REACHING THE ENDEMIC SPECIES
Ultimate Birding Journey – Focus on Endemic Species
This ultimate birding journey is an unforgettable adventure for birders seeking a special escape. The tour offers an in-depth exploration of Bhutan, highlighting not only the commonly found birds but also the legendary, rare, and beautiful endemic species. Traverse through subtropical forests, warm broadleaf forests, and cool hemlock and broadleaf areas, providing exceptional opportunities to view and photograph several Bhutanese endemic species.
The journey begins at key birding hotspots, focusing primarily on rare endemic species, making this one of the greatest endemic birding experiences in Bhutan and on Earth. While other local and migratory birds are present, the spotlight remains on endemic species such as the Satyr Tragopan, Blyth’s Tragopan, Ward’s Trogon, Blyth’s Kingfisher, Himalayan Monal, Black-necked Crane, White-bellied Heron, and Rufous-necked Hornbill. Alongside these species, enjoy breathtaking vistas of endless forests and snowcapped Himalayan peaks, creating a serene and mesmerizing experience.
Targeted Endemic Species
Satyr Tragopan, Blyth’s Tragopan, Ward’s Trogon, Blyth’s Kingfisher, Himalayan Monal, Black-necked Crane, White-bellied Heron, Rufous-necked Hornbill, Great Hornbills, Mountain Hawk-Eagle, Mountain Imperial Pigeon, Tiny Grey-Capped Pygmy Woodpecker, Common Iora, Rufescent Prinia, Bright Blue Black-Naped Monarch, Scarlet Minivet, Black-Crested, Ashy & Black Bulbuls, Pin-Striped Titbabbler, Golden-Fronted Leafbird, Bamboo-dwelling Yellow-Bellied Warbler, White-rumped Shama, Sultan Tit, Asian Fairy-Bluebird, Long-Tailed Broadbill, Black-Backed Forktail, Slaty-Backed Forktail, White-Capped & Plumbeous Water Redstarts, Grey Wagtail, Brown Dipper, Crested Kingfisher, Barbets, Green Pigeon, Dark-Rumped Swift, Pied Falconet, Nuthatch, Black-Faced Warbler, Grey-Headed Canary-Flycatcher, Black-Throated Bushtit, Striated Laughing Thrush, Long-Tailed Sibia, Silver-Earned Leiothrix, White-Bellied Heron, Black-Necked Crane.
Habitats Covered
Wetlands, Tropical Forests, Cool Broad-Leaved Forests, National Parks, and Wildlife Sanctuaries.
Accommodation
Simple lodges and comfortable camping arrangements are provided throughout the journey.
Expected Bird Species
250 – 300 species, including numerous rare endemic species unique to Bhutan.
From Samdrup Jongkhar to Deothang:
- Altitude: 250m – 850m
- This area is primarily covered by subtropical forests and is a habitat for numerous bird species such as Wreathed Hornbills, the rare Violet Cuckoo, Pied Falconet, and the greater Rufous-breasted Parrotbill, among others.
From Deothang to Narphung La:
- Altitude: 850m – 1700m
- Transitioning from warm broadleaf to subtropical forests, this region is known for bird species like the Rufous-necked Hornbill, Beautiful Nuthatch, and Gold-naped Finch.
From Lingmithang to Yongko La:
- Altitude: 650m – 1700m
- Spanning broadleaved and coniferous forests across a wide altitudinal range, this area offers abundant opportunities for birdwatching and is home to species such as the Rufous-bellied Hawk Eagle, Collared Treepie, and Yellow-vented Warbler.
From Yongko La to Namling:
- Altitude: 1700m – 2360m
- Characterized by cool, warm broadleaf forests, this area is known for species like the Yellow-rumped Honey Guide, Rufoused Necked Hornbill, Laughing Thrush, Coral-billed Scimitar Babbler, and Golden-breasted Fulvetta.
From Namling to Sengor:
- Altitude: 2360m – 3050m
- This area features hemlock and cool broadleaf forests where species like Tragopans, Bar-winged Wren Babbler, and fire-tailed Myzorins can be spotted.
From Thrumshing La to Bumthang:
- Altitude: 2600m – 3659m
- The area surrounding Thrimshing La is renowned as one of the best birding spots in the central region, with forests dominated by rhododendron, silver fir, hemlock, pine, and dwarf bamboo.
Royal Manas National Park:
- This fully operational park boasts approximately 362 bird species. It also harbors many plant species with high value for cultivation, horticulture, and medicinal, traditional, and religious purposes.
From Mo Chhu Valley to Rimchu and Jigme Dorji Wangchuk National Park:
- Altitude: 1300m – 1650m
- Passing through warm broadleaved subtropical forests, riverside forests, and farmlands, this region hosts birds like the White-bellied Heron, White-gorgoted Flycatcher, and Yellow-vented Warbler.
From Mo Chhu Valley to Wangdue Phodrang:
- Altitude: 1300m
- This area north of Wangdue Phodrang is excellent for waterfowl and migratory birds, including the Bar-headed Goose, Eurasian Wigeon, Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher, and the rare White-Bellied Heron.
Eastern side of Dochu La Pass, along the Pack Horse Trail:
- Altitude: 3115m
- Characterized by fir, rhododendron, oak, juniper, bamboo, and magnolia forests, this area is ideal for spotting birds like Satyr Tragopa, Rufous-breasted Bush Robin, and Slender-billed Scimitar Babbler.
Above Dodena (Thimphu):
- Altitude: Above 2575m
- Covered with evergreen mixed forests, this valley provides habitat for birds like the Spotter Laughing Thrush, Fire-capped Tit, and Yellow-bellied Flower picker, with less disturbance from human activity.
From Paro to Chelela:
- Altitude: 2280m – 3720m
- The Chelela Pass and surrounding areas are home to diverse bird species including the Himalayan Monal, Blood and Kalij Pheasants, Satyr Tragopan, Darjeeling Woodpecker, Himalayan White-Browed Rose Finch, White Red-Headed Bull Finch, Collared and White-Winged Grosbeaks, Plain Mountain Finch, Gold Crest, and Rufous-Breasted Accentor.
Your Everyday Benefit – Endemic Species Tour
Inclusive Services
Rate includes all three meals featuring local and continental healthy cuisine.
Accommodation in three-star hotels on a double/twin-sharing basis.
Air-conditioned tourist-standard transportation throughout the tour.
Services of a local, English-speaking licensed guide for all sightseeing tours.
Flexible, comprehensive tour itineraries designed for your convenience.
Bhutan Government Royalty fees of $100 per person per night.
All entry fees, museum fees, and historical attraction charges included.
Applicable taxes included – BST 10%, Service Charge 10%.
One-time Bhutan visa fee of USD 40 included.
Airport arrival and departure transfers within Bhutan.
Complementary Services
Arrival refreshments upon reaching Bhutan.
One bottle of mineral water per person each day.
A small farewell gift on the day of departure.
One-time cultural program for groups exceeding 7 members.
Package Does Not Include
Incoming and outgoing Bhutan airfares and airport taxes.
Drinks, alcohol, and non-alcoholic beverages beyond provided meals.
Guides speaking languages other than English.
Personal expenses such as tipping, laundry, porter services, telephone/fax calls, camera/video fees at monuments, medical expenses, or insurance.
Extra costs due to natural events or unforeseen circumstances beyond management control.
Any services outside Bhutan.
One-time bank transfer charges of USD 45.
Tipping for guides, drivers, and support staff.
Note: This Endemic Species Tour focuses on exploring Bhutan’s rich avian life, emphasizing encounters with rare and endemic bird species in their natural habitats, providing a truly unique wildlife experience.
$3680/-
Valid for
GROUP ABOVE 03 MEMBERS
