BIRDING TOUR

Today the journey will take us to Phobjikha, one of the most beautiful valleys in the country. The valley is well connected to beautiful trail walk from where one could have great view of valleys leading to unending landscapes. Also you could get access to some of the up-close typical Bhutanese living culture. The drive passes through forest, villages and Pelela pass before stepping into Phobjikha. Enjoy the scenic and adventurous journey today.

• Buddha Dodenma: This statue is 177ft tall reputed as the largest Shakyamuni Buddha Statue in the world. It is located on the ridge of mountain overlooking the capital city Thimphu.
• Dochu la Pass: It is one of the most loved passes that has360-degree view point. The pass is blessed with 108 stupas built against the back drop of stunning panoramic Himalayas in the distance.
• Bird watching at Dochu la: Out of many birds, the bird that you can spot at Dochu-la are Fire-tailed myzornis, Rufous-gorgeted flycatcher, Rufous-breasted bush robin, Black-eared shirk babblers, Grey-winged blackbird, White collared blackbird and Gold-billed magpie.
• Bird watching at Nobding: Birds that are seen at Nobding are Yellow-rumped Honey guide, Blue-capped Rock Thrust, Scarlet minivet, Fire-tailed Myzornis, Yellow-bellied fantail etc.
• Bird watching at Phobjikha: Birds found at Phobjikha are Alpine Accentor, Green-tailed Sunbird, Fire-tailed Sunbird, Rufous –vented Yuhina, Whiskered Yuhina, Scaly thrush, Tickell’s thrush, Fire-capped tit, Amur falcon, Blue Rock Thrust, Black-faced laughing thrust, Spotted laughing thrust, Fire-breasted flower pecker, Black billed magpie, Red billed chough, Spotted nutcracker, Himalayan griffon etc. Overnight at Phobjikha.

Today start the scenic drive to Punakha from Phobjikha over Pelela pass. This would take about takes three hours. After the break at Pelela, the road descends to Punakha taking us to one of the warmest places of Bhutan.

• Bird watching at Pele la Pass: Pele la pass is famous for Pheasants like Satyr Tragopan, Himalayan Monal, Blood Pheasant, Yellowish- bellied Bush Warbler, Brown Parrot bill and Maroon- backed Accentor.
• Punakha Dzong: The Dzong built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal was named as Druk Pungthang Dewachenpoi Phodrang (Palace of Great happiness). Punakha is the winter residence of monk bodies headed by Je- Khenpo. The third King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck convened the first national Assembly in Punakha in 1952. It is one of the magnificent and must see Dzongs of Bhutan. The Dzong stands in between the meeting point of two rivers, Pho-chu and Mochu making replication of the Titanic ship being floated on these rivers.
• Punakha Suspension bridge: It is one of the longest swinging bridges (160m) ever built in the country. It is fun to cross the swaying prayer flag- draped walkway over the Pho-chu River. The bridge connects the Dzong with villages of Shengana, Samdingkha and Wangkha on other bank of Pho-chu River. It is about 15 minutes walk from Punakha Dzong. Overnight in Punakha.

Punakha is often referred as the rice bawl and the winter residence for the monk bodies. Punakha has perfect potential to awaken spiritual drive ever since the arrival of His Holiness Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1616. Listening to the sound of Mo-chu and Pho-chu rivers on either sides of Dzong, one can simply make a soak-up in the serene atmosphere of gorgeous Punakha valley.
• Bird watching at Tashithang: In Tashithang you may spot Great barbet, Barred cuckoo dove, Magpie robin, Palla’s fish eagle, Osprey, River lapwing, Ruddy Shelducks, Mallard duck, Common merganser, Pied kingfisher, White crested kingfisher, Red-vented bulbul, Kalij pheasant, Orange bellied leaf bird, Common buzzard, Great cormorant and Crested bunting etc.
• Bird watching at Pho Chu River: At Pho-chu, you can see White-bellied heron, Osprey, Pallas’s Fish Eagle, White-throated fantail, Ruddy Shelducks, Ibis bill and River lapwing etc. Overnight in Punakha

As we proceed to Paro, we will trace the journey crossing over Dochu la, up until Chuzomsa and further to Paro. The entire drive would be refreshing and giving you second time to appreciate views of the Great Himalayas.

• Bird watching at lamperi: The Royal Botanical Park at lamperi is the country’s first nature recreational park to preserve rich natural biodiversity. You will be able to spot some of the rare Himalayan birds such as Great Parrot bill, Darjeeling woodpecker, Streak-breasted scimitar babbler, Eurasian jay, strong-footed Bush warbler, Chestnut-crowned and spotted laughing thrushes.
• Bird watching at Pa-chu: You will be able to find water birds like Ibis bill, Brown Dipper, White-capped Water redstart and Plumbeous Water redstart etc. Overnight in Paro.

Paro, being the home to Bhutan’s numerous sacred monasteries including Taktsang, it is also one of the most fertile valleys in the kingdom producing major chunk of red rice in the western country.

• Chele La Pass: It is the highest motor-able road pass connecting two districts Paro and Haa. It has an elevation of 3988m above sea level. On clear days, one can catch stunning view of Mt. Jhomolhari (7314m) almost sensing it is rising next to you.. The pass is adorned with beautiful patches of prayer flags and amazing open walk around it periphery. This pass also offers the best spot to catch the bird eye view of Paro and Haa valley. If interested, one can plan to ride mountain biking from Chelela to Paro valley with stretch of 36-48km, a 100% down hill drive gives a thrilling experience.
• Bird watching at Chele la: There are chances of spotting pheasants, Blood pheasants and Himalayan Monal, Kalij Pheasant, Fire-tailed Sunbird, beautiful Rose finch, White winged Grosbeak, Collared Grosbeak, Cold Tit, Grey bush chat as well, Over-night in Paro.

Paro valley is covered in fertile rice fields and has a beautiful, crystalline river meandering down the valley. Paro has more of historical sites, high-end tourist resort and numerous souvenir shops.
• Taktsang, The Tiger’s Nest: Popularly, known as Tiger’s nest is one of the amazing sights, where none can afford to miss it for what reasons. The temple is built on a sheer rock looking almost hanging from a cliff with a height of 900m above the Paro valley. It is Bhutan’s iconic landmark and heartland of Buddhist pilgrimage site of the country. Although good trekkers can make it to the top in two hours but most guests take an average of four to five hours and some may take even whole day to make the trip. The birds you can see on the way are snow pigeon, yellow bellied blue magpie, white throated laughing thrush, rufous sibia, etc. Overnight in Paro

You will drive to Paro international airport and bid farewell y our representatives.