Norzin Lam, Thimphu, 11001, Bhutan

Norzin Lam, Thimphu, 11001, Bhutan

THE HORNBILL CAMP

4.7 (1,127) Reviews
4.7/5

The Hornbill Camp offers an extraordinary birdwatching journey through the sub-tropical lowland forests of south-central Bhutan, renowned for its lush tropical and sub-tropical ecosystems. This pristine region is rich in thick evergreen, sub-tropical, and broadleaf forests, providing a sanctuary for a diverse range of bird and mammal species, including some that are globally rare and endangered. The untouched natural environment shelters thousands of plant and animal species.

At The Hornbill Camp, the focus is on observing hornbills and other remarkable bird species as you traverse the forested areas of the southern foothills, particularly around the Royal Manas National Park, which borders India’s Manas National Park in Assam. The serene landscape—with rolling low hills, forested slopes, scenic valleys, and meandering rivers—creates a truly memorable birding experience. Noteworthy birds include the Great Hornbill and Rufous-necked Hornbill.

What to Expect: The Hornbill Camp is specifically tailored for photography lovers, with an emphasis on capturing stunning images of hornbills and other prominent birds inhabiting the dense tropical jungles interspersed with fertile terraced fields. Participants will enjoy abundant opportunities to explore and photograph an impressive array of tropical lowland bird species.

Local Guides: The experience at The Hornbill Camp is enriched by knowledgeable and passionate local guides who provide expert support and insights. These guides help enhance photographic skills and are dedicated to ensuring an outstanding experience, assisting participants in achieving their dream shots.

Sustainable Photography: With the rise in wildlife photography adventures in Bhutan, The Hornbill Camp places strong emphasis on responsible and sustainable practices. Respecting and preserving the environment remain at the core, promoting conservation-minded travel through thoughtful actions.

Patience Required: Wildlife photography at The Hornbill Camp demands patience, as success depends on crafting the perfect moment rather than simply capturing it. Long periods of waiting and observing are often necessary due to the unpredictable nature of wildlife behavior. Understanding and patience are essential to fully engage with and photograph the wildlife.

Tailor-Made Itinerary: For those whose interests or schedules are not fully met by existing tours, The Hornbill Camp offers the flexibility to customize itineraries. With extensive experience in arranging diverse tours, the team collaborates to design a journey perfectly aligned with personal interests, preferred dates, and selected destinations and activities.

Targeted Birds: The Hornbill Camp highlights a wide variety of birds including the Great Hornbill, Rufous-necked Hornbill, White-bellied Heron, Darjeeling Woodpecker, Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, Crested Kingfisher, Ward’s Trogon, Blue-breasted Bee-eater, White-throated Kingfisher, Red Junglefowl, Hill Partridge, Indian Cuckoo, Himalayan Swiftlet, Mountain Scops Owl, Collared Owlet, Palla’s Fish Eagle, Crested Serpent Eagle, Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Common Buzzard, Mountain Hawk Eagle, Common Kestrel, Great Cormorant, Eurasian Jay, Beautiful Nuthatch, Sultan Tit, Golden Babbler, Rusty-fronted Barwing, and Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrush, among others.

DAY 01: GUWAHATI – GELEPHU

  • Begin journey to Bhutan through Gelephu, near Manas National Park.
  • Drive: Guwahati to Gelephu, approx. 235 km, 5 hours; from Bagdogra, 329 km, 6-7 hours.
  • Explore the lush subtropical forests and birdwatching opportunities in Gelephu.

DAY 02: GELEPHU BIRDING

  • Spend the day birdwatching in Gelephu, observing species like the Black Kite, House Sparrow, and various hornbills including the Rufous-necked Hornbill.

DAY 03: GELEPHU – TINGTIBI

  • Travel to Tingtibi in Zhemgang district, 89 km, 2 hours.
  • Zhemgang features varied climates and extensive forest coverage, offering diverse birdwatching.

DAY 04: BIRDING IN TINGTIBI

  • Continue birdwatching in Tingtibi, with potential sightings of the Great and Rufous-necked Hornbills and the Beautiful Nuthatch.

DAY 05: BIRDING UPPER TINGTIBI

  • Explore bird species in Upper Tingtibi, known for its excellent birding environment and diverse bird species including several hornbill species and kingfishers.

DAY 06: HORNBILL HIKE

  • Hike in Gomphu, focusing on spotting various species of hornbills and other birds like the Beautiful Nuthatch.

DAY 07: TINGTIBI – PANBANG

  • Early start for a drive to Panbang via Pangtang with scenic views and birdwatching opportunities along the Manas River.

DAY 08: ROYAL MANAS WILDLIFE VIEWING

  • Elephant safari in Royal Manas National Park, a conservation area with diverse wildlife including the possibility of sighting rare species.

DAY 09: PANBANG – GELEPHU

  • Return to Gelephu with birdwatching stops along the way, looking for species like Ward’s Trogon and various hornbills.

DAY 10: GELEPHU (EXIT BHUTAN)

  • Complete exit formalities and depart for your onward destination, concluding the tour.

Your Everyday Benefit Package Includes:

  • Accommodation in three-star hotels on a double or twin sharing basis.

  • All three meals provided, featuring a mix of local and continental healthy cuisine.

  • Air-conditioned tourist-standard transportation throughout the tour.

  • Services of an English-speaking licensed local guide for all sightseeing tours.

  • Access to a wide variety of flexible and comprehensive tour itineraries.

  • Bhutan Government Royalty fees of $100 per person per night are covered.

  • Entry fees to museums, historical attractions, and other sites are included.

  • All applicable taxes such as 10% BST and 10% Service Charge are incorporated.

  • A one-time visa fee of USD 40 is included.

  • Airport arrival and departure transfers within Bhutan are provided.

Complementary Services Included:

  • Arrival refreshment.

  • One bottle of mineral water per day.

  • A small farewell gift on the departure day.

  • A one-time cultural program for groups exceeding seven members.

Package Exclusions:

  • Incoming and outgoing Bhutan airfares and airport taxes.

  • Drinks, alcoholic, and non-alcoholic beverages.

  • Guides speaking languages other than English.

  • Personal expenses such as tipping, laundry, porter services, telephone/fax calls, camera/video camera fees at monuments, medical expenses, and insurance.

  • Extra expenses or losses due to natural or unforeseen events beyond the control of management.

  • Services performed outside Bhutan.

  • A one-time bank transfer charge of USD 45.

  • Tipping for guides, drivers, and related staff.

$2560/-

Valid for

GROUP ABOVE 03 MEMBERS

Book This Tour

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *