ThimphuPunakhaPhobjikha (Gangtey)+3
Birds of Western & Central Bhutan
Ibisbill on the Punakha river, cranes in Phobjikha and pheasants on the passes.
Eastern Bhutan Birding Expedition
Focus on the Lingmethang road below Thrumshing La, one of Asia's richest birding routes.
- Duration14 days · 13 nights
- ActivityEasy
- Best timeMar – May, Sep – Dec
- GroupPrivate trip, any group size
This 14-day journey takes in Thimphu, Punakha, Trongsa, Bumthang, Mongar, Trashigang and Paro. Every day is planned so you have time to look properly, eat well and talk to people — not just tick off sights.
Like all our trips it is private and fully flexible: change the hotels, add a night, swap a sight or combine it with a festival. Ask for a quote and a planner will tailor it to your dates and group.
Highlights
- Buddha Dordenma
- National Memorial Chorten
- Punakha Dzong
- Trongsa Dzong
- Starts
- Paro International Airport
- Ends
- Paro International Airport
Day by day
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Fly into Paro. The descent between forested ridges is one of the most memorable landings anywhere, and on a clear day flights from Delhi or Kathmandu pass close to Everest and Kanchenjunga. Your Jash guide and driver meet you outside arrivals with a traditional white scarf.
The road follows the Paro Chhu to Chuzom, where three chortens in Bhutanese, Tibetan and Nepali style mark the river confluence, then climbs gently into the Thimphu valley.
Drive up to Buddha Dordenma at Kuensel Phodrang, a gilded bronze Buddha over 50 metres tall that looks down the length of the valley. Join residents circling the National Memorial Chorten, where older Bhutanese spin prayer wheels and count beads from first light.
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Climb to Dochula pass (3,100 m), crowned with 108 memorial chortens; on clear days from October to February the high Himalaya lines the northern skyline. Then drop through rhododendron forest into the warm Punakha valley.
An early start with your birding guide to catch the morning activity in the forest and along the river; the rest of the day mixes birding with short visits.
Explore Punakha Dzong, set at the meeting of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu; its courtyards, carved woodwork and murals are among the finest in the country.
-
Cross Pele La (3,420 m), watching for yaks in the high pastures, and stop at Chendebji Chorten before the first sight of Trongsa Dzong across the gorge.
Explore Trongsa Dzong, the largest fortress in the country, a maze of courtyards and passageways stepping down the hillside.
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Climb over Yotong La (3,425 m) and descend into Chumey, the first of the Bumthang valleys, known for its yathra woollen weaving.
Visit Jambay Lhakhang, believed to be one of 108 temples built in a single day in the 7th century.
-
Cross Thrumshing La (3,780 m), the highest pass on the national highway, then descend almost 3,000 m through cloud forest famous for birdlife to the town of Mongar.
An early start with your birding guide to catch the morning activity in the forest and along the river; the rest of the day mixes birding with short visits.
Visit Mongar Dzong, built in the 1950s without drawings or nails, following the old building traditions.
-
An early start with your birding guide to catch the morning activity in the forest and along the river; the rest of the day mixes birding with short visits.
Walk to Yakgang Lhakhang, a temple founded by a son of Pema Lingpa, with rare statues and relics.
-
Cross Kori La and descend through cornfields and pine to the Drangme Chhu, then follow the river to Trashigang.
See Trashigang Dzong, perched on a spur above the Drangme Chhu with steep drops on three sides.
-
Cross Kori La and descend through cornfields and pine to the Drangme Chhu, then follow the river to Trashigang.
-
Cross Thrumshing La (3,780 m), the highest pass on the national highway, then descend almost 3,000 m through cloud forest famous for birdlife to the town of Mongar.
See Kurjey Lhakhang, where Guru Rinpoche is said to have left his body print in the rock while meditating.
-
Climb over Yotong La (3,425 m) and descend into Chumey, the first of the Bumthang valleys, known for its yathra woollen weaving.
An early start with your birding guide to catch the morning activity in the forest and along the river; the rest of the day mixes birding with short visits.
See the Royal Heritage Museum inside the old watchtower, which tells the story of the Wangchuck dynasty.
-
Cross Pele La (3,420 m), watching for yaks in the high pastures, and stop at Chendebji Chorten before the first sight of Trongsa Dzong across the gorge.
Walk across rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of Lama Drukpa Kunley, the Divine Madman, where couples come to pray for children.
-
Climb to Dochula pass (3,100 m), crowned with 108 memorial chortens; on clear days from October to February the high Himalaya lines the northern skyline. Then drop through rhododendron forest into the warm Punakha valley.
Visit Tashichho Dzong, seat of the government and the summer home of the central monk body, in the soft evening light when it opens to visitors.
-
The road follows the Paro Chhu to Chuzom, where three chortens in Bhutanese, Tibetan and Nepali style mark the river confluence, then climbs gently into the Thimphu valley.
Walk up through the covered cantilever bridge to Rinpung Dzong, the “fortress on a heap of jewels”, whose courtyards still hold the district monk body and offices.
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After breakfast your guide drives you to Paro airport for your onward flight. Tashi delek — until next time.
Where you could stay
Choose a hotel category when you ask for a quote — we can also mix categories or suggest alternatives.
| Place | Standard ★★★ | Deluxe ★★★★ | Luxury ★★★★★ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thimphu | Hotel Thimphu Tower | Terma Linca Resort & Spa | Amankora Thimphu |
| Punakha | Zhingkham Resort | RKPO Green Resort | Amankora Punakha |
| Trongsa | Yangkhil Resort | Yangkhil Resort | On request |
| Bumthang | Jakar Village Lodge | Yugharling Resort & Spa | Amankora Bumthang |
| Mongar | Trogon Villa | Trogon Villa | On request |
| Trashigang | Druk Deothjung Resort | Druk Deothjung Resort | On request |
| Paro | Hotel Gangtey Palace | Naksel Boutique Hotel & Spa | Amankora Paro |
Included
- Bhutan visa processing (visa fee included)
- Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) for each night in Bhutan
- All route and entry permits
- Accommodation on twin or double sharing in your chosen hotel category
- All meals while in Bhutan
- Private licensed English-speaking guide
- Private vehicle with driver for all transfers and sightseeing
- Entrance fees to monuments in the itinerary
- Bottled drinking water during drives
- Airport or border pick-up and drop
Not included
- International or domestic flights (we can book these for you)
- Travel insurance
- Drinks, laundry, phone and other personal expenses
- Single-room supplement and hotel upgrades
- Optional activities (rafting, cycling, helicopter flights) unless stated
- Tips for guide and driver
- Anything not listed under Included
Booking terms
- Rates depend on travel dates, hotel category and group size; your quote is valid for 14 days.
- Full payment is required before the visa or entry permit is lodged.
- Festival periods may carry a hotel surcharge.
- Hotel rooms are subject to availability at the time of confirmation.
- Passports must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure from Bhutan.
- Cancellation charges follow our booking conditions, shared with your quote.
Questions
Why is there no price on this page?
Costs in Bhutan depend on season, hotel category, group size and the daily Sustainable Development Fee, so we prepare every quote for your actual dates. Send your details and we will reply within one working day.
Can I change this itinerary?
Yes. Every trip is private, so you can add or remove days, change hotels, include a festival or combine it with another region.
Do you arrange the visa?
Yes. Once the trip is confirmed and paid, we apply for your Bhutan visa online; you receive the approval letter by email before you fly.
How fit do I need to be?
Most days involve light walking around temples and towns. The Tiger's Nest hike is the most demanding part; ponies can help with the first half.
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