Bhutan a biodiversity hotspot in the eastern Himalayas. Besides its breathtaking landscapes and cultural heritage, this tiny kingdom which is playfully known as the "Land of Thunder Dragon" has much to offer in terms of its avian treasure. Bhutan is a birder's haven, with more than 700 species of birds. The country again is a treasure town for birders or birding tourists — where whether you are an avid birder or occasional nature enthusiast, dozens of great nationwide and tourism birding hotspots promise some amazing experiences.
Thimphu: The Gateway to Birding in Bhutan
Birding Adventure starts here, Thimphu
Our journey started from Thimphu – the capital city of Bhutan You can walk in the forest on the urban periphery of Thimphu and come across all sizes of birds.You can start by visiting the Motithang Takin Preserve, which is just a short drive from Main city. Here you can see the grand Himalayan Monal and rare and interesting Satyr Tragopan.
The Cheri Mountain and trek to the Cheri Monastery offers sightings of Rufous-bellied Woodpeckers and Yellow-rumped Honeyguides, making it another unmissable place near Thimphu. The trail is also abundant in other wildlife, so, nature lovers have a nice time here.
Paro : A Blend of Culture and Avian Wonders
Paro, the next destination will take us to a scenic valley where we proceed for that iconic hike up till Tiger’s Nest Monastery. However, aside from its cultural appeal, Paro is a wonderful birding site. The Paro Valley, with its diverse habitats is a great place to see an Ibisbill along the river banks but also Fire-tailed Myzornis around the surrounding forests.
Chele La Pass is a not-to-miss-place in Paro, the highest motorable pass of Bhutan. The pass provides the most picturesque snow peaks on this trek and is home for high altitude birds including Blood Pheasant & Himalayan Griffon. Heading there in the early hours is always great for bird-watching.
Punakha: The Avian Jewel of Bhutan
Further east is Punakha, location of some fascinating history and one of the best natural beauty spots. The meeting point of rivers Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu, is abundant in birdlife. Punakha Dzong: Packed with lush surrounding green forests, Punakha is one of the most beautiful dzongs in Bhutan where you will watch White-bellied Herons and Pallas's Fish Eagles.
Jigme Dorji National Park — notably one of the best birding spots in the world itself and extends to Punakha region. The varied ecologies of the park are home to numerous species, including endemics like Ward's Trogon and Black-necked Crane. The best time of year to visit Punakha is actually during the winter when migrating Black-necked Cranes from the Tibetan Plateau have settled for grazing in town.
Phobjikha Valley: The Cradle of Black-necked Cranes
Phobjikha valley is undoubtedly the most famous birding destination of Bhutan, as this is home to Black-necked Crane. These elegant birds make their winter home in this glacial valley with the long range view and the peace of spirit. The ancient Gangtey Monastery looking down from a hilltop in Thimphu forested valley serves as a vantage point for birders.
Although somewhat remote, the Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN) has developed a visitor centre in Phobjikha which will give you a lot more information about cranes and conservation work going on there. Besides cranes, the valley here is rich in some other bird species like Spotted Laughingthrush and Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrush.
Bumthang: The Heart of Bhutan’s Birding Trails
Further to the east, Bumthang is a region commonly celebrated as The heart of culture in Bhutan. The destination is one of the best birding paradises in Bumthang with variations from thick forests to alpine meadows. The Thangbi Valley, and the Ura Valley are especially notable.
Beautiful Nuthatch can be seen and this specialization of Bumthang is quite rare making these birds very much in demand for birders. In addition to the Himalayan Wood Owl and Eurasian Wren. Birdwatching is a very peaceful experience here with little to no disturbances from the crowds.
Mongar and Trashigang: The Eastern Birding Frontier
Further east we find more birding in and around Mongar & Trashigang districts. These forests are relatively unexplored and thus offer an alluring taste of the unknown. One of these, the Lingmethang Road linking the two regions is famous among birders for its diverse birdlife. At this location, travelers may be able to glimpse birds such as the Rufous-necked Hornbills and Ward's Trogon. Seventy percent of such birds can be seen in eastern Bhutan and the Yongkola area is a hub for birdwatching due to its rich diversity, especially near Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary.
Tingtibi: Off the Beaten Path
Kangkarbugla (also known as Tingtibi), located in central Bhutan, is a treasure trove that has experienced little birding pressure. A wide variety of birds is found in the lowland forests, including Rufous-throated Wren-Babbler and White-gorgeted Flycatcher. The Birds Tingtibi and its isolation keeps the wildlife, which is free to roam, so there are less tourists around to get close up encounters with birds. The friendly and well informed local communities further enhance the appeal of birdwatching in Tingtibi.
Conclusion: A Journey Beyond Birds
Bhutan birding is more than just about discovering the rarer and exotic birds of Bhutan; it's a converging point where cultural richness, natural wonderment and peaceful balance feed on with each other. Bhutan has unique landscapes, very modest population and tranquil atmosphere that have made this place exclusive for birdwatchers. From exploring the best birding spots in Bhutan to participating in guided Bhutan bird watching tours, every moment will imprint into your soul forever. Pack your field glasses , put on those trekking boots and walk right into the birders paradise in this magical kingdom of Bhutan.