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Bhutan Bird Watching |
Bhutan 's extensive bird
list reflects the kingdom's wide range of
agro-ecological environments, from subtropical
to alpine. Currently 675 species have been
recorded in Bhutan . Most widely known are the
Black Neck Cranes, a rare and endangered crane.
In Bhutan , the Black Neck Crane holds a special
place in folklore and Bhutanese hearts. To
injure a Black Neck Crane in Bhutan is go to
prison for life.
Hundreds flock to the Phobjikha Valley , a
glacial valley in a remote area with no
electrical power. Here the Black Neck Cranes are
conservatory protected and can be viewed. There
are many legends and myths about this bird. The
Bhutanese call it Thrung Thrung. Black Neck
Crane Dancers honor the bird with a festival
dance. Other migratory birds as the Pailas' fish
eagle, which is considered rare, migrates
through Bhutan between Tibet and northern India
. This bird is often seen near Wangdi near
spring. Often it will be spotted with Ospreys
and Pied Avocet. Wintertime brings numerous
species down to lower altitudes, including
accentors, rose finches, grosbeaks, snow pigeons
and pheasants such as the satyrtragopan, the
Himalayan monal and the blood pheasant.
Even the casual observer can be sure to see the
blue whistling-thrush, yellow blue magpie, the
wallcreeper, white capped water redstarts,
spotted nutcracker in the pine forest and the
red-billed choughs on the roofs on the dzongs.
All animals in Bhutan are protected by the
Buddhist ethic that prohibits killing. Further
protection in the 1995 Forest and Nature
Conservation Act defines several species as
totally protected. Black Neck Cranes, Monal
Pheasant, Peacock, Pheasant, Raven and the
Rufous-Necked Hornbill. |
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Day 1 :
Arrive Paro Airport . Received by Nature Trail's
Bhutan representative after processing of visa
is complete. Drive to your hotel in quaint Paro
Village . Your hotel welcomes you to Bhutan .
Enjoy a hearty lunch at the hotel and prepare
for your first bird watching outing in beautiful
Paro Valley . You will then proceed to visit
Paro Rinpung Dzong. A flagstone path rises
gradually from a beautiful wooden bridge with
shingle roofing and is abutted by two
guardhouses, to the dzong. Today, the Dzong is
the seat of the district administration as well
as the home for the monastic school. The central
tower (Utse) of the Dzong, offers superb
woodwork and is one of the most beautiful in the
nation. The Dzong was built in 1645 A .D. Enjoy
hearty Bhutanese dinner at a local restaurant in
quaint Paro town. Overnight hotel; wonderful
cluster of individual Bhutanese cottages. |
Day 2 :
Drive to Thimphu , capitol of Bhutan . A visit
to the bank and post office to exchange money
and have an opportunity to purchase collector
item Bhutan stamps. Bird stamps are extremely
beautiful and a must for your birding adventure.
After check in at your hotel, enjoy a relaxing
lunch. After lunch, the famous weekend market is
an exciting time in Bhutan . A wonderful
opportunity to mingle with local Bhutanese folks
out to market, and marvel at the handicrafts and
fresh organic produce. Market is held on
weekends. Optional trip to Textile Museum is
available. We are now driving to the countryside
outside of Thimphu for bird sightings. Here we
will find; Brown dippers, Ibis Bill, Shrikes and
Fantails. Tonight we enjoy a reception dinner
with our hostess, local representative in
Thimphu . Itinerary review with our guide upon
return to the hotel. |
Day 3 :
drive into the country today full a full day of
birding in spectacular Tango/Cheri Valley.
Sightings will be seen of Sunbirds, Wagtails and
different varieties of dippers and thrush. Don't
forget the camera and binocular. Picnic Lunch
provided. Return to Thimphu and dine at cozy
local restaurant. Overnight at hotel. |
Day 4 :
Drive to Dochula Pass (10,500 ft.) Spectacular
views are offered from the visa point, which is
surrounded by prayer flags fluttering on high.
The Dochula and Menchola area provide a good
chance to see Tragopans, Monals and different
varieties of Pheasants, as well as Wood Peckers,
Tree Creepers and varieties of Doves. Overnight
at hotel. |
Day 5 :
Today we drive to Punakha. Along the way we stop
to see the beautiful Punakha Dzong , the former
winter capital and present administrative seat
of the district. It is also the winter residence
of the central monastic body. The Dzong
(fortress) lies between two rivers, the Pochu
and Mochu, uncaring male and female rivers. It
was built in 1637 A. D. Punakha is a true work
of Bhutanese art. It stands proud, preserved by
the ages. A short drive and we check into the
hotel in Wangduephodrang, After lunch we depart
for an afternoon of birding in Punakha and
Tashithang Valley . Here we will see
Kingfishers, Fishing Eagles and Hornbills.
Tonight we campout, Bhutanese style. You will
enjoy wonderful food, warm fires and stories of
enchantment in The Land of the Thunder Dragon. |
Day 6 :
Today we spend the entire day bird watching in
Tashithang Valley . We overnight at camp.
Conversation around the campfire relives your
day of unusual bird sightings today. Sleep well. |
Day 7 :
Depart Tashithang for Wangdue Pelela Pass. The
countryside here is rich in foliage and forest,
making it ideal for Nutcrackers, Warbblers,
Fork-tails and Robins. After time spent here we
depart to visit the ancestral home of the royal
family, the Trongsa Dzong. Built by Chogyel
Minjur Tempa, the Third Desi, in 1648 it is
presently the administrative seat of the
district and home of the monastic school. Built
at split-levels on a narrow spur, the Dzong is
an architectural wonder. Views from here are
extensive creating strategic location of this
Dzong. We also tour the medieval Watchtower,
located over the Trongsa Dzong. This ancient
structure gives unobstructed views of the
valley, and it's winding river and roads. The
Watchtower is located strategically above the
Trongsa Dzong. Climb the ancient ladders to the
top, as you view warrior armor and aging altars,
immersing yourself in the presence unchanged
within its walls. Overnight in Trongsa Hotel. |
Day 8 :
Drive from Trongsa to Kuengarabten. Breakfast
enroute to Kuengarabten and do some bird
watching for Honey Guides along the way. Here
you will see many beautiful terraced rice fields
along the Manage Chi Valley . Proceed to
Bumthang in Central Bhutan . Stop along the way
to watch and marvel at the textile weavers and
handicraft shops close to Bumthang. Overnight in
Bumthang and enjoy Bhutanese hospitality at its
finest. |
Day 9 :
Depart Bumthang, after traditional buckwheat
pancake breakfast, for Gayzamchu And Thumshingla.
We will bird watch here for the day, looking for
Himalayan Pheasants and campout tonight at our
highest altitude of the tour, 10,850 ft. Snuggle
up To the fire after a sumptuous dinner and
local Ara provided by the locals. Songs of
Bhutan by your guide. |
Day 10 :
Leave Gayzamchu for Sengor crossing Thumshingla
pass., altitude 10, 400 ft. Near Sengor, one can
see Yellow-bill Magpies, Fire-tail mizoros and
Jungle fowls. Overnight Halt in Sengor. |
Day 11 :
Continuing on to Thrumshingla - Limithang . This
is the best birding area in The Himalayan
Mountains.. A wide variety of sub- tropical to
alpine birds can be found. Varieties of
Hornbills Owls, NightJars. Camp overnight at
Yongkola Lingmithang. |
Day 12 :
Lingmithang Birdwatching Full Day. Overnight
Halt. |
Day 13 :
Begin drive back to west. Photos stops.
Overnight Hotel. |
Day 14 :
Continue our drive back toward the west. Tonight
we arrive in Paro Town and enjoy our farewell
dinner. We hope you have enjoyed your bird
watching tour in Bhutan . Tashi Delek! |
Day 15 :
Depart for airport and your return home. |
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