Photo: Alicia WarnerPhobjikha cranes
Watch the high valley for the endangered Black-necked Crane, while the surrounding wetlands bring the landscape into focus.
Birding & Cultural Journey
Paro → Thimphu → Punakha → Eastern Bhutan
Birding · Wildlife · CultureModerate
Plan This Journey
Custom quotation
- 14 days
- 5 regions
- Private birding guide
- Moderate
- Mar–May · Oct–Nov
- 3-star stays
The shape of the journey
Follow the route.
A long arc from Bhutan's western gateway into the bird-rich forests and valleys of the east.
Four moments to remember
The highlights are in the details.
Photo: Alicia Warner
Thrumshing La forests
Spend time in one of Asia's richest birding habitats, moving slowly through subtropical and temperate forest.
Eastern Bhutan
Follow the quieter eastern roads through deep valleys, high passes, and habitats rarely reached on a first visit.
Living culture
Birding is woven through a wider cultural journey, with dzongs, temples, villages, and local conversations along the way.
The days between
A route with room to breathe.
The outline gives you a sense of pace. Your guide will adjust the order, stops, and walking rhythm around the weather and how the day feels.
Arrival Paro – Birding along Pa Chhu – Thimphu
Upon arrival, begin birding along the Pa Chhu river before driving to Thimphu for check-in.
Brown Dipper, Ibisbill, Plumbeous and White-capped Redstarts, Blue Whistling Thrush, Wallcreeper, Common Hoopoe, Siberian Stonechat, Rufous-breasted Accentor, Hodgson's Redstart, Rosy Pipit, Grey-backed Shrike, Oriental Turtle Dove, Russet Sparrow and more.
Thimphu
A sense of place
Where you’ll stay.
We choose stays for location, warmth, and a good night’s rest after a day in the valleys. Exact properties are confirmed in your quotation and depend on availability.
Photo: Kevin Pagès · Amazing Aerial AgencyComfortable valley hotels
A practical 3-star base in Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha, positioned to support early starts and long birding days.
Photo: Alicia WarnerValley lodges
Simple, warm stays selected for their location and character. Exact properties depend on seasonal availability.
Local-route stays
The eastern route uses the best available local hotels and lodges, confirmed clearly in your personalized quotation.
Before you book
What’s included.
The final confirmed itinerary and quotation always take priority. This is the standard starting point for this journey.
Included
- +A qualified and licensed English-speaking birding guide
- +Private vehicle and experienced driver
- +Accommodation at the confirmed hotel category
- +Meals listed in the confirmed itinerary
- +Monument and entry fees listed in the confirmed itinerary
- +Mineral water during the journey
Not included
- −International and domestic flights unless specifically listed
- −Bhutan visa or permit application fee
- −Travel insurance
- −Accommodation outside Bhutan
- −Tips, alcohol, spa treatments, and personal expenses
The SDF, taxes, surcharges, and any special permits are stated clearly in each confirmed quote because they can depend on the route, nationality, and travel dates.
Know before you go
The route in practical terms.
- Moderate
- 3–4 hours
- 3,988m
- Around 3,000m
Expect early starts, long scenic drives, uneven paths, and repeated short walks while searching for birds.