Birding Tour Bhutan: Bhutan in Fall

The Kingdom of Bhutan, known as “the Kingdom in the Clouds” and “the Land of the Thunder Dragon”, is a quaint, quiet, and scenically spectacular country with a strong conservation ethic rooted in ancient Buddhist traditions. Furthermore, the people are extremely friendly, there are many environmental protection laws, and the air and water are clean and refreshing. There is nothing quite like experiencing Bhutan firsthand, and we look forward to welcoming you onto this short fall/autumn tour.

Himalayan Monal is one of the world’s most coveted birds and one of our main targets on this exciting tour.

Swathes of unspoiled forest still cloak the Himalayan foothills that cover much of Bhutan. On clear autumn days we can enjoy breathtaking vistas of snow-capped peaks and astonishing architecture while searching for a suite of sought-after birds. November is a particularly good month for birds that are often missed on spring birding tours to this country – notably Black-necked Crane and the Critically Endangered (IUCN) White-bellied Heron – an enigmatic denizen of pristine mountain streams. Additionally, dazzling Himalayan Monals gather to feed in suitable areas, putting on the most spectacular of shows! We begin our tour with our arrival in Paro in the west. We’ll then gradually make our way eastward through a range of habitats, including pine and spruce forests, bamboo, alpine scrub and valleys with fast-flowing rivers, to name but a few, before concluding the tour back in Paro, where we started.

Ibisbills are common along the rivers at certain altitudes in Bhutan, and, remarkably, it is often the first bird seen in Bhutan!

Birding Bhutan in November also means being treated to abundant and fabulously exciting mixed flocks that contain the likes of laughingthrushes, yuhinas, fulvettas, and other incredible Oriental bird groups. Additionally, we expect to find several fabled Eastern Himalayan birds that can be encountered year-round, such as the gorgeous Ward’s Trogon, the petite Fire-tailed Myzornis, the scarce Yellow-rumped Honeyguide, and vivid pheasants, including the aptly named Blood Pheasant. There is also a chance to see the striking Satyr Tragopan. Note, however, that these species are typically easier to see on our spring Bhutan Tour (where you may also see other sought-after specials, like Beautiful Nuthatch and Rufous-necked Hornbill). Other highlights of this fall/autumn tour include a trio of monotypic specials in Ibisbill, Wallcreeper, and Spotted Elachura, along with spectacular sunbirds, parrotbills, and striking and gorgeous forktails along the fast-flowing rivers – plus a plethora of other tantalizing jewels. As if the avian delights on this tour weren’t enough, beautifully crafted dzongs (the word means “fortress”, but these days they serve primarily as monasteries) and temples, such as the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery, dot the awe-inspiring landscapes.

Bhutan is full of scarce birds – this Yellow-rumped Honeyguide is yet another one!