Bhutan Wildlife & Birding Tour: Phobjikha & Jigme Dorji | 5 Nights and 6 Days Bhutan Package
- Transfer Included
- Stay Included
- Meals Included
- Sightseeing Included
Overview
Itinerary
Arrival in Paro & Orientation
Arrive at Paro International Airport. Meet your guide and transfer to your hotel. Afternoon orientation walk in Paro town visiting Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong) and the traditional market. Pre-trip briefing and equipment check for birding/trekking gear.
Tip: Light walking shoes and layered clothing are recommended as temperatures can vary by altitude.
Paro: Cultural Sites & Valley Birding
Half-day birding in the Paro valley early morning searching for resident hill birds and forest edge species. After lunch, visit the iconic Paro Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) viewpoint (or short hike to the base viewpoint depending on time and fitness). Evening free for rest or optional village walk.
Important: The full hike to Tiger's Nest takes 3–4 hours round trip; consider acclimatization and a slow pace.
Drive to Phobjikha via Thimphu, Dochu La & Punakha
Drive to Thimphu with a short city visit to see Tashichho Dzong and the Buddha Dordenma viewpoint. Continue to Dochu La Pass (3,100 m) for panoramic Himalayan scenes. Descend via Punakha valley and onward to Phobjikha (Gangtey). Evening introduction to the valley wetlands—ideal for dusk bird activity and a first look for migratory species.
Note: Long scenic drive (6–7 hours total). Breaks and birding stops included.
Full Day: Phobjikha Valley & Gangtey Monastery Birding
Full day dedicated to birding the Phobjikha wetlands and surrounding conifer forests inside the Jigme Dorji ecological corridor. Guided walks on valley trails, visit Gangtey Monastery (Gangtey Goenpa), and explore Pelri or nearby local meadows. Focus on spotting the iconic Black-necked Crane (seasonal), raptors, woodpeckers, and Himalayan passerines.
Special: Early morning and late afternoon are prime birding windows; bring binoculars and a field guide.
Morning Birding & Return to Paro
Early morning birding session in Phobjikha for any missed species. After breakfast, drive back to Paro with stops for landscape photography and short walks in forest pockets along the route. Evening at leisure in Paro—final souvenir shopping or an optional cultural program.
Tip: Keep cameras and optics accessible during the drive for roadside birding opportunities.
Paro: Departure or Extra Pilgrimage Options
Depending on your flight schedule, morning options include a guided short hike to the Tiger's Nest (if not done earlier), a visit to Kyichu Lhakhang, or a final birding session in the Paro valley. Transfer to Paro International Airport for departure.
Optional extension: Combine with a 5 or 6 Bhutan Pilgrimage tour package add-on visiting Punakha, Dochula, and sacred temples for deeper spiritual exploration.
Inclusions
- Accommodation for 5 nights in listed hotels or similar (twin/double basis)
- All meals as per itinerary (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Private vehicle, fuel and drivers throughout the tour
- Experienced English-speaking guide with local birding/wildlife knowledge
- All domestic transfers and sightseeing as mentioned
- National park and wetland entry fees where applicable
- Permits and administrative fees included (visa support)
- Basic first-aid kit and emergency assistance
Note: Customization for private or small-group birding leaders available on request.
Exclusions
- International airfare to/from Bhutan
- Bhutan visa fee and any required Sustainable Development Fee or government royalties (if applicable) — to be paid as per Bhutan government regulations
- Travel insurance and personal expenses (drinks, tips, laundry, phone calls)
- Optional activities (e.g., full Tiger's Nest hike porter fee, horseback rental) unless specified
- Camera/video permits where required
- Any COVID-19 testing, vaccination certificates, or other health-related requirements
Important: Please check up-to-date visa and health entry requirements before travel.
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