Bhutan: Birding the Himalayas April 17—May 2, 2018 with Elissa Landre
Tiger’s Nest, by Azkin
Bhutan maintains a forest cover of 72% of its total area as one of the four pillars of Gross National Happiness: measures of environmental and spiritual health and well-being. This dedication to environmental conservation has made Bhutan a paradise for birds and birders.
Bhutan is home to many critically endangered birds, such as the White-bellied Heron and the Black- Necked Crane. Bhutan has over 721 recorded bird species, and that number grows each year through the efforts of local and international birders.
We’ll journey to the heartland of Bhutan – remote, off-the-beaten-track locations – to experience the best birding opportunities this mountain kingdom has to offer. The tour concludes with a hike to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, a site sacred to millions of Buddhists around the world.
Mass Audubon Travel || massaudubon.org/travel || [email protected] || 800.289.9504 Bhutan: Apr17–May 2, 2018
Detailed Itinerary
White-capped Water-redstart by Ajith U
DAY 1 – APRIL 17: ARRIVE IN PARO, BHUTAN
Flying into Paro, weather permitting, you’ll get your first views of the spectacular Everest and Kanchenjunga mountains. We’ll stay at Bhutan’s first five-star lodging, the Zhiwa Ling, which has been chosen as a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World.
Today’s target birds include the Ibisbill, Brown Dipper, White-capped and Plumbeous Water-redstart, Speckled Wood Pigeon, River Lapwing, White-capped Water-Redstart, Hodgson’s Redstart, and Black- tailed Crake. In the evening, we’ll gather to review the birds seen that day and the rest of the itinerary.
Overnight: Zhiwa Ling Hotel (www.zhiwaling.com) (L,D)
DAY 2 – APRIL 18: BIRDING THE CHELE LA REGION
We begin the day early and head to the Chele La Pass: a hotspot for birders. Amidst the varying elevation and forest cover, we’ll search for members of the pheasant family (the highly-endangered Himalayan Monal, Blood and Kalij Pheasants, and the Satyr Tragopan); six species of tits (Grey Crested, Coal, Rufous-vented, Green-backed, Yellow-browed, and Black-throated); three laughingthrushes (Spotted, Black-faced, and Chestnut-crowned); White-winged and Collared Grosbeaks; Himalayan White-browed and Dark-rumped Rosefinches; Himalayan Bluetail; White-browed Bush Robin; Snow Pigeon; Alpine Accentor; and Darjeeling and Rufous-bellied Woodpeckers.
Bhutan: Apr17–May 2, 2018
Himalayan Griffons, by Gail Hampshire
Besides birds, wildlife in these area include the Himalayan Black Bear, deer, wild boar, Muntjacs, and mountain goats. Himalayan Griffons can sometimes be seen circling the skies.
Our meals on all the trips will be catered and picnic tables will be set up to help us conserve time and maximize our birding opportunities.
Overnight: Zhiwa Ling Hotel (B,L,D)
DAY 3 – APRIL 19: DRIVE TO PUNAKHA
In the morning, we’ll drive to Punakha, the old capital of Bhutan. After crossing Thimphu, we’ll go through beautiful Dochula Pass at 10,000 feet. The view is especially scenic on clear, days with snowcapped mountains forming a majestic backdrop to the charming chortens gracing the mountain pass. We’ll visit the temple dedicated to the Divine Madman—Drukpa Kunley. The hike to the monastery, Chimi Lhakhang, takes about an hour up and about 40 minutes back down. The trail Ibisbill, by Francesco Veronesi is relatively easy, through rolling fields.
After lunch, we’ll head to the Pho Chu river basin in pursuit of the critically endangered White-bellied Heron. Birding around the valley of Punakha, our target birds for the next two days will be the Tawny Fish Owl, Slender-billed Oriole, Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babbler, Rufous-chinned Laughingthrush, Grey- sided Laughingthrush, River Lapwing, Ibisbill, Bay Woodpecker, and Pallas’s Fish Eagle.
Overnight: Meri Puensum Hotel (www.meripuensum.bt) (B,L,D) Bhutan: Apr17–May 2, 2018
DAY 4—APRIL 20: BIRDING IN PUNAKHA
This morning we’ll hike to the Khamsum Yueley Chorten built and dedicated to the current king of Bhutan by his mother. We’ll bird our way up and back, anticipating an approximate two hours round-trip. Then we’ll head to the Tashithang area to bird before visiting the magnificent Punakha Dzong.
We may return to the Pho Chu River if yesterday we did not successfully locate and observe the White-bellied Heron.
Overnight: Meri Puensum Hotel (B,L,D)
DAY 5—APRIL 21: DRIVE TO TRONGSA
Today’s drive will take us to the central district of Bhutan. The Black Mountain Range divides the country into two parts. Along the way we’ll look for the Great Parrotbill, Golden Bush Robin, White- winged and Collared Grosbeaks, as well as pheasants.
Mrs. Gould’s Sunbird, by Jason Thompson
We’ll arrive in Trongsa just in time for dinner and to check into our hotel, which provides great views of the rushing Mangde Chhu River and the Trongsa Dzong fortress, the largest in the country.
Overnight: Yangkhil Hotel (http://www.yangkhil.bt) (B,L,D)
DAY 6—APRIL 22: DRIVE TO BUMTHANG
We’ll visit the Trongsa Museum this morning dedicated to the monarchy of Bhutan. Five kings have ruled this kingdom—the current heir to the throne was born in 2016. We’ll bird along on the way in the Yutongla Pass and Chumey area, looking for the Brown Parrotbill, Himalayan Beautiful Rosefinch, Slender billed Scimitar Babbler, Brown Parrotbill, Great Parrotbill, Fire-tailed Myzornis, Fire-tailed Sunbird, Mrs. Gould's Sunbird, Green-tailed Sunbird, White-browed Fulvetta, Bar-throated (or Chestnut- tailed) Minia, Rufous-vented Yuhina.
Very rarely, Red Panda have been spotted in this area, so we’ll keep our fingers crossed.
Overnight: Rinchenling Lodge (www.rinchenling.com) (B,L,D)
Bhutan: Apr17–May 2, 2018
DAY 7—APRIL 23: DRIVE TO YONGKALA
Today will be the longest drive of our trip with limited opportunities for birding. The long journey will, however, have a wondrous pay-off as Yongkala is a birder’s dream. We’re likely to spot more birds per hour here than anywhere else. We’ll arrive at camp around nightfall. Our camp will be set in a meadow and will have basic amenities including showers. Tents will be walk-in tents with cots, and sleeping bags will be provided. Electricity is not guaranteed as it is provided by local houses. We recommend you charge appliances the previous night.
Overnight: a meadow (B,L,D)
Meadow camp, by Karen O’Neill
DAYS 8 TO 9—APRIL 24 TO 25: BIRDING THE LIMITHANG UPPER AND LOWER ROAD AT YONGKALA
Our quest will begin in the early morning from camp to the nearby hotspots. Target birds in the area include the rare Ward’s Tragopan, the endangered Rufous-necked Hornbill, Golden-breasted and Yellow- throated Fulvettas, Rufous-throated Wren-Babbler, Lesser Yellownape, Crimson-breasted Woodpecker, Asian Emerald Cuckoo, Grey-cheeked Warbler, Greater Rufous-headed and Black-throated Parrotbill, Long-tailed Broadbill , Streak-breasted Scimitar Babbler, Pygmy Wren-babbler, Long-billed Wren- babbler, Sikkim Wedge-billed Babbler, Slaty-bellied Tesia, Grey-bellied Tesia, White-browed Shortwing, Pygmy Flycatcher, Golden-breasted Fulvetta, Slender-billed Scimitar Babbler, Himalayan Cutia, and the highly prized Beautiful Nuthatch.
Overnight: a meadow (B,L,D) Bhutan: Apr17–May 2, 2018
DAYS 10 TO 11—APRIL 26 TO 27: DRIVE TO SENGOR AND BIRDING
Heading to higher altitudes, we’ll search for a different group of birds including Black-faced, Chestnut- crowned and Spotted Laughingthrushes, Rusty-flanked Treecreeper, Red Crossbill, Plain-backed Thrush, Green Shrike-Babbler, Spotted Nutcracker, Golden-naped Finch, Scaly-breasted Wren-babbler and White- browed Shortwing, Chestnut-headed Tesia and the Bar-winged Wren-babbler, Slender-billed Scimitar Babbler, and notably, Satyr Tragopan. The Bhutan government chose to keep the roads narrow in this area to protect the habitat of the special birds here. Our camp crew will bring us our meals if needed so we can maximize our birding time.
Overnight: a meadow (B,L,D)
DAY 12—APRIL 28: DRIVE TO URA AND ATTEND URA FESTIVAL
Plumbeous Water-redstart, by G. Cushman
Today, we’ll join hundreds of Bhutanese at a community festival in Ura. The focal point of the festival is a series of prayers and dances inspired by religious themes. Dancers in spectacular costumes perform tightly choreographed moves accompanied by drums, horns and cymbals. In the background, chanting rises and falls.
If we are lucky we’ll witness the yak dance, dedicated to the deities that protect the cattle. The festival is a beloved celebration for the Bhutanese to dress up in their finery, eat, drink, and make merry. The overall atmosphere is a rarified blend of devotion, conviviality and slight bawdiness. We’ll take our leave in the evening to drive to our hotel in the Chamkhar Valley.
Overnight: Rinchenling Lodge (B,L,D)
Bhutan: Apr17–May 2, 2018
DAY 13—APRIL 29: DAY DRIVE TO TANG VALLEY AND BIRDING
Tang Valley is known as a region for growing buckwheat: unsurprisingly, buckwheat noodles are a local delicacy here.
The palace of Ogyen sits on a hill that resembles an elephant. Its descendants were religious nobilities who played significant role in medieval Bhutan. Currently the manor house is a private museum.
Our target birds in the valley today include Brown Dipper, Plumbeous Water Redstart, White-capped Water Redstart, Blue-fronted Redstart and Snow Pigeon, Blue Whistling Thrush, White-throated Laughingthrush, Yellow-billed Blue Magpie, Large-billed Magpie, and Red-billed Chough,
In the afternoon, we’ll have the option to visit a local school. In Bhutanese schools, all students are taught in English, so it’s always a thrill to interact with native English speakers.
Overnight: Rinchenling Lodge (B,L,D)
DAY 14: APRIL 30TH - MOUNTAIN FLIGHT TO PARO
Today we’ll fly back to Paro. Weather permitting, we should be able to see the eastern Himalaya range with views of Mt. Gangkar Puensum, the highest unclimbed mountain in Bhutan (24,800 ft), Mt. Jichu Drake (22,273 ft), and Mt. Jumolhari (24,035 ft), among others.
We’ll spend the afternoon looking for any target birds missed at the beginning of the trip. If the group prefers, we can discuss alternate activities such as visiting museums or other places of interest. Yellow-billed Blue Magpie, by Lip Kee Yap Overnight: Zhiwa Ling Hotel (B,L,D)
DAY 15: MAY 1ST – TAKTSANG/TIGER’S NEST EXCURSION
After breakfast, we’ll start our hike to Tiger's Nest. This serene monastery clings to a steep granite cliff about 700 meters above the valley floor. Legend has it that the Guru Padmasambhava flew to this rocky crag on the back of a tiger in the 8th century to meditate. This is one of the most revered Buddhist sites— thousands of pilgrims travel here each year from all over the world.
Our hike will be about 4 hours at a leisurely pace, taking our time to enjoy our last day in this magical Himalayan kingdom.
In the afternoon, you are free to pursue your own interests, including experiencing the hotel’s hot stone baths and spa, or heading into town to buy some final gifts for family and friends back home.
Overnight Zhiwa Ling Hotel (B,L,D)
Bhutan: Apr17–May 2, 2018
DAY 16: MAY 2ND DEPART BHUTAN
We’ll depart this morning to catch our flights home, filled with a lifetime of memories.
Bhutan bumper sticker, by Karen O’Neill
PHOTO CREDITS: All photos, other than those by Karen O’Neill and G. Cushman, are CC by 2.0 licensed, via Flickr. Each of these photos has been modified for basic lighting/contrast levels as well as cropped for formatting needs.
About Your Mass Audubon Guide
Elissa Landre is Sanctuary Director of Mass Audubon’s Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary. She has led tours in Belize, Hawaii, Trinidad, and Tobago, Costa Rica, Hawaii, Ecuador, and Mexico.
She has consulted on interpretation, guide training, and marketing for ecotourism at national parks in Bolivia and Poland, holds a master’s degree in biology, runs a bird- banding station at Broadmoor, and is a past president of the Association of Field Ornithologists.
On tours, she likes to explore how protected conservation land is managed for birds and native plants.
Bhutan: Apr17–May 2, 2018
Price, Terms and Conditions
Tour Price UPDATE: US$8900 per person, double occupancy. Single supplement, US$2995 (there is only 1 single room available). Minimum number of travelers for this pricing: 8. Maximum group size is 14. (If the minimum group size is not met, there may be a small surcharge added.)
Price includes: All meals and accommodations as shown in the itinerary Services of Mass Audubon naturalist leader, Elissa Landre Services of Bhutanese trip leader, drivers, local guides, trackers, camp staff All sightseeing, events, and visits as noted in the itinerary All entrance fees, service charges, and standard taxes Bottled water at included meals and while sightseeing Bhutan visa authorization fees Extensive trip preparation notes and bird checklist Emergency evacuation services up to $300,000, secondary medical expense insurance up to $50K (restrictions apply and a description is available upon request). All ground transportation within Bhutan (not including flights) All tips and gratuities for drivers, porters, and guides (with minimum of 8 travelers)
Price excludes: Round trip International airfare Flights within Bhutan (Our operator will book flights from Bangkok* to Paro, Paro to Bumthang, and then Paro back to Bangkok for $1050). *Other gateway cities are also available Passport and visa fees (except for Bhutan as noted above) Travel insurance Airport taxes; excess baggage charges, VAT charges Items of a personal nature, including alcoholic beverages, laundry, and telephone calls; other items not specifically mentioned as included. Changes incurred as a result of delays beyond the control of Mass Audubon or GeoEx
APPLICATIONS, RESERVATIONS, DEPOSITS: Early applications are strongly encouraged. Trip rosters usually must be finalized 4 months before departure. All applications must be accompanied by a completed reservation form and $1000 deposit. Deposits can be by check or credit card (Visa or MasterCard). We reserve the right to decline your application. In the case of questionable health, we reserve the right to require a physician’s certification to affirm you are capable of the activities. Final payment is due 90 days before the departure date. Final payment must be by check or money order.
RATES: All tour prices are based on double occupancy. If you would like us to find you a roommate, we will do our best, but cannot guarantee a share. If we cannot find a share, you will need to pay the single supplement. All forms and fares are accurate at the time of publication (June 2017) but are subject to change at any time prior to departure. It is our policy to only pass on the actual amount of any increases in airfares or land costs such as those increases due to the devaluation of the dollar. Rarely, a price increase may be called for if the group falls below the minimum, as listed in the itinerary.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: A U.S. passport valid for at least six months beyond the trip’s departure date is required as well as a Bhutan visa
FLIGHTS: You, the traveler, are responsible for booking and paying for your own international flights. Once we reach the minimum of 8 travelers, we will provide you with suggested flights. (Our operator will book flights from Bangkok* to Paro, Paro to Bumthang, and then Paro back to Bangkok for $1050). *Other gateway cities are also available. Bhutan: Apr17–May 2, 2018
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Cancellations received up to 121 days prior to departure will be refunded deposits less a $300 per person fee. Cancellations between 120 and 90 days prior to departure, all deposits are forfeit, but any balance paid beyond that is refundable. There are no refunds of any kind for cancellations 90 days or less from departure.
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Bhutan: Apr17–May 2, 2018
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Bhutan: Apr17–May 2, 2018
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