Bhutan – Bird Photography Expedition, March 2027

After breakfast, we begin our journey towards Thimphu. The approximately five-to-six-hour drive follows a dramatic ascent from the subtropical Himalayan foothills into temperate broadleaf forests.

We will make several bird photography stops around Chukha, Gedu and suitable forest patches along the route. Possible species include Crested Serpent Eagle, Mountain Imperial Pigeon, Greater Flameback, Blue-throated Barbet, Ibisbill, Verditer Flycatcher, Green-backed Tit, Large Niltava, Red-billed Leiothrix and Black-naped Monarch.

Altitude: Thimphu—2,334 metres
Accommodation: Hotel in Thimphu
Meals: Breakfast and lunch en route and dinner at the hotel

We will spend the day exploring the forests, wetlands and river habitats surrounding Thimphu. Our possible birding locations include the forests around Motithang Takin Reserve, Dechencholing, the Babesa wetlands and the Royal Botanical Park near Lamperi.

The day may offer opportunities to photograph Satyr Tragopan, Slender-billed Scimitar Babbler, Kalij Pheasant, Fire-tailed Sunbird, Beautiful Sibia, White-collared Blackbird, Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher, Grey-sided Thrush, Speckled Wood Pigeon and Yellow-billed Blue Magpie.

An optional evening walk may be arranged along the Wang Chhu riverbank, depending on available time and local conditions.

Altitude: Approximately 2,334 metres
Accommodation: Hotel in Thimphu
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

After breakfast, we drive towards Punakha via the spectacular Dochula Pass. Located at approximately 3,100 metres, the pass is known for its 108 memorial chortens and, in clear weather, panoramic views of the Himalayan mountains.

We will explore suitable habitats on both sides of the pass before descending into the warmer Punakha Valley. Possible species include Ward’s Trogon, Stripe-throated Yuhina, Black-faced Laughingthrush, Streak-breasted Scimitar Babbler, Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrike, Brown Bullfinch, Hoary-throated Barwing, Rufous-winged Fulvetta and Darjeeling Woodpecker.

Subject to available time, we may also visit Punakha Dzong and explore the confluence of the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu rivers.

Drive Time: Approximately three hours, excluding photography stops
Altitude: Dochula—3,100 metres; Punakha—1,200 metres
Accommodation: Hotel or resort in Punakha
Meals: Breakfast en route, lunch at the botanical garden and dinner at the hotel

We travel through Wangdue Phodrang and ascend towards Pele La Pass, one of Bhutan’s productive high-altitude birding areas. The fir and rhododendron forests around the pass provide habitat for several Himalayan specialists.

Our important target is the Beautiful Nuthatch. Other possible species include Rufous-vented Tit, Rusty-flanked Treecreeper, White-browed Fulvetta, Scaly-breasted Wren-Babbler, Grey-hooded Warbler, Tickell’s Leaf Warbler, Yellow-bellied Fantail, Spotted Nutcracker and Yellow-rumped Honeyguide.

We later descend towards Trongsa, where we may photograph views of Trongsa Dzong in the evening.

Drive Time: Approximately five to six hours with birding stops
Altitude: Pele La—3,420 metres; Trongsa—2,200 metres
Accommodation: Hotel in Trongsa
Meals: Breakfast and lunch en route and dinner at the hotel

After breakfast, we drive towards Bumthang through Yotong La Pass. The open meadows, juniper-pine forests and river valleys of Bumthang offer a different range of bird photography opportunities.

We will explore suitable habitats around the pass, Bumthang Valley, the Tang Chhu riverside and the Jakar Dzong area. Possible species include Himalayan Monal, Eurasian Magpie, Red Crossbill, Beautiful Rosefinch, White-winged Grosbeak, Plain Mountain Finch, Himalayan Wood Owl, White Wagtail, Upland Buzzard and Bearded Vulture.

Drive Time: Approximately two to three hours with birding stops
Altitude: Yotong La—3,425 metres; Bumthang—2,580 metres
Accommodation: Hotel or farmhouse in Bumthang
Meals: Breakfast and lunch in the field and dinner at the hotel

Today, we cross Thrumshingla Pass, the high-altitude divide between western and eastern Bhutan. The forests around the pass and Sengor are particularly important for Himalayan bird photography.

We will explore suitable habitats for Satyr Tragopan, Ward’s Trogon, White-browed Rosefinch, Goldcrest, Slender-billed Scimitar Babbler, Chestnut-tailed Minla, Spotted Nutcracker, White-collared Blackbird, Orange-bellied Leafbird and Sultan Tit.

The forests around Sengor are also associated with Red Panda, although sightings are rare and cannot be guaranteed. An early-morning or dusk walk may be arranged according to local conditions.

Drive Time: Approximately four to five hours with birding stops
Altitude: Thrumshingla—3,780 metres; Sengor—2,800 metres
Accommodation: Basic guesthouse in Sengor
Meals: Simple meals as arranged locally

We start our descent from the temperate forests around Sengor towards the subtropical broadleaf forests of eastern Bhutan. The changing altitude brings a significant transformation in vegetation and birdlife.

We will stop at productive habitats along the route and explore areas around the Kuri Chhu Valley and Yongkola. Possible species include Ward’s Trogon, Wreathed Hornbill, Great Hornbill, Oriental Pied Hornbill, Blue-naped Pitta, Rufous-throated Partridge, Long-billed Wren-Babbler, Coral-billed Scimitar Babbler, Pale-headed Woodpecker and Crimson-breasted Woodpecker.

An evening walk along the Kuri Chhu may be arranged depending on our arrival time.

Drive Time: Approximately five to six hours with birding stops
Altitude: Approximately 1,800 metres
Accommodation: Hotel or guesthouse in Yongkola
Meals: Breakfast and lunch in the field and dinner at the accommodation

We begin before dawn to explore the highly productive forests around Yongkola. This region is one of eastern Bhutan’s most important birding areas and supports several Himalayan and subtropical forest specialities.

Our principal target will be Ward’s Trogon. Other possible species include Himalayan Bluetail, Blue-fronted Redstart, Hodgson’s Redstart, Mountain Hawk-Eagle, Red-tailed Minla, Hoary-throated Barwing, White-bellied Nuthatch, Banded Bay Cuckoo, Indian Cuckoo, Pale-capped Pigeon and Thick-billed Green Pigeon.

We may continue birding along the Kuri Chhu in the afternoon. A dusk or night session for owls and nightjars may be arranged if conditions permit.

Altitude: Approximately 1,800 metres
Accommodation: Hotel or guesthouse in Yongkola
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

After breakfast, we continue east towards Trashigang, passing through varied subtropical habitats and making bird photography stops along the way.

Possible species include Himalayan Owl, Himalayan Shortwing, Rufous-necked Hornbill, Blue-naped Pitta, Indian Roller, Stork-billed Kingfisher, Golden Bush Robin, Mountain Bulbul, Sultan Tit, Long-tailed Minivet, Red-headed Trogon and Gold-naped Finch.

After reaching Trashigang, we may explore the Drangme Chhu river corridor or visit a viewpoint overlooking Trashigang Dzong, subject to available time.

Drive Time: Approximately four to five hours with birding stops
Altitude: Approximately 1,100 metres
Accommodation: Hotel in Trashigang
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

This will be our final full birding day in Bhutan as we descend from the Himalayan highlands towards the tropical lowlands near the Assam border. The journey passes through a strong altitudinal gradient and a variety of subtropical forest habitats.

We will make photography stops around suitable forest patches and the Deothang area. Possible species include Streaked Spiderhunter, Sapphire Flycatcher, Short-billed Minivet, Yellow-breasted Greenfinch, Grey-headed Fish Eagle, Rusty-fronted Barwing, Golden-throated Barbet and Chestnut-capped Babbler.

Bengal Florican may be considered only if suitable accessible grassland habitat and current local conditions permit. Before reaching the hotel, we will complete the necessary exit formalities at Samdrup Jongkhar.

Drive Time: Approximately four to five hours with birding stops
Altitude: Approximately 1,100 metres to 200 metres
Accommodation: Hotel in Samdrup Jongkhar
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and final dinner in Bhutan

We may begin the final morning with birding around the hotel gardens and wetlands near the Assam border. Possible species include Greater Adjutant, Blue-winged Minla, Blue-eared Barbet, River Tern, Indian Cuckoo, Pallas’s Fish Eagle, Striated Heron and Little Cormorant.

After breakfast, we cross into India and drive to Guwahati Airport for our onward flights. Depending on the flight schedule, the journey may conclude with a review of the trip’s bird list and photographs.

Participants are advised to book flights departing from Guwahati after 5:00 PM, allowing sufficient time for the road journey, border formalities and airport check-in.

Drive Time: Approximately four to five hours
Accommodation: Not applicable—departure day
Meals: Breakfast and meals as arranged during the transfer