Phrumshingla Pass at 3800 meters. In the evening, we'll immerse ourselves in birdwatching amidst the natural wonders of Sengor. Your overnight accommodations await in Sengor, providing an authentic Bhutanese experience amidst the stunning landscapes.

Drive from Bumthang to Sengor:

Distance: 112 Kms | Driving Time: 4-5 Hours

Places & Attractions:

Phrumshingla Pass, Birdwatching in Sengor

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel in Sengor.

We'll kickstart our day with birdwatching in the Sengor and Phrumshingla area before embarking on our journey to Yongkala. Along the way, we'll continue birding amidst the lush forests of Namling and Yongkala. Your Bhutanese adventure continues as you make your way to Yongkala, reveling in the stunning natural beauty of the region.

Drive from Sengor to Namling & Yongkala to Trashigang:

Distance: 37 Kms | Driving Time: 1-2 Hours

Places & Attractions:

Birdwatching in Sengor & Phrumshingla Area, Birdwatching along Namling and Yongkala

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel in Yongkala.

For two full days, we'll be immersed in birdwatching, exploring the pristine birding havens of Namling, the upper Limithang road, and the lower Limithang road. This region is renowned as one of the premier birding destinations in the Himalayas. Your overnight stay promises a memorable experience in Yongkala, where you can witness Bhutan's avian wonders at their finest.

Drive from Yongkala to Namling:

Distance: Few Kms | Driving Time: Few Hours

Places & Attractions:

Birding along Namling, upper Limithang road

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel in Yongkala.

We'll begin our return journey, offering the opportunity to observe and listen to the enchanting flocks of birds along the way. Your overnight stay will be in the charming town of Trongsa, where Bhutan's avian delights continue to amaze.

Drive from Trashigang to Samdrup Jongkhar:

Distance: 170 Kms | Driving Time: 6-7 Hours

Places & Attractions:

Varieties of Bird Species, Trongsa Town

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel in Trongsa.

The return drive is estimated to take approximately 6 hours, during which we'll retrace our journey, making stops whenever we encounter captivating bird flocks. Your overnight accommodations will be in Paro, where your Bhutanese adventure continues amidst the beauty of the region.

Drive from Trongsa to Paro:

Distance: 230 Kms | Driving Time: 7-8 Hours

Places & Attractions:

Paro Valley

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel in Paro.

This is one of the most exciting day for every tourist here in Bhutan. We will drive to Satsam Chorten, the base of the Tiger's Nest Monastery. Your hike to the iconic Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery) starts here. You can hike through Paro's stunning pine forest, past trees covered in Spanish moss, and occasionally come across a grove of prayer flags fluffing down the trail. This amazing construction clings to the brink of an extreme rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below.

Drive from your Hotel to Satsam Chorten:

Distance: Few Kms | Driving Time: Few Minutes

Places & Attractions:

Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang), Farm House, Hot stone Bath.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel in Paro.

As your trip in the magical country of Bhutan draw to a close, take away priceless memories, fresh insights, and a profound respect for Bhutan's opulent natural surroundings and rich cultural legacy.

Your tour guide will assist you in boarding the plane for your next location.

Drive from your Hotel to Paro International Airport:

Distance: Few Kms | Driving Time: Few Minutes

Meals: Breakfast

Note***

Our Itineraries are always customizable. You can either shorten your trips or prolong them as per your needs anytime.

Tour Package Inclusions

Bhutan SDF
Bhutan Visa Fee
Luxury (SUV) Vehicle for 1-2 Pax
Hi-Roof for 3-7 Pax
Coaster Bus for more than 7 Pax
Professional & Experienced Driver
All transportation within Bhutan
English-speaking expert local Guide
All three Meals
Accommodation in 3-stars and above Hotels

Tour Package Exclusions

International Air fare
Single room supplement charges
Entrance fees for Museums and Monuments
Any Personal Expenses
Tips/gratuities
Cost arising out of events beyond our control
Cost for any services not mentioned in the "TOUR PACKAGE INCLUSION"

Tour Package Cost

The total cost of the tour will vary based on the number of days, PAX, types of activities, accommodation & fooding, and the places you intend to visit. Our final rates will be shared based on your itinerary requirements.

Payment Terms & Cancellation Policy

Payment Terms

To confirm your tour with Found Bhutan Tours and Treks, the full payment for the tour package is required before the approval of your VISA.

Tour Cancellation & Refund Policy

Cancellation of tour in less than 7 days prior to arrival in Bhutan - No Refund.
Cancellation of tour in between 7 to 14 days prior to arrival in Bhutan - 50% of the total tour cost will be refunded.
Cancellation of tour in between 15 to 30 days prior to arrival in Bhutan - 80% of the total tour cost will be refunded.
Cancellation of the tour in more than 30 days prior to arrival in Bhutan - 100% of the total tour cost will be refunded.

Flight Ticket Cancellation & Refund Policy

The Flight ticket cancellation & refund policy shall be subject to the respective Airline's cancellation policies.

Rescheduling Tour Dates

You may reschedule your travel dates free of charge; however, based on your revised travel dates, the minimum daily rates, accommodation charges, and airline fees may change.

Notes

For any refunds, the applicable transaction charges shall be levied from the beneficiary.
The Bhutan SDF will be fully refunded by the Department of Immigration. However, the VISA fee is non-refundable.

Bhutan Travel Information

Customize Your Bhutan Tour Today

Welcome to Found Bhutan Tours and Treks, your gateway to exploring the enchanting beauty and cultural richness of Bhutan. Let us craft a bespoke journey tailored to your interests, ensuring an unforgettable experience amidst the breathtaking landscapes and timeless traditions of this Himalayan kingdom.

"Reach out today to design your tailor-made journey and begin your adventure of a lifetime."