Bhutan, being an isolated nation in the lap of the massive peaks of the Himalayas, has resulted in more than 70 percent of the country is wooded, with about 60 percent being national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.
Let us start from step one to the end. Prepare to stroll through a breathtakingly lovely location loaded with birding delights. We’ll encounter a wide variety of birds, including critically endangered species like the Himalayan Monal, Satyr Tragopan, Rufous-necked Hornbill, White-bellied Heron, Beautiful Nuthatch, and Ward’s Trogon.
In addition to a large number of birds, we should see 14 different animal species, as well as an outstanding diversity of butterflies and flowers.
ON THE WAY FROM THE PARO AIRPORT
The first day of your bird watching tour in Bhutan normally starts with a Drukair/Bhutan Airlines flight to Paro, where you may enjoy spectacular views of the Himalayas, including some of the world’s highest and unclimbed mountains. After lawfully passing through customs and immigration, you have officially landed in The Land of The Thunder Dragons.
Please stop at the Pa Chhu river on your way from the airport to see Himalayan riverine species like the Ibisbill as it delves into the snowmelt in search of food.
Brown Dipper (common along many Bhutanese rivers), Common Snipe, Common, Green Sandpipers, Plumbeous Water Redstart, Common Hoopoe, and Himalayan Hoopoe are all likely to be spotted on your Bird Watching Tour in Bhutan.
BIRDING AT A HEIGHT OF 3780M
A Sandpiper Clatters And Chimes Like A Clockwork Toy
Early in the morning, you can go through historical high boreal forests to Chele La (3,780m), the highest mountain in the area; keep an eye out for Grey Nightjars, which can be seen on the roadside before daybreak. When you reach the pass, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the high Himalayan peaks of Jhomolhari and Jichu Drake, as well as the Paro and Ha valleys.
Many species, including Blood Pheasant, Long-legged Buzzard (rare), Himalayan Cuckoo, Wood Snipe (very rare), Rufous-fronted, and Yellow-browed, can be seen. You can witness many birds like Himalayan Monal, Blood Pheasant, Long-legged Buzzard (rare), Himalayan Cuckoo, Wood Snipe (extremely incredibly rare), Rufous-fronted, and Yellow-browed. Greenish Warbler, Red-tailed Minla, White-browed Fulvetta, Hodgson’s Treecreeper, Black-throated, and Dusky Thrushes, Blanford’s and White-browed Rosefinches, Collared Grosbeak, and White-throated Redstart are among others.
You can also see White-browed Bush Robin, Alpine Accentor, Plain Mountain Finch (frequently seen in large flocks of up to 200 birds) & Red-headed Bullfinch during your unique Bird Watching Tour in Bhutan.
DOCHULA PASS
Some Of The Beautiful Birds At Dochula Pass
To see the high Himalayas when dawn rises over Dochu La at 3,150m. With prayer flags floating in the air and 108 white chortens greeting us, you have to take an early morning ride, and it’s an incredible sight for bird watching tour in Bhutan.
Hodgson’s Hawk Cuckoo, Darjeeling Woodpecker, Rufous-vented Tit, Buff Barred Warbler, Streak-breasted Scimitar Babbler, Chestnut-crowned, and Grey-sided Laughingthrushes, Rufous Sibia, White-collared Blackbird, White-browed Shortwing, Slaty Blue Flycatcher, Green-tailed Sunbird, and Olive-backed Pipit are among the other birds that you will be seeing in this bird watching tour in Bhutan.
ROYAL BOTANICAL PARK
A trip to Lampelri will bring you to the Royal Botanical Park for our Bird Watching tour of Bhutan. A Hill Partridge, Eurasian Jay, Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, Red-billed Leiothrix, Fire-capped Tit, Blue-fronted Redstart, Verditer Flycatcher, Blue-fronted Robin (extremely timid & uncommon), Dark-breasted Rosefinch, and Scarlet Finch may be seen here.
We will eventually arrive in Punakha, Bhutan’s former capital, where we will take a short cultural break to visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, which was built in 1637 on a promontory at the confluence of the Mo (mother) and Pho (father) Chhu (rivers), hence the name “Palace of Great Happiness,” and is considered to be one of Bhutan’s most exotic fortresses.
Your bird watching tour in Bhutan won’t be just about the birds but also an opportunity to witness these marvelous marvels with a Buddhist touch.
PHOBJIKHA
The Phobjikha valley is recognized as the perfect location for a bird watching tour in Bhutan, which you cannot afford to MISS. The rare and little-known Black-necked Crane (globally vulnerable) spends the winter at Phobjikha. From November to March, the cranes seek refuge here after being driven from Tibet’s great open plateau by the harshness of its high altitude winter.
Within the valley, we may also look for local specialties such as the Oriental Skylark (common in the valley but uncommon elsewhere in Bhutan), Red-billed Chough (often seen in large flocks), Hen Harrier (at least a pair), Upland Buzzard, and Lammergeier (also known as Bearded Vulture), among others, on this Bird Watching Tour in Bhutan.
TOP 5 WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES IN BHUTAN
We’d be lying if we claimed that spending time in deep forests, with exotic animal species, and in clean lakes doesn’t make us better people or atleast refresh our soul. With the rush that our modern world of technology and information instills in our lives, we all fantasize about taking a nap in the lap of mother nature as we retire to bed with tired eyes after a day of hard work and agitation. Bhutan’s wildlife reserves safeguard the country’s rich resources while showcasing the region’s rare flora and fauna.
With this purpose in mind, Bhutan has four Wildlife Sanctuaries, all stunning and a must-see destination to visit or Bird Watching Tour in Bhutan to rejuvenate your body & soul by simply being a witness to the beauty of these places.
Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary
Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Trashigang District, in Bhutan’s easternmost ecosystems and landscapes, is a popular destination for both travelers and locals looking for a Bird Watching Bhutan Trip.
It is notable because it contains eastern blue pine, a distinctive coniferous evergreen found across the Himalayas. It grows at heights ranging from 1800m to 4000m above sea level in mountain valleys.
The blue poppy, Bhutan’s national flower, blooms here and looks gorgeous in the spring.
Not only is the destination for flora and fauna of this place spectacular, but so are the animals. A cautious bird is known as the black-rumped magpie, one of the most intelligent birds observed here.
FUN FACT- This sanctuary is also known for strange housing animals such as the Yeti, the abominable snowman. Even though there is no scientific evidence of this mythical creature, locals will invariably tell you a tale or snippet about their meeting with it. Even if you know, it’s only a rumor. And it’s always wonderful to walk inside with the hope of really seeing one. The month of March through August is the best time to visit this wildlife sanctuary. And experience an awesome Bird Watching Tour in Bhutan while you are at this location.
Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary
Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Bhutan’s northern region. It covers 1,545 square kilometers, with a buffer zone of 420 square kilometers. It includes parts of Trashiyangtse, Lhuentse, and Mongar districts. Making it an ideal location for a Bird Watching Tour in Bhutan.
This lovely hideaway is shared by China’s Tibet region and India’s northeastern regions. The sanctuary has been furnished with new security measures to safeguard one of the endangered creatures, the red panda.
This protected area also serves as a migratory and breeding site for black-necked cranes. Who visit each year from mid-November until early March.
Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary is a butterfly’s paradise. Almost 130 kinds of lovely butterflies are known to live here. And it’s always amazing to see them hovering around flowers.
Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park
Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park, one of Bhutan’s most beautiful national parks. Is regard as a blessing for many endanger species that visit each year from other nations.
The Black-necked Crane is one of the numerous endangered bird species found here. Eight of them, including the White-bellied Heron, the Rufous-necked Hornbill. The Wood Snipe, and the Great Hornbill, are consider internationally threaten, making them ideal for a Bhutan Bird Watching Tour.
Here, one may see a wide range of birds, from tall to little, intellectual to flesh-eating, and so on.
Among the animals found in this national park are tigers, Himalayan black bears, red pandas, and golden langurs.
Phrumsengla National Park
Phrumsengla National Park, formerly known as Thrumsing La National Park, is another magnificent sanctuary for your bird-watching tour in Bhutan. It is located in Mongar, Bhutan’s easternmost region.
This national park is a vision of beauty and panoramic view. And it is home to red pandas, the Royal Bengal Tiger. Snow leopards, and a variety of other endangered animals.
The greenery of Bhutan’s newest national park makes one’s eyes sparkle with delight. And is ideal for a Bird Watching tour in Bhutan.
The park is important for a country because it preserves the few remaining stands of alpine and fir trees.
Aside from nature and animals, birds’ cooing is a treat to the ears.
The rufous-necked hornbill is common, and spotting one adds to your journey. The best times to visit are in the spring and October to experience. The bird-watching tour in Bhutan in full fledge.
Royal Manas Sanctuary
The park is Bhutan’s greatest example of tropical and subtropical ecosystems. That is located in south-central Bhutan and shares its southern boundaries with India’s Manas Tiger Reserve.
It is a natural wonder that shows the particular flora and fauna of Bhutan and the Himalayan Region.
It is rich in animal species, including several that are endanger like the Asiatic elephants also. The Royal Manas National Park establish as a wildlife refuge in 1966. And was later designate as a national park in 1993.
At Last
We hope you discovered some activities to do while in Bhutan and that you take advantage. Of all that this modest country has to offer the rest of the world also. GET YOUR TICKETS RIGHT NOW!!
