This flexible package is designed to suit a variety of interests and schedules. Whether you have 12 days or 22, you can tailor the journey to your preferences. This meticulously crafted itinerary provides an exceptional opportunity to delve into Bhutan's extraordinary natural beauty, with a special focus on bird watching and orchid spotting. Your journey will traverse a range of environments, from verdant lowland forests to high-altitude mountain passes, each offering unique opportunities to experience Bhutan’s diverse flora and fauna. The highest elevation reached on this trip will be up to 9000 feet, allowing for spectacular views and varied ecological experiences.
Key Highlights:
Orchid Watching: Bhutan is home to over 350 orchid species. Experience the beauty of forests filled with blooming dendrobiums and other exotic orchids.
Bird Watching: Look out for key species such as the Rufous-necked Hornbill, Satyr Tragopan, and a variety of tropical and high-altitude birds.
Destinations
Paro, Punakha, Trongsa, Zhemgang, Pemagatshel, and Samdrup Jongkhar.
Maximum Altitude
1000+m - 3,436m above sea level
Best Time to Visit Bhutan
March - May and Sept. - November
Upon your arrival in Paro, you will transfer to Punakha, a journey of approximately 4 hours. In Punakha, you will have the opportunity to explore the impressive Punakha Dzong, a fortress-monastery located at the confluence of the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu rivers. Enjoy a serene walk along the Mo Chhu river before settling into your accommodation.
Overnight:Punakha
Day 2:Transfer from Punakha to Trongsa, a drive that takes about 5 hours. Upon arrival, visit the Trongsa Dzong, a historic fortress that serves as a symbol of Bhutanese governance, and explore the Royal Heritage Museum, which offers insights into the kingdom’s royal history.
Day 3-5:Begin the Monpa trek, which will take you through diverse forests teeming with orchids and an array of bird species. This trek allows for intimate encounters with Bhutan's natural beauty and its avian residents.
Overnight:Experience camping or stay in local guesthouses along the trekking route.
Day 6:Travel from Trongsa to Tingtibi, a journey of approximately 5 hours. This route offers opportunities to spot bird species such as the Rufous-necked Hornbill and the elusive Golden Langur.
Day 7-9:Spend these days on guided walks through Tingtibi’s dense forests. Focus on observing both the abundant orchid species and the diverse birdlife, all set against the backdrop of this rich ecological zone.
Overnight:Accommodation in Tingtibi will be in a guesthouse or local lodging.
Day 10:Drive from Tingtibi to Panbang, taking around 3-4 hours. Panbang is renowned for its exceptional bird-watching opportunities.
Day 11-13: Explore the forests and rivers around Panbang. The area is known for its tropical bird species and rare orchids, providing an excellent setting for extended bird watching and orchid spotting.
Overnight:Stay in eco-lodges or local guesthouses in Panbang, ensuring a comfortable and immersive experience in nature.
Day 14:Travel from Panbang to Pemagatshel, passing through Nganglam on a journey that takes approximately 6 hours. This route offers views of high-altitude orchids and various bird species.
Day 15-16:Discover Pemagatshel’s lush forests with the help of local guides. Focus on identifying rare orchid species and observing unique birdlife.
Overnight:Stay in guesthouses or similar accommodations in Pemagatshel.
Day 17:Drive from Pemagatshel to Samdrup Jongkhar via Gomdar, a journey of about 5 hours. Keep an eye out for bird-watching opportunities along the way.
Day 18-19:Explore the areas surrounding Samdrup Jongkhar. Concentrate on spotting tropical birds and lowland orchids, immersing yourself in the rich biodiversity of this region.
Overnight:Accommodation in Samdrup Jongkhar will be in a comfortable hotel.
Activities:Return to Paro, either by flight or road. Spend the afternoon exploring the key attractions of Paro or relaxing after your journey.
Overnight:Paro
Activities:Visit the iconic Paro Taktsang, famously known as the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, perched high on a cliffside. Alternatively, explore Paro Ta-Dzong, which houses the National Museum and offers insights into Bhutanese culture and history.
Activities:Visit the iconic Paro Taktsang, famously known as the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, perched high on a cliffside. Alternatively, explore Paro Ta-Dzong, which houses the National Museum and offers insights into Bhutanese culture and history.
After breakfast, your guide and driver will transfer you to Paro International Airport for your departure. With memories of Bhutan's breath-taking orchid and bird-watching tour, you'll bid farewell to this enchanting land, carrying a piece of its serenity with you.
This itinerary serves as a general guide. It can be further customized based on the season, your interests, group size, and preferred duration of stay.
