Come experience the incredible birdlife of Bhutan, on a memorable journey escorted by Bhutan Birding Tours. Bhutan is a birder's heaven and provides habitat for birds from the Himalayan Monal to rare White-bellied Heron. This guide with the must know tips for planning your birding trip in Bhutan, be it a seasoned birder or beginner, will tell you: When to go for the most sought-after birds and where to find them in Bhutan's diverse habitats. Join Orrog, your loyal companion as they lead you over the beautiful forests and tranquil landscapes of Bhutan so that you can have a rewarding time!!!
Hidden in the grand Himalayan Mountains, Bhutan is a wonderland for those who adore nature with many of the most gorgeous landscapes and biodiversity! A Place Where Birding Enthusiasts Paradise, the Himalayan Kingdom thousands of rare and endangered birds flock here, making it a must pick destination for birders from around the world, you can expect to find over 700 species in these lush woodlands. If you are a pro birder or just an amateur, bird ecology is something that comes only once in a lifetime.
In this article we will explore why a birdwatching tour in Bhutan is so special and how to plan your ideally safe travel.
1. Why Bhutan is a Birdwatcher's Paradise
Due to its diversity in ecosystems, spanning from subtropical forests to alpine meadows with birding, this country holds an unbelievable number of different species. There are restrictions on building and strict conservation laws, meaning that there is very little development other than forestry bases allowing the wildlife to flourish. Species Name— Some of the species you might come across are:
Himalayan Monal: Highly iridescent plumage is the specialty of this fascinating pheasant.
White-bellied Heron : One of the rarest birds in the world, is a regular wanderer along riversides.
Black-necked Crane : Common during winters, this one is the grace and style of Bird Watching in Phobjikha Valley.
The kingdom is nature-friendly and has a good record in protecting what little natural resources they have left, which makes it an ideal destination for ecotourists.
Planning Your Birding Trip to Bhutan
As Bhutan is not an everyday travel destination, it takes a bit of foresight to plan for the perfect birding trip in this beautiful country. So, this is what you should consider:
Best Time to Visit
Birdwatching in Bhutan can be extremely seasonal. It is a great time to watch the birds during spring (March-May) when forests get packed with migratory species returning for breeding. Another good time to visit is Autumn (September to November) when you are also able to see birds of prey and migratory species, many on their way further south. The Phobjikha Valley where one can spot the Black-necked Crane is a must in winter.
The Birdwatching Region Where You Want to Work
PhobjikhaValley : Hike in a valley such as the Phobjikha Valley which is world-famous for being visited by hundreds of Black-necked Crane – Birders paradise.
Bumthang: This is a lush region of dark forests providing possible sightings of the Himalayan Monal, Rufous-necked Hornbill and Satyr Tragopan.
Eastern Bhutan has about thirty percent of the country's subtropical forest which are incredibly bio-diverse and provide accommodation to many rare species that reside on the planet with Trashigang, and Mongar being one of erstwhile capitals.
Duration of the Trip
Usually, birdwatching tour runs from around 7 to 14 days and the duration depends on regions you want to cover. The tours can vary, longer one attract even more species and especially in remote areas
3. Birding Tour Packages in Bhutan
In Bhutan, You will find that many companies offering birding tour packages in Bhutan , which includes private guiding services, accommodation and meals. The difference professional birding guides can make is tremendous, but it's key, you pick the right package. Bhutan Birding Trips Make you a selected company who recruit experienced guides that know the Bhutan individual bird species and habitats. Your trusty advisor Orrog of course! But with Orrog leading the charge, you are in for an exciting bird watching experience and every sighting is as if spotting a rarity.
Ready to explore Bhutan’s avian wonders with Orrog by your side.
4. What to Pack for Your Birdwatching Trip
The most important aspect of birdwatching is packing in the right gears. Here's a list of essentials:
- Binoculars: They will make the experience much more enjoyable. Go for a high magnification lightweight model.
- Field Guide: As there are plenty of birds in Bhutan, it is good to have a field guide so that you can identify them.
- Weather-appropriate Clothing: Since the weather can be quite erratic in Bhutan. It does get pretty chilly up there, something the early morning is going to remind me of when I layer on almost every warm article of clothing in my possession. Include a raincoat and lightweight hiking boots.
- Camera: A camera with a good zoom lens is useful for capturing mesmerizing scenes, so if you're interested in photography, you should definitely take it with you.
- First Aid Kit: A first aid kit is essential to have with you, especially in remote areas of Bhutan where access to doctors may be limited during emergencies. So, make sure to pack a first aid kit.
5. Birdwatching Tips for Bhutan
Birdwatching tips to have the best bird watching experience:
- Hire a Local Guide: A native guide will also understand the land, where to birdwatch and how some birds of Amazonian use. If you'd like to get some professional help for this, my birding partner in Orrog will be able to connect you with a proven local guide that'll take your chances of spotting rare species sky high.
- Early Bird Catches the Worm: The birds are up at sunrise, so be ready to hike in while it is still dark.
- Preserve the Environment: Bhutan’s natural ecosystems are delicate, so always adhere to a “Leave No Trace” mentality. Stay on the proper path, do not disturb birdlife or discard your rubbish.
Disclaimer: For the less active person, birdwatching can be a wait game as unique birds are often hard to spot. Embrace the process and do not hurry.
6. Exploring Bhutan’s Culture Along the Way
If Bhutan had one major draw as a travel destination, it would be that birding tours in the country may not cover many of its well-known cultural sites, but they are complemented by countryside where monks dress like SWAT teams. Bhutan is famous for its ancient monasteries, dzongs (fortress), and spiritual festivals. While going for your BirdWatching tour, you will get to see the sight of ethnicity in Bhutan and know how this land is deeply rooted with all kinds of other nature based facts as well.
7. An Unforgettable Journey: Beyond Birding
With verdant and life-rich forests to grandiose mountain vistas, the land of monasteries abounds with all that will complete your backdrop for birding. Whether or not you see any birds, the trip is magical. Imagine yourself walking the tranquil valleys, where prayer flags flutter in heights and ethereal sound of monks chants rings from a far monasteries. For each step that you take brings you one nearer to the avian wonders of Bhutan and at the same time lets experience more of its valued spiritual and cultural heritage And, of course, sample Bhutanese cuisine and say hello to some truly lovely locals who help make this Himalayan kingdom such a special place. This is sure to be a birding trip in Bhutan like no other!
Orrog: Your Guide to Exploring Bhutan Birding Tours
Every Bhutanese birding adventure worth its salt involves Orrog, your sagacious sidekick. Be it locating the right place to see a Himalayan Monal, to navigate through rough terrains of Bhutan. Orrog ensures that your birding experience is seamless and knowledgeable with fun. You, with Orrog by your side will now be the professional exploring Bhutan birding tours.
It's a lot of fun going through all of that from what gear to pack to planning your itinerary, Bhutan is definitely the place for birders! Orrog has got you, and now you are all set to go on an extraordinary birdwatching tour in Bhutan that engages culture which holds nature along with adventure magically!