Birding Nature Tour (13 days)
Birding / Nature Tour- Exploration of Flora and fauna
This trip begins in the relatively high altitude forests of the Bhutan Himalaya. The flora of Bhutan is exceptionally diverse as a result of a great range of altitude and varied climatic conditions. More than 70% of the country is covered by forests of fir, mixed coniferous, temperate and broadleaf species. In addition, there are many species which are unique to Bhutan. Moreover, much of Bhutan’s flora has remained undisturbed giving the country the richest flora in the Himalayan region.
Rare animals including the golden langur, takin and blue sheep are found throughout the northern and mid sections of the country. Tigers, leopards, snow leopards, red pandas, gaur, serow, Himalayan Black bears, brown bears wild pigs, musk deer and other types of deer are commonly found in many parts of Bhutan. The Phobjikha valley in Wangue and Bomdiling in Yangtse are two of the three wintering grounds for the rare Black-necked crane. From Bhutan these cranes migrate north into Tibetan plateau.
Though birding is the aim of the tour, we will also take time throughout to tour some of the more outstanding Buddhist monasteries and monuments. The combination of Bhutan’s exotic culture harmoniously integrated with the natural landscapes- unscarred by modernization make bird watching in Bhutan, simply unbeatable. Villages and towns are almost always small, surrounded by intact old growth forests. The sites we have designated for birding are connected by roads that see almost no traffic, thus affording easy access to bird habitats.
Day 01: Arrive in Paro, welcome dinner and briefing
Day 02: Paro- hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, evening drive to Thimphu
Day 03: Thimphu- full day exploration
Day 04: Thimphu to Punakha/Wangdue, afternoon excursion and visits
Day 05: Punakha to Gangtey
Day 06: Gangtey to Tongsa
Day 07: Trongsa to Jakar (Bumthang)
Day 08: Jakar- full day exploration
Day 09: Jakar to Sengor
Day 10: Sengor to Mongar
Day 11: Mongar to Trashigang
Day 12: Trashigang to Samdrup Jongkhar
Day 13: Departure to Guwahati airport for flight to Delhi/Calcutta
Trip Facts:
No of days: 13
Trip Grade: Moderate to Rigorous
Group Minimum: 2
Group Maximum: 16
Best season: March-May and September-November
Service Inclusive: (room, meals, sightseeing, transfers, English speaking local guide, entrance fees, visa and permits)
Service Exclusive: (flights, table drinks/beverages, insurance coverage, laundry, tips, and expenses of personal nature)
