Day 1: Arrival in Paro (2,280m)
After arriving at Paro International Airport, meet your expert birding guide and transfer to your hotel. Spend the late afternoon birding along the Paro River wetlands, searching for Ibisbill, Brown Dipper, and White-throated Redstart. Visit the ancient Kyichu Lhakhang temple grounds where Himalayan Greenfinches and Russet Sparrows frequent the sacred trees. Enjoy a welcome dinner while discussing the upcoming birding itinerary.

Day 2: Chele La Pass Excursion (3,988m)
Depart before dawn for Bhutan’s highest road pass. Arrive at first light to observe Blood Pheasants foraging along the roadside and Satyr Tragopans in the rhododendron understory. Spend the morning scanning for Himalayan Monals displaying on open slopes. After lunch amidst the spruce forests, search for Fire-tailed Sunbirds and various rosefinch species before descending back to Paro.

Day 3: Thimphu Valley Birding (2,334m)
Travel to Bhutan’s capital with stops along the Paro-Thimphu highway for Spotted Laughingthrushes and Rufous-breasted Accentors. In Thimphu, walk the Wangditse Nature Trail to find Yellow-billed Blue Magpies and White-collared Blackbirds. Visit Tashichho Dzong’s gardens for Himalayan Bulbuls and Grey-backed Shrikes, with time to explore the Textile Museum.

Day 4: Punakha River Habitats (1,242m)
Stop at Dochula Pass at dawn for high-altitude species before descending to the subtropical Punakha Valley. Search the Mo Chhu River for the critically endangered White-bellied Heron and Pallas’s Fish Eagle. Visit Punakha Dzong to observe Himalayan Swiftlets nesting in the fortress walls, followed by an evening heron spotting session along the riverbanks.

Day 5: Punakha-Wangdue Exploration
Full day exploring diverse habitats around Punakha. Morning along the Mo Chhu River for River Lapwings and Crested Kingfishers. Afternoon in the Pho Chhu Valley searching for Blue-bearded Bee-eaters and Large Hawk-Cuckoos. Optional short hike to Chimi Lhakhang through agricultural fields good for buntings and pipits.

Day 6: Phobjikha Crane Valley (3,000m)
Cross Pele La Pass at dawn for Fire-tailed Myzornis and Himalayan Bluetails before entering the glacial Phobjikha Valley. Visit the Crane Information Center to learn about conservation efforts, then spend the late afternoon observing Black-necked Cranes (in season) feeding in the valley’s wetlands.

Day 7: Phobjikha Forest Birding
Pre-dawn start on the Gangtey Nature Trail for Wood Snipe and Hill Partridge. Mid-morning in the valley center for Spotted Nutcrackers and Eurasian Sparrowhawks. Afternoon in Longtey village forests searching for mixed feeding flocks containing various warbler and tit species.

Day 8: Trongsa Highlands (2,300m)
Morning at Yotong La Pass for Himalayan Cutia and Rufous-vented Yuhina. Afternoon birding around Trongsa Dzong for White-throated Needletails and Striated Laughingthrushes. Visit the excellent Trongsa Museum showcasing Bhutan’s royal history.

Day 9: Bumthang Valleys (2,600m)
Full day exploring Bumthang’s diverse habitats. Morning in Tang Valley for Beautiful Nuthatch and Wedge-billed Wren-Babbler. Afternoon in Jakar area searching for Yellow-rumped Honeyguide and Rufous-breasted Bush Robin. Evening visit to Jambay Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples.

Day 10: Return to Paro
Morning flight from Bumthang to Paro (birding en route to airport). Afternoon at Paro Valley wetlands for final sightings of Crested Bunting and Streaked Rosefinch. Celebration dinner featuring Bhutanese cuisine.

Day 11: Optional Tiger’s Nest Hike
For those with energy remaining, hike to Taktsang Monastery (3,120m) observing altitudinal species changes. Lower slopes good for laughingthrushes and minivets, higher elevations for alpine specialists. Those preferring relaxed birding can explore Paro’s agricultural valleys.

Day 12: Departure
Early morning garden birding for last-minute sightings before transfer to Paro International Airport. Depart with memories of Bhutan’s incredible avian diversity and spectacular landscapes.