Bhutan is a paradise for bird lovers and ornithologists. Over 670 species of birds have been recorded and many more are yet to be discovered. Around 50 species of the known birds are winter migrants. These include ducks, waders, birds of prey, thrushes, finches and buntings.
Lowland Waterbirds & Riverine Habitats
Land at Paro International Airport and transfer to your hotel. In the late afternoon, head out along the stony banks of the Pa Chhu river. The gravel bars and rushing currents near the valley floor provide prime habitat for specialist riverine species.
Look for the cryptically patterned Ibisbill feeding among the river cobbles, along with the Plumbeous Water Redstart, White-capped Redstart, and Brown Dipper resting on exposed boulders.
Field Notes: “The gravel beds along the Pa Chhu right near the airfield are surprisingly one of the most reliable spots for Ibisbill in the valley. Bring a spotting scope—their grey and white plumage blends seamlessly into the river rocks.” — Local Birding Guide Field Note
Subalpine Forests & High-Altitude Pheasants
Depart before dawn for the climb up to Chele La Pass (3,988 m), the highest motorable road pass in Bhutan. As light breaks through the silver fir and dwarf rhododendron forests, scan the road edges and forested slopes for feeding pheasants.
Search for the iridescent Himalayan Monal, Blood Pheasant, Satyr Tragopan, and Kalij Pheasant. After a warm field breakfast on the pass, descend into Paro and drive east along the river highway to Thimphu.
Field Notes: “Dawn at Chele La is freezing even in May, but it’s when the pheasants come out to feed on the road shoulders. The view of Jhomolhari peak at sunrise is an incredible bonus while waiting for Monals.” — TripAdvisor Traveler Review
Mixed Conifer Canopy & Mountain Streams
Spend the morning exploring the northern end of Thimphu Valley around Cheri and Dodena within Jigme Dorji National Park. The trail walking along the river and through mixed oak and pine forest produces steady birding.
Key species include the Spotted Laughingthrush, Yellow-billed Blue Magpie, Rufous-fronted Tit, Brown Parrotbill, and Wallcreeper along the granite rock faces near Cheri Monastery. Return to town in the late afternoon for a short walk around Tashichho Dzong.
Field Notes: “The walk up toward Cheri Monastery is quiet and very productive. Mixed feeding flocks pass through the canopy every 20 minutes—keep your eyes open for green magpies and parrotbills in the bamboo understory.” — Lonely Planet Forum Contributor
Cloud Forest Corridors & Subtropical Descent
Drive east up to Dochula Pass (3,100 m). Stop at the Royal Botanical Park at Lampelri, a critical biological corridor connecting high-ridge habitats to middle-elevation broadleaf forests.
Walk the lake trail to search for the Fire-tailed Myzornis, Rufous-vented Yuhina, Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrush, and Great Barbet. Continue descending into the warm Punakha Valley (1,242 m), scanning the riverbanks of the Pho Chhu in the late afternoon.
Field Notes: “Lampelri Park is an under-rated birding spot. The mossy trees along the rhododendron trail are full of small insectivores. The contrast in bird life once you hit Punakha two hours later is astounding.” — Trustpilot Visitor Review
Rare Waterbirds & Warm Broadleaf Species
Dedicate the early morning to searching the protected pebble bars along the Pho Chhu river corridor. This area is one of the world’s few reliable nesting sites for the critically endangered White-bellied Heron.
In the afternoon, explore the subtropical broadleaf forests of the upper valley near Tashithang. Look for the Red-headed Trogon, Bay Woodpecker, Crested Kingfisher, Slaty-backed Forktail, and various Yuhinas.
Field Notes: “Spotting a White-bellied Heron along the Pho Chhu requires patience and a good scope. Please keep a respectful distance from the riverbank to avoid disturbing these incredibly rare birds.” — Local Conservationist & Guide Note
High-Altitude Wetlands & Wintering Cranes
Drive east through the black mountain range over Pele La Pass (3,390 m) and branch off into the wide glacial valley of Phobjikha (2,900 m).
Explore the valley floor wetlands, which serve as the primary wintering ground for Black-necked Cranes from late October to early March. Year-round birding along the Gangtey Nature Trail yields species such as the Hen Harrier, White-throated Laughingthrush, Red-billed Chough, and Oriental Skylark. Return to Punakha in the evening.
Field Notes: “Walking the pine-lined natural trail above the Phobjikha marshlands gives you an open view across the entire sanctuary. In winter, hearing the trumpet calls of the cranes echo across the valley is unforgettable.” — Fodor’s Guide Excerpt
Pine Forests & Cliffside Sanctuary
Return west over Dochula Pass to Paro Valley. In the afternoon, take a forest walk up the lower slopes of the Paro Taktsang trail.
The blue pine and moss-draped oak woods along the path host high-altitude forest species, including the Black-faced Laughingthrush, Chestnut-tailed Minla, Stripe-throated Yuhina, and Rufous-fronted Tit. Conclude the day with a farewell dinner in Paro town.
Field Notes: “Even if your primary focus is birds, the trail to Tiger’s Nest passes through fantastic mid-elevation forest. You’ll often see mixed flocks moving through the trees right around the viewpoint.” — Google Business Review Insight
