Bird Watching Tour

Bhutan is, perhaps, the last showpiece of the 'Eastern Himalaya' and a tribute to the country's enlightened policy of co-existence with Nature. Its primeval forests cover almost 72 per cent of the land area of 38,000 sq. km and vary in altitude from 60 meters to 7550 meters. This diverse geography results in a mix of subtropical broadleaf forests, coniferous forest and alpine meadows. Such amazing range of environments makes Bhutan a place of immense ecological diversity where unequal bird communities can co-exist in harmony in discrete biotic units.

Day 1:- Arrival at Paro International Airport
After arrival visit to National Museum, housed in the Ta Dzong (Watch Tower) of the Paro Rinpung Dzong, where an intriguing collection of artifacts serves as a great introduction to the rich culture and heritage of the Kingdom. Just a short stroll below lies the dominating Paro Dzong, a premier example of Bhutan's architecture. From the Dzong, a leisurely walk back into town crosses the scenic Nyamai Azmpa, a unique model of Bhutanese traditional cantilever bridge. Continue to the town temples, Tshongdue Lhakhang and Drukchholing Lhakhang, with its fascinating altar and paintings. The wall paintings and unique design of Dungtse Lhakhang plus a visit to the revered Kyichu Lhakhang, which pins down the left foot of a treacherous Ogress, are a great finish to this day of cultural immersion. Book this experience

The National Museum
The National Museum boasts a rich variety of exhibits collected from all over the country and belonging to different eras, some as early as 2000 B.C. A visit through the galleries shows the country?s transition from the later Stone Age to a modern Mahayanist Buddhist kingdom.

Paro Dzong
Paro Dzong, built to defend Paro from the Tibetan invasion, is also known as Rinpung Dzong, which means 'the fortress of a heap of jewels'. This fine example of Bhutanese architecture now serves as a central monastic and administrative seat of the Paro district.

Kyichu Lhakhang
Kyichu Lhakhang is one of the oldest and most sacred temples in the Kingdom, dating back to the 7th century when the seed of Buddhism was won in Bhutan. The Tibetan King, Songsten Gampo ordered the establishment of monasteries in the Himalayan region to subdue evil spirits and to spread Buddhism. Of the 108 monasteries which were to be built, two major ones were built in Bhutan namely the Kyichu Lhakhang and the Jampa Lhakhang in Bumthang. Paro offers several attractive opportunities for shopping and experiencing the local fare. Among them, Cane and Jewels should be the first stop if you are interested in some genuine antiques and the Vajrayana Art Gallery offers an interesting collection of contemporary Bhutanese paintings. On the way you could stop at Sonam Trophel for tea and momos. The Glass House Bar at the Gangtey Palace offers the best views of the Punakha Dzong over an evening drink. Overnight at a hotel/resort in paro.

Day 2:- Paro - Thimphu
Visit to Cheri Monastery, which is believed to have been visited by Guru Rinpoche in the 8th century. After crossing a bridge, the main trail to Cheri zigzags upwards to a chorten. Remember to pass the Chorten in clock-wise direction as a sign of respect. Shortly after passing a few buildings, you will see the temple on your left. Sometimes you might spot goral (wild goat) jumping around the cliffs nearby. Cheri is considered very sacred as it contains the remains of Tempi Nima, the father of the first Zhabdrung of Bhutan, and beautiful frescoes of Buddhist saints. Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal built it in 1620 in memory of his father. Parts were later converted to a nunnery and still today a few nuns live here.

Along this hike to Cheri Monastery we may spot the following birds:
1. Spotted Laughing Trush
2. Fire Capped Tit
3. Golden Breasted Fulvetta.
4. Yellow Backed Flower Packer
5. Maroon Backed Accentor

Overnight at a hotel/resort in Thimphu

Day 3:- Thimphu - Punakha
Drive over the Dochu-La pass (3,100 meters), which on a clear day offers an incredible view of Himalayan peaks before descending into balmy Punakha valley. The drive through the countryside affords a glimpse of everyday life in this most remote of Himalayan kingdoms. In the Dochu-La area there are vast Rhododendron forests that grow to tree size and bloom in late April/early May covering the mountains in a riot of glorious spring colour.

Birding on the way to Punakha
En-route to Punakha - Dochula and Lampari Botanical Park: The pristine forests of hemlock, fir, oak, magnolia, and rhododendrons offer a wealth of birds. Birding is along the highway and on forest trails. A full day en route to Punakha is required for birding in this area. Along with others highlight could include:

1. Endemic Wards Trogon and Wood Snipe if lucky.
2. Fire Capped Tit
3. Fire- tailed Myzornis
4. Ruf us woodpecker
5. Striated laughing thrush.
6. Eurasian Jay
7. Wedge-tailed Green Pigeon.

Tashithang area:
1. Yellow Vented Warbler
2. Pallas fish Eagle
3. White bellied Heron
4. Kalij pheasant
5. Crested kingfisher
6. Slaty-backed Forktail
7. Spangled Drongo
8. Spotted wren Babbler
9. Slender-billed scimitar Babbler
10. Nepal Fulvetta

Day 4:- Punakha - Pelela - Trongsa
On the way to Trongsa valley, you travel through exquisite, mixed broad-leafed forests, evergreen forests of mixed conifers, rhododendrons and magnolias till you reach the Pelela Pass (3400m.) mak6 several stops and do birding.Descending Pelela Pass, you enter the temperate alpine forests and meadows. In this environment amongst others you can chance upon:
1. Great Parrot Bill
2. Spotted laughing trush
3. Brown Parrot Bill
4. Common Buzzard
5. Accentors

Trongsa
1. Bhutan Laughing Thush (endemic to Bhutan, recently discovered)
2. SpottedForktail
3. Bush chats
4. Bush warblers
5. Crested serpent Eagle

Overnight at a hotel/resort in Trongsa.

Day 5:- Trongsa - Yotongla - Bumthang
Yotongla Area
The scenic drive crosses over the 3520m high Yotong la, and is studded with Gompas and villages. The habitat at Yotungla Pass consists of Hemlock and Blue Pines with dense impenetrable dwarf bamboo thickets. Aside from:
1. White-browed Rose finch
2. Fire-tailed Sunbird
3. White-browed Scimitabr Babbler
4. Mrs. Gould Sunbird, Red-tailed and Chestnut-tailed Minlas
5. Ibis bill

Hot breakfast and lunch will be served by the camping crew on the way. Overnight at a hotel/resort in Bumthang.

Day 6:- Bumthang
We will then visit the auspecious Jampa Lhakhang.The monastery is believed to have been built in the year 659 by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo, on the same day as Kyichu Lhakhang in Paro, in order to subdue a Tibetan demoness. It was here that Guru Rinpoche conducted the first sermon on Tantric Buddhism for his host King Sindhu Raja, the local ruler and his family. The place where Guru Rinpoche sat during the sermon can still be seen. Every year in October, the temple hosts a spectacular festival, the Jampa Lhakhang Drup. Two of the main attractions are the fire dance and the treasure dance or 'naked dance', and the fertility blessings for women.

And later we will visit Kurjey Lhakhang. The monastery is named after the body (kur) print (jey) of Guru Rinpoche who was invited to meditate here in 746 AD to subdue evil spirits and demons. There are three temples; the oldest temple was built in 1652 on the rock face where Guru Rinpoche meditated. The body imprint of the great master can be seen distinctly in the rock cave enshrined in the temple. The second was built in 1900 by the first King when he was still the Governor of Trongsa. The third temple was built in 1990 with the support of the Queen Mother Ashi Kesang. A wall of 108 chortens surrounds the temple grounds and symbolizes Buddha's victory over the evil spirits. The Cypress tree which is seen near the temple is believed to have grown from the Guru's walking stick. After the visit we will take a short walk to the Kurjey Drupchhu (holy water). During the 8th century Sindhu Raja, the King of Chakhar invited Guru Padhma Sambawa from Yangleyshey in Nepal (meditation cave of Guru Rinpoche) to cure his prolonged illness. The Guru meditated at the present Guru Lhakhang and subdued the Demon of Dragmar Dorji Tsegpa, known as Shelging Karpo, responsible for the sickness of the Raja. Drupchhu was made available at the end of Guru's meditation with his spiritual power to celebrate the victory over the Demon and to cure the illness of the King. Therefore it is believed that this water is holy and cures all our sins and illnesses. In the afternoon, we will visit Tamshing Lhakhang (temple of good message) The monastery is located in a village across the river from Kurjey. It was built by Pema Lingpa in 1501 and is the most important Nyingma Lhakhang in the Kingdom. Being a skilled tantric master and an artist, Pema Lingpa sculpted the main statues and painted the frescoes, which can be seen even today, mostly in original state. He also created a 25 kg suit of chain-mail armour and it is believed that you will be freed from your sins if you carry it around the lhakhang three times.

Bumthang Farmhouse Lunch
If you wish to experience not just traditional Bhutanese food in authentic surroundings, but also Bumthang specialties made from local products such as buckwheat, we would like to take you for a very different lunch experience. The family you will visit has cooked for the Royal family for generations, and their idyllic farmhouse is located in Dorjibi village nearby the river further into Choekhor Valley. By the time you arrive at their house, the lady of the house, will have spent the entire morning preparing a range of local dishes, including some of the Royal family’s favorites for you to enjoy along with a taste of their home made local wine, ara.

Candle-lit Bhutanese Farmhouse Dinner
If you are celebrating a special occasion and wish to experience a more authentic way to explore Bhutanese cuisine, then let us arrange an out of the ordinary evening for you out. Whereas lunch in a farmhouse is served in the kitchen, the dining room is used on special evenings. Sit back in the majestic wooden chairs, and enjoy each other’s company in the flickering candlelight. On arrival you will be served freshly brewed ngaja accompanied with homemade tsho, zowh and sip. The meal will be made up of a symphony of local dishes, all prepared with fresh ingredients and each with a distinct character. To extend the evening further, a pot of heated ara with butter will be served at the end of the meal to be enjoyed in the peaceful surroundings.

We will be happy to discuss the drink menu to accompany your farmhouse meal. Overnight at a hotel/resort in Bumthang.

Day 7:- Bumthang - Wangduephodrang
The way back towards Wangduephodrang brings you through the same road, we will continue birding where ever we sopt the birds. Overnight in a hotel/resort in Wangduephodrang.

Day 8:- Wangduephodrang - Paro
Birding along the way to Paro.

Day 9:- Departure from Paro International Airport
Drive to Paro for Departure to your home.

Note:
The itineraries can be tailored to suit your interest and convenience.

Daily Tariff (High tourist season):
US $250 per person per day on twin sharing basis during the Month of March, April, May, September, October, November

Daily Tariff (low tourist season):
US $ 200 per person per day on twin sharing basis during the month of January, February, June, July, August, December

All the tours can be customized and clients can request extra services.
SINGLE ROOM SUPPLIMENT US $ 30 PER NIGHT PER PERSON.
FIT surcharges 1 pax US $ 40 per day per person.
FIT surcherges 2 pax US $ 30 per day per person.

Cost Includes:
1. All Permits
2. Museum Fees
3. All Sightseeing
4. Walks and Hikes
5. Bottled Mineral Water
6. English Speaking Guide
7. Double/Twin in 2/3 Star Accomodation
8. Receive and Transfer to Airport
9. 3 Meals every day with Evening Tea
10. Toyota SUV for FIT & Toyota Bus for Group with Driver

Cost Does Not Include:
1. Insurance
2. Inbound Airfare
3. Gifts & Souvenirs
4. Alcohol & Beverages
5. Round Trip Air fare
6. Donations to Monasteries
7. International Telephone Calls
8. Tips for Guide, Driver & other Staff

Note:
TCB Licensed language Speaking Guides US $ 100 per day.
Tour price is based on High Season Tariff of US $ 250. For low season months it will be based on Low Season Tariff of US $ 200