12 Days Birdwatching Travel Plan

Beyond Satsam Chorten, we hike up to the Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest). The 1.5-hour hike to the cafeteria is also a vantage view whereby you can enjoy the stunning view of the monastery. Prayer flags adorn the cliffs and this is also where Guru Padmasambhava landed on the back of a tigress in the 8th century. After a sumptuous local lunch, we will retrace our steps to visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan.

Thimphu was established as the modern Capital of Bhutan only in 1965. It is only one of two capitals in the world that does not have traffic lights. As one of the unique capital in the world, Thimphu has beautiful balance of pristine natural environment, cultural heritage and modern development.

After breakfast we will go to for money exchange (if required) in the Bank and then we will commence tour of Thimphu. We will then visit places of interest that are as listed below as time permits:

Simthokha Dzong: The Simtoka Dzong, built in 1629 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, functions as a monastic and administrative center and is the oldest dzong which has survived in its original form.
National Library: The National Library was established in the late 1960s and it houses an extensive collection of Buddhist literature mostly in block-printed format and some works are several hundred years old. There is also a small collection of books in English on the ground floor mainly on Buddhism, Bhutan, the Himalayan region and neighboring countries.
The Textile Museum: These museums, both of which opened in 2001, provide fascinating insights into Bhutanese material culture and way of life and is a ‘must see’ when in Thimphu.
Simply Bhutan: Simply Bhutan is a living museum and photo studio that gives a good guided introduction to various aspects of Bhutanese traditional lives and the project is aimed at preservation and promotion of cultural. It was established in the year 2010. The objective is to raise fund to support Youth Development Fund in conducting various youth related programs, now and in future. Visitors are greeted with a shot of local arra (rice spirit), before being guided through mocked-up village scenes. Along the way, you can dress up in traditional clothes, try out archery and hear songs sung by Bhutanese women as they build houses out of rammed earth. It’s touristy, but a good family experience. There are also souvenir stalls, and a restaurant serving best Bhutanese set meals.
National Institute for Zorig Chusum: This institute, commonly known as ‘the painting school’, operates four- to six-year courses that provide instruction in Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts. Students specialise in painting (of both furniture and thangkas – painted religious pictures, usually on canvas), woodcarving (masks, statues, bowls), embroidery (hangings, boots, clothes) or statue-making (clay). Students are well used to having visitors while they work and it’s fine to take photos.
Mini Zoo: This Zoo houses the National Animal of Bhutan – the “Takin “. It’s worthwhile taking the time to see these strange, quite unique animals.
Craft Bazar/ Mark: A one stop place to witness Bhutanese culture and buy Bhutan made arts and crafts product. The Bazar has approximately 80 stalls covering all aspects of the traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. At this Bazzar, craftsmen and artisans from across the county display and sell their handicrafts.

Dochula Pass – the 108 chortens was built by the present Queen Mother of Bhutan Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over indian militants and to liberate the souls of the souls lost. In this area you may see Satyr Tragopan, Spotted Nutcracker, Large Hawk Cuckoo, Darjeeling Woodpecker, Yellow billed Magpie, Chest Tailed Minla, Collard Blackbird, Ultramarine Flycatcher, Brown Bullfinch, etc. Built in 1637, Punakha Dzong continues to be the winter home for the clergy, headed by the Chief Abbott, the Je Khenpo. It is a stunning example of Bhutanese architecture, sitting at the fork of two rivers, portraying the image of a medieval city from a distance. The dzong was destroyed by fire and glacial floods over the years but has been carefully restored and is, today, a fine example of Bhutanese craftsmanship.

Dochula Pass – The 108 chortens was built by the present Queen Mother of Bhutan Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over Indian militants and to liberate the souls of the soldiers lost.

Chimmi Lhakhang – The divine madman also known, as Drukpa Kinley is a famous teacher with whom the phallic symbol is associated.

Punakha Dzong – Built in 1637, the dzong continues to be the winter home for the clergy, headed by the Chief Abbott, the Je Khenpo. It is a stunning example of Bhutanese architecture, sitting at the fork of two rivers, portraying the image of a medieval city from a distance. The dzong was destroyed by fire and glacial floods over the years but has been carefully restored and is, today, a fine example of Bhutanese craftsmanship.

In the morning, drive to Gangtey via Wangdue, one of the major towns and district headquarters of Western Bhutan. We then climb steadily passing through semi-tropical vegetation and then finally onto Phobjikha valley (3,100 m) with an alpine environment of rhododendrons and dwarf bamboo. Afternoon walks into the habitat of cranes, and studies the cranes and also visits the crane centre situated in the heart of the valley.

Early morning studies the behavior of the cranes and other birds inhabited in the region and then drive to Trongsa over the Pelela pass (3,300m) and enroute visit Chendebji Chorten, passing through warm/cold broad-leaved and coniferous forests. You may see Mountain Bulbul, Striated Bulbul, common Kestrel, Spot-winged Grosbeak, Mountain Hawk Eagle, ward’s Trogon, Satyr Tragopan, Whiskered Yuhina, Wall Creeper, Himalayan Swiftlet, Himalayan Monal Pheasant, Blood Pheasant, Snow Pigeon, Cross bills, Fire-tailed Sun bird, Plain Mountain Finch, etc.

Morning drive towards the south of Trongsa in to the valley of Tingtibi and birding to Yeshi Zam, best place for spotting Yellow-rumped honey guide. Birding in cold broad-leaved forests. Birding in Namling areas. These areas possess best-unexplored forest in Bhutan. You may see ward’s Trogon, Satyr Tragopan, Grey chinned Minivet, Chestnut breasted Partridge, Striated Laughing thrust, etc.

Today birding in warm broad-leaved forests. You will see Rufous-necked hornbill, Blue throated bee-eater, Maroon Oriole, Racket tailed Drongo, Red headed Trogon, Grey Treepie, Grey Nightjar, Hill Prinia, Asian Emerald Cuckoo, Great hornbill, etc.

Morning drive towards the south of Trongsa in to the valley of Tingtibi and birding to Yeshi Zam, best place for spotting Yellow-rumped honey guide. Birding in cold broad-leaved forests. Birding in Namling areas. These areas possess best-unexplored forest in Bhutan. You may see ward’s Trogon, Satyr Tragopan, Grey chinned Minivet, Chestnut breasted Partridge, Striated Laughing thrust, etc.

Early morning drive to Thimphu over the Pelela and Dochula pass and enroute visit Wangdue Dzong. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Today we will bid fond farewell to this beautiful Himalayan country and take an early flight back to Singapore. We hope by now you would have made some friends and also kept many photos and beautiful memories of Bhutan! And we look forward to seeing you again in this beautiful land of endless Enchantments! Tashi Delek!