Targeting the Thai market

Targeting the Thai market

As per the PM’s directions, tour operators are preparing packages for the lean season 

Tourism: Following the prime minister’s instructions, tour operators and hoteliers in the country have begun working on developing packages to attract Thai tourists during the leaner months of June, July, and August this year.

Some tour operators have already set targets and started appointing marketing representatives in Thailand, while hoteliers are working out discounts they could offer besides Thai specific services.

Last month, lyonchhoen instructed the tour operators to develop packages to attract Thai to commemorate Bhutan’s 25 years of diplomatic relation with Thailand.  The initiative was also expected to help promote tourism during lean seasons and make Bhutan an all year round tourist destination.

The target is to bring in 3,000 to 4,000 Thai tourists in June, July and August this year.  The least visited months of June, July and August in 2012 saw 6,580 tourists, while 3,229 visited Bhutan in January and February.

Tour operators said, although they have just about three months to market, the proximity with Thailand didn’t require much preparation.

“We have to try our best to bring in more Thai tourists,” a tour operator said. “It means competition, unlike the peak season, when we have the protective tariff where our cut is already included.”

Being a new initiative, another tour operator said they have to bring down their profit margins. “The amount of profit will depend on our bargaining power with hotels, guides and transporters.”

But despite the short notice, many tour operators appreciated the initiative, as it would help everyone in tourism to upgrade their services.

For instance, it would help hotels recruit permanent staff even during lean seasons.

“We’re hoping the initiative would help take the weight off the peak season, during which we lack capacity,” said another tour operator, whose agency is targeting 600 Thai tourists.

Hoteliers are working out room charges, depending on the number of tourists tour operators bring in.  All tourists are required to be provided accommodation in hotels rated three-stars and above.

A three star hotel in Thimphu charges Nu 3,000 to 4,000 a night, depending on the facilities.

One of the hoteliers in Thimphu said he would be able to give up to 30 percent discounts during the lean months for Thai tourists. “It’s a good initiative and our business depends on how many tourists we’re able to attract,” he said, adding they were hopeful that the initiative works, so that there is something to look forward to during leaner months.

An official from Zhiwaling hotel said they were preparing for Thai tourists with certain products. “We’re planning to hire a Thai chef, besides providing a lean season discount of about 25 percent,” the official said.

There are 75 tourist standard hotels in the country categorised three-star and above.  Paro has the highest number of hotels, resorts and guesthouse at 37, followed by Thimphu and Bumthang with 27 and 23 each.  Another 63 are currently under construction, records with TCB show.

The association of Bhutanese tour operators’ president, Karma Lotey, said, more than 30 tour operators have signed up with the tourism council to attend a travel fair in Bangkok.

The national airlines, Drukair, is also exploring off-season discounts of more than 30 percent.

Drukair’s chief executive officer, Tandin Jamso, said they would provide a discount of more than 30 percent from June to August to attract Thai tourists. “In collaboration with local tour operators, packages are also being developed.”

Today, the airfare for foreigners for the Bangkok-Paro sector, inclusive of taxes, is about USD 830 for a round trip, and about USD 420 for a one-way ticket.

From 2,235 Thai tourists in 2011, the country recorded 3,573 Thai tourists in 2012, making Thailand the fourth top source market.  Last year, there was a slight drop with 3494 visitors.

Source: Kuensel

By Kinga Dema

Read More

Popular Routes of Trekking

Source: K2 By kinga Dema

Druk path trek: Duration: six days The treks start from either Thimphu towards paro or vice versa. Surpassing beautiful Himalayas where you also get to experience wonderful views of lakes and the rhododendron forest. Season: late February to June and September to December.

Jomolhari Treks Durations: nine days offering a great view of land scape, the treks starts from Drukgyel Dzong in Paro and passes through the dense forested valleys leading to the high alpine pastureland where yak herders graze their animals. Season: April to June and September to November.

Laya Gasa Trek Duration: 12 days. From picturesque farmland and forests to alpine pastureland and high passes. The trek starts from Shana in Paro and ends at Punakha. This route also offers some of the most impressive peaks like Mount Jhomlhari and Jichu Drakey. April is considered the best month for laya region. Season: April to June and mid-September to Mid- November.

Bumthang Culture Trek Duration: Three days This trek passes through several villages through Bumthang’s countryside providing an exceptional opportunity for contact with Bhutanese rural life. Season: March to May and September to November.

Gangtey Trek: Duration: three days Considered one of the finest treks. Gangtey trek starts from Phobjikha valley in Wangduephodrang. The trek passes through the meadows and fields of villages in Gogona and Khotokha and enters the dense forest filled with Magnolia, Juniper and Rhododendrons. Season: March to May and September to November

Read More

Tang Mebar Tsho(Bumthang)

source: Tourism council of Bhutan

Located along the way to the Tang village over the feeder road under Bumthang valley, it takes thirty minutes drive to the Mebar Tsho from the Chamkhar town.
Mebar Tsho is considered one of the most sacred sites in the region as it relates to the renowned treasure reveler, Terton Pema Lingpa-incarnated disciple of Padmasambhava who discovered treasure from the lake somewhere around late 15th century.



It is believed that Terton Pema Lingpa had a vision about hidden treasures to be found at the foot of Tang Valley which was indicated by Guru Rinpoche many centuries before. Since the people of tang and the local ruler was cynical about it, he held a butter lamp in his hand, he jumped into the lake, remained under water for a long time, and he re-emerged holding a chest and a scroll of paper in his hand and the butter lamp held in his hand still burning bright. Thereafter, the lake came to be known as Mebartsho (the burning Lake).

Today this small fresh water lake is a sacred pilgrimage place for Bhutanese with bright multicolored prayer flags surrounding the place and on auspicious days people go and offer butter lamps on the lake. Many tourist visit the site to observe spectacular beauty of the place and it is also an important site for historians.

Read More

Folk Heritage Museum

source: Tourism council of Bhutan

These museums that were established in 2001 in Thimphu provide visitors and tourists with fascinating insights into the Bhutanese material culture and way of life. The Folk Heritage Museum with a three storied, 19th century traditional house provides you a glimpse of the Bhutanese lifestyle, and artifacts from the rural households. One can come across typical household objects, tools and equipments.

Besides, the museum also organizes demonstrations of rural traditions, skills, habits and customs and educational programs for children.



The activities of the museum follow a seasonal rhythm, just like the activities of a true rural household, offering you something new to see, every time you visit it. The rural setting and flavor has been well-preserved and you can see paddy, wheat and millet fields here, a traditional water-mill with mill stones more than 150 years old, traditional style kitchen gardens with vegetables that were grown over the past 100 years and the famous traditional hot stone bath. Native trees and plants that had domestic uses in Bhutanese rural household are being grown here in an effort to keep indigenous knowledge about the use of natural resources alive and have a patch of greenery, right in the heart of the capital city of Thimphu.



Tourists may also avail the special offers of the museum at a nominal fee and advance booking of at least one week. They include demonstrations of the traditional way of extracting oil or Markhu Tsene, brewing ara or Ara Kayne, roasting rice or Zaw Ngowni and pounding rice or Tham Dhungni within the museum premises and organizing an open air buffet lunch and dinner offering a taste of the traditional cuisine at the museum. The menu for such arrangements is available at the Museum and consists of a variety of traditional food items from all parts and regions of the Kingdom of Bhutan. However, lunch and dinner arrangements are only done so for groups with five or more than five members at a time. The museum closes only on government holidays. The museum remains open from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm from Monday to Friday, from 10:30 am to 1:00 pm on Saturdays and 11:30 am to 3:30 pm on Sundays.

Read More

Rafting In Bhutan

Kayaking and Rafting

Rafting in Mochhu(Punakha)

The clean and clear rivers of Bhutan are one of the kingdom’s best kept open secrets. Fed by the Eastern Himalayas, the six rivers (Wang Chhu, Sunkosh, Puna Tsang Chhu, Mangde Chhu, Kuri Chhu and Dangme Chhu and their tributaries) have been scouted for kayaking and rafting. They cut through high valleys and low plains to meet up with the Brahmaputra River in India. The natural setting and the sheer variety of the rivers’ courses makes up for a unique opportunity to explore Bhutan’s beautiful wilderness. It is more than a teaser and an invitation to anyone interested in adventure travels. The rivers are plentiful with high currents and depths reaching a maximum of about five meters; at places it passes gently on and in others the rivers rage through loudly, dominating the environs. Although adventure sports and tourism are relatively recent introductions, it is gaining on in popularity.

rafting

The sport offers something for everyone: There is easy rafting for beginners and hair-raising runs for the veterans. Besides the rafts and the kayaks, Bhutanese agents also organize walking and trekking expeditions along the scenic river banks. The best time for rafting and kayaking is from March to April and November to December.Here are some of the Rafting and Kayaking Routes
Paro Chhu (Bondey – Isuna Bridge)

Location: Paro Valley, Western Bhutan
Length: Approximately 10 km (3 hours)
Difficulty: Class III-IV
Flow: About 500 cfs
Season: March – April

Upper Pho Chhu (Wangthangkha – Samdingkha)

Location: Punakha Valley, Western Bhutan
Length: Approximately 7 km (2 hours)
Difficulty: Class III-IV
Flow: 2000 -3000 cfs
Season: March – April, October – November
Mo Chhu – Tashitang Devil’s Gorge Section (Tashithang- Below Punakha Dzong)

Location: Punakha Valley, Western Bhutan
Length: 12 km, 5 -7 hours with scouting
Difficulty: Class V
Flow: 1000 cfs
Season: February/December.

(Caution: higher than medium flows makes this run dangerous. High water runs not recommended for amateurs)
Mangde Chhu – Upper Section (Yundo Choling Palace- Langthel)
Location: Trongsa, Central Bhutan
Length: Approximately 5 km (2 hours with scouting)
Difficulty: Class IV
Flows: Approximately 3000 cfs
Season: March – April, November – December

Read More

Honeymoon Tours

Looking for a dream honeymoon Tours location? A honeymoon Tour in Kingdom of Bhutan? Look no further than Bhutan, the last place on the roof of the world, land of ethereal beauty and artfully preserved splendour. A land of mountains and cascading waterfalls, a land of yaks. Where you wake up to crisp mornings and chirping birds; where you can reach out to pluck the stars from a twinkling night sky. Bhutan, the mythical kingdom of temples and monasteries, with its grand capital, Thimpu, the legendary city of Paro with its magnificent Himalayan vistas, the ancient capital of Punakha and the splendid peaks of Mount Jhomolhari. Thimphu is a regal city, a rather unusual capital that houses treasures like the Thangka Painting School and the Tashichho Dzong. The town is a picturesque page out of a child’s drawing book, the quintessential valley town, hills hovering in the backdrop and a river sweeping right through. So come to this romantic paradise for a honeymoon in Shangri La.

Earning serious cache as a luxury honeymoon destination when Hong Kong stars Tony Leung and Carina Lau chose this reclusive kingdom as their honeymoon destination, Bhutan, besides being all the rage amongst those keen on luxury, exotic holidays, is increasingly being chosen as a honeymoon spot. Tony Leung and Carina Lau wedded in Bhutan on 21 July 2008.

Read More

Photograph And Film Tour

Photography is permitted nearly everywhere in Bhutan. However it is not permitted in the Dzongs (Fortresses) and monasteries.

Any commercial filming in Bhutan requires prior permission to be sought from the Royal Government and the payment of a royalty. The rules and rates for filming in Bhutan differ from that of normal rates of Tours & Treks. Tourists' professionals' intend of filming on Bhutan must abide by the Bhutan Filming Regulations, 1995, available with the implementing agency i.e. the Tourism Authority of Bhutan. (The Regulation does not apply to feature and cinematography films).

Applications for a filming permit must be submitted to the Tourism Authority of Bhutan at least 30 days in advance. The application must be accompanied by:
a. Synopsis of the film - theme/background/objective/purpose
b. Specific location/objects/activities
c. Composition of the filming team and the list of equipment including accessories and consumables (Filming crew members have to pay full daily tourist tariff)
d. Letter of recommendation from sponsoring agency (application form available with TAB at the cost of Nu. 300.00)
Royalty on Filming
1. First 30 minutes or part thereof - US$ 10,000
2. Next 30 minutes or part thereof - US$ 6,000
3. Every additional 30 minutes or part thereof - US$ 3,000

Read More

Textile Tours

Bhutan Cultural and Textile Tours


In Bhutan, textiles are considered to be one of the highest form of art and spiritual expression. The knowledge and skills required to create these textiles have been passed down through generations. By utilizing primarily the simple backstrap loom, the Thunder Dragon People have crafted one of the most advanced and sophisticated weaving cultures in the history of civilization. This tour provides opportunity to explore and experience various kind of textile weaving and dying. You will also have chance to see magnificent Dzongs, temples, monasteries and stupas, real Buddhist culture and philosophy, villages to experience rural life, and know more about Bhutan’s friendly and ever smiling people, their traditions and way of life and explore the scenic beauty of Bhutan by walking between the rolling hills and virgin forest filled with wild flowers and fragrance,. You can also plan your Bhutan journey to coincide with one of the vibrant religious festivals of eastern Bhutan, the region which is also famous for its textile weaving.

Day 01 : Arrive Paro
The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular in entire Himalayas. Whether flying along the Himalayan range from Kathmandu or over the foothills from Kolkatta, the journey offers fascinating views and an exciting descent into the Kingdom. Bhutan’s first gift to you as you disembark from the aircraft will be cool, clean fresh mountain air. After immigration formalities and baggage collection, you will be met by our representative, and drive to the hotel.

Later visit Kyichu temple to receive blessing for the tour ahead. Built in 7th century, it is one of the oldest and most sacred shrines in Bhutan (the other being Jambay Lhakhang in Bumthang).

The beautiful valley of Paro encapsulates a rich culture, scenic beauty and hundreds of myths and legends. Evening take an exploratory walk around town’s main street.

Overnight at the hotel in Paro (Altitude 2200m).

Day 02 : Paro
Morning excursion to Taktsang Lhakhang also known as Tiger’s Nest (approx 5 hours walk). It is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. This site has been recognized as a most sacred place and visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime.

Afternoon drive to Drukgyel Dzong, with a picturesque village nestling below its ramparts. On a clear day, there is splendid view of Mt. Chomolhari (7314m) from the approach road to the Dzong. Visit nearby farm house which gives an interesting glimpse into the lifestyle of farming family. Also visit a Carpet Weaving factory.

Overnight at the hotel in Paro (Altitude 2200m).

Day 03 : Paro - Thimphu (55km, approx 1.1/2 hour drive)
After breakfast visit Ta Dzong, built to defend Rinpung Dozng during inter-valley wars of the 17th century. Since 1967 Ta Dzong is serving as the National Museum of the country and holds fascinating collection of art, relics, religious thangkha paintings and Bhutan’s exquisite postage stamps.

Then walk down the trail to Rinpung Dzong or Paro Dzong built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal , the first spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan, the Dzong houses the monastic body of Paro, the office of the Dzongda (district administrative head) and Thrimpon (judge) of Paro district. It is also the venue of Paro Tshechu held once a year in spring.

Afterwards drive to Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan with en-route at Chuzom, the confluence of Thimphu and Paro rivers. Three different style of stupas ; Tibetan, Nepalese and Bhutanese adorn the confluence. Shortly before reaching Chuzom, you will see on your left Tschogang Lhakhang, “the temple of the excellent horse”. It is a private temple, built in 15th century, as the result of visitation from Balaha, the excellent horse, a manifestation of Chenrezig, the compassionate Buddha.

En-route stop for visit of Simtokha Dzong (oldest dzong) built in 1627. The Institute for Language and Cultural Studies is located here. The most noteworthy artistic feature of this dzong is the series of over 300 finely worked slate carvings behind the prayer wheels in the courtyard.

The capital town of Bhutan and the centre of government, religion and commerce, Thimphu is a unique city with unusual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions. With the population of about 90,000 it is perhaps still the world’s only capital city without a traffic light.

Evening an exploratory walk. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu. (Altitude 2400m)

Day 04 : Thimphu
Morning visit Institute of Zoring Chusum or Arts & Crafts School, where 13 traditional crafts are taught including weaving, embroidery, painting, carpentry, carving, sculpture, casting, blacksmithing, bamboo work, gold & silversmithing, masonry, leather work and paper work. This institute not only helps preserving beautiful heritage but also equips future generations with skill and knowledge to keep heritage alive. Also visit Handmade paper factory, National Library which holds vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts ; Folk Heritage Museum and the Institute of Traditional Medicine where ancient healing arts such as acupuncture and herbalism are practiced.

Afternoon a special visit to Textile Museum. The textile museum has opened its exhibition on six major themes - warp pattern weaves, weft pattern weaves, role of textiles in religion, achievements in textile arts, textiles from indigenous fibers and the royal collection. The crowns of Bhutan’s Kings, namzas (dresses), the first version of Royal Crown and other accessories used by members of Royal family can be found in the museum. A brief and simple talk on Bhutanese textiles weaving.

Later drive to National Memorial Chorten built in honor of His Late Majesty, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. Known as ‘Fortress of Glorious Relgion’, visit of Trashichhoedzong is other interesting visit of the day.

Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu. (Altitude 2400m)

Day 05 : Thimphu – Punakha (72km, approx 3 hours drive)
Early morning drive to Punakha across Dochula pass (3080m) with breakfast at Dochula cafeteria, enjoying fascinating mountain views, chorten, mani wall and prayer flags. If skies are clear, the following peaks can be seen from this pass (left to right): Masagang (7,158m), Tsendagang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m ), Jejegangphugang (7,158 m ), Kangphugang (7,170 m ), Zongphugang (7, 060 m ), a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana - finally Gangkar puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m.
Afterwards enjoy an hour’s downhill walk through magnolia, hydrangea, vibernam and evergreen oaks, and then through blankets of wild orchids before once again reaching the road, to board the transport and drive into the Punakha Valley.

En-route take an easy walk though paddy fields to visit Chimi Lhakhang the fertility temple of Lama Drukpa Kuenley popularly known as Divine Madman. Walk into a traditional village house to see the women weaving.

In the afternoon, drive a sort distance to Punakha Dzong, the winter seat of Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot) and the ancient capital of Bhutan (until 1955). Located between the rivers of Pho (male) Chhu (river) and Mo (female) Chhu, Dzong is surrounded by myths and legends.

Overnight at the hotel in Punakha (Altitude 1300m).

Day 06 : Punakha – Wangduephodrang – Gangtey (Phobjikha) (85km, approx 3 hours drive)
Morning drive to Wangduephodrang Dzong, sitting on top of the hill at the confluence of Punakha Chhu and Tang Chhu rivers, it is town’s most visible features. Visit Wangduephodrang bazaar and meet a traditional weaver, see the spinning of nettle fibre and weaving of cloth on a backstrap loom.

Then drive to glacial valley of Gangtey and the home of the rare endangered Black-Necked crane. The valley of Gangtey is one of the most beautiful spots in Bhutan. The surprise of finding such a wide, flat valley without any trees is augmented by an impression of vast space, and extremely rare experience in Bhutan where most of the valley’s are tightly enclosed. Afternoon visit Gangtey Monastery and enjoy the nature trail walk from the Monastery to cranes roosting place. In the evening make a visit to small carpets weaving centre.

Overnight at Gangtey (Altitude 3000m).

Day 07 : Gangtey – Trongsa ( 84 km, approx 3.1/2 hours drive)
In the morning explore Phobjikha valley, hopefully sighting some black necked cranes, if you are there at the right time of year. Later, drive to Trongsa across Pele-la pass (3,300m/10,830 ft). This pass is traditionally considered the boundary between western and central Bhutan. Further down the road, stop to visit Chendbji Chorten erected in the 18th century by a Tibetan lama to cover the remains of an evil spirit that was subdued at this spot. It is built in the Nepalese style, with painted eyes at the four cardinal points.

The landscape around Trongsa is spectacular and its impressive dzong, stretched along a ridge above a ravine, first comes into view about an hour before the winding road suddenly leads you into the town.

Overnight at Trongsa (Altitude 2300m).

Day 08 : Trongsa – Bumthang (68km, approx 3 hours drive)
Morning visit to Trongsa Dzong. Built in 1647 by the Shabdrung, it is one the most impressive Dzong in Bhutan. Then visit Ta Dzong on the hillside above the town, built as a watchtower to guard Trongsa. It has been resurrected into a classy museum, that represents a tasteful blend of tradition and modernity.

After lunch, proceed to Bumthang, one of the most spectacular valleys in Bhutan and also the holy heartland of Buddhism. The 68 km, journey takes about 3 hours. The road winds steeply up to Yutong-la pass (3,400m/11,155 ft), then runs down through dense coniferous forest to enter a wide, open, cultivated valley, known as Chumey valley.

In Chumey valley, visit Yathra Weaving Centre. 'Yathra' is a hand-woven fabric made from wool of yak and sheep. It is made in vibrant colours giving it a special and attractive look. Bumthang being a cold place is famous for its Yathra weaving and produces woolen clothes, bags, scarfs etc in unique pattern.

Proceed onward, a most pleasant run in the soft, late afternoon light.

Overnight at the hotel in Bumthang (Altitude 2600m).

Day 09 : Bumthang
Bumthang is the general name given to group of four valleys – Chumey, Choekhor, Tang and Ura with altitude varying from 2,600m to 4,000m / 8,520 to 13,125 ft.

In the morning, we will visit Kurje Lhakhang, one of the most sacred places in the kingdom as Bhutan’s “patron saint”, Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) meditated here. Then a walk of half an hour north of Kurje Lhahang leads to Tangbi monastery, founded in 1470 by Shamar Rinpoche of the Kagyupa religious school. The temple has two sanctuaries and a temple of terrifying deities. Later from Kurje monastery, a tarmac road heads south along the right bank of the river to Jambey Lhakhang. This temple, erected by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century, is one of the two oldest in Bhutan (the other being Kyichu Lhakhang in Paro).

Afternoon visit Tamshing Lhakhang, founded in 1501 by Pema Lingpa. It contains interesting and ancient Buddhist wall paintings. Later on we will visit Jakar Dzong, “the dzong of the white bird”.

In the evening visit local handloom weaving house and meet a Weavers family .

Overnight at the hotel in Bumthang (Altitude 2600m).

Day 09 : Bumthang – Mongar (187km, approx 7hours drive)
The journey continues eastwards, winding through more rugged terrain. The drive to Mongar takes about 7 hours with spectacular views en route. We will drive up into the hills above the valley and visit en route Membartsho a wide spot on the Tang Chhu (chhu - water / river) and considered to be one of the greatest pilgrimage sites of Bhutan. Proceed further passing Ura village, before climbing sharpely to the highest point on Bhutan’s motorable road network, Thrumshing-la pass (4,000m/13,125 ft).

From here, the road gradually descends to the alpine valley of Sengor, with wonderful views of cascading waterfalls and the hills of eastern Bhutan along the way. Vegetation changes from alpine to subtropical with the loss of height, and bamboos and luxuriant ferns overhanging the road as we drop down to the valley floor. The descent stops at 700m/2,300ft, where we cross the Kurichu river. We ascend again through pine forests, maize fields and eastern hamlets to reach Mongar town, high on a gentle slope above the valley.

Picnic lunch at a scenic spot en route to Mongar.

Afternoon, we visit Mongar Dzong, built in the 1930s and one of Bhutan’s newest dzongs, but constructed in the same way as all previous dzongs, without either plans or the use of nails.

Evening exploratory walk around Mongar. On the main street of Mongar town there are many interesting local shops and a vegetable market. Being one of the sizeable trading centres in the region, there is so much of activity.

Overnight at the hotel in Mongar (Altitude 1600m).

Day 10 : Mongar – Lhuntse (74 km, approx 3 hours drive)
Morning drive to Lhuntse which is one of the most rural and isolated districts in Bhutan. The landscape is spectacular with stark cliffs and gorges, beautiful conifer and pine forests, and remote villages with rice, millet and corn fields. Lhuntse Dzong built in 1654 on a rocky outcrop is one of the most picturesque in Bhutan.

Kurtoe region of Lhuntse is the ancestral home of Bhutan’s Royal family. You can wander around Lhuntse town in the evening and sit down to a relaxing dinner.

Overnight tented accommodation.

Day 11 : Lhuntse – Khoma – Lhuntse
Enjoy a walk from Khurbazam to Khoma Village (around 2 hours each way over clear flat paths), where some of the most famous and expensive textiles are woven in silk and cotton. Khoma village is famous for distinctive ‘Kishuthara’ weaving and it is the main income source of the villagers. Kishuthara is a silk on silk weaving technique with intricate hand laced patterns. It is the most expensive textile in Bhutan and highly sought after by collectors. It is a full day excursion where you can see the technique of weaving from local villagers and as well as a good opportunity to interview and try your hand at weaving. The other famous weaving area is Gonpa Karpo (four hours walk from the bridge), a remote village clustered around a sacred monastery. The weavers of this village feel that their weaving is superior because of the special blessing from the deities of this sacred site.

Overnight tented accommodation.

Day 12 : Lhuntse – Ranjung (215km, approx 7 / 8 hours drive)
After breakfast drive to Rangjung. Check into Rangjung guesthouse. After lunch visit Radhi village. Radhi is famous for raw silk, which is known as “bura”. You can also witness women weaving raw silk. Overnight at the guesthouse in Rangjung.

Day 13 : Ranjung – Khaling – Trashigang (126km, approx 5 hours drive)
After breakfast drive to Khaling. Visit National Institute for the Disabled (NID), which caters educational needs to the disabled people in the country. Afternoon visit the Weaving Center which is operated by the National Women’s Association of Bhutan. Here you can see the girls weaving different types of textiles out of back strap loom. If possible, we can also visit to the house a private weaver to see the techniques of Bhutanese dye.

Overnight at the hotel in Trashigang.

Day 14 : Trashigang (Excursion to Tashiyangtse)
Today you will visit Tashiyangtse, which is a small, pretty, quiet town. The people are known for making wooden bowls and containers, which are said to be the best in Bhutan. Visit the Arts School and the Chorten Kora. Along the way to Trashiyangtse you will stop at the Gom Kora temple, behind which is a large black rock. It is said that Guru Rimpoche meditated in a cave in the rock and that you can see the impression of his thumb, his hat, and his body on the rock. You will also visit the abandoned iron chain-link bridge behind the village of Duksum. It is said that this is the last remaining bridge of those built by a Tibetan bridge builder by the name of Thangthong Gyalpo in the 15th century.
Overnight at the hotel in Trashigang.

Day 15 : Trashigang – Samdrup Jongkhar (175km, approx 6 hours drive)
Morning visit Trashigang Dzong, standing at the extreme end of a rocky outcrop far above the river gorge. It serves as the administrative seat for the district and part of the dzong is occupied by the local Drukpa monastic community.

Later proceed to Bhutanese border town of Samdrup Jongkhar. Trashigang — Samdrup Jongkhar road completed in 1965 and the journey takes about 6 hours. Along the way, pass by Sherubtse College, the only college in country founded in 1978. Also visit the Zangtho Pelri temple built in 1978 by the late Minister of Home Affairs. Further ahead,Deothang town en route is the centre of Technical training college and road maintenance head quarters for the east. From here the road descends fairly rapidly to the plain through a dense tropical forest with an abundance of teak, bamboo and ferns.

Overnight at the lodge in Samdrup Jongkhar.

Day 16 : Depart Samdrup Jongkhar
After breakfast picked up by Indian representative from Samdrup Jongkhar border and drive to Guwahati (100km, approx 2.1/2 hours drive).

Read More

Mediation Tour

Mediation Tour in Bhutan : Taktshang Meditation Tour

The Taktsang monastery is the most famous Bhutanese monastery located in the Paro valley, western Bhutan. Perched on a cliff 900 meters above the valley. It is also known as "Tiger's Nest" because Guru Rimpoche is said to have flown on the back of a tigress in the 8th century. He then meditated in a cave here for three months where the monastery was later built.
Taktshang Monastery is a very important pilgrims spot for Bhutanese people also and they come from all over the country to pay a visit to this amazing place.
A self-directed practice for controlling and training our own mind. Mediation can be used as a way of reducing stress on both mind and body. Mediating in Taktshang Monastery can be a very good experience of mediating in a most important and revered Buddhist Monastery in Bhutan. You also have the chances of getting the blessings from Guru Rinpoche. 

Mediation Tour in Bhutan : Bumthang Meditation Tour
Bumthang is the valley which is the religious heart land of Bhutan. It is also the first valley to receive the Buddhism in Bhutan. Many important and religious figures in Buddhism have visited this valley and blessed by them.
Meditation is an intensely personal and spiritual experience. The desired purpose meditation is to channel our awareness into a more positive direction by totally transforming one's state of mind. To meditate is to turn inwards, to concentrate in training our own mind.
Come and meditate in religious heart land of Bhutan – Bumthang.

Mediation Tour in Bhutan : Tango Meditation Tour
The word Tango literally means ‘horse head’ and is derived from the deity Tandin (Hayagriva) that features the head of a horse. The revered place of Hayagriva was first recognized by Guru Rinpoche in the eighth century. In 1222 A.D. Phajo Drugom Zhigpo visited the place and while he was involved in his teachings in Dodeyna, he heard the neighing of a horse approaching from the direction of Tango. On approaching the place, to his surprise he saw a cliff, alleged to be the body of the deity Tandin, engulfed in flames. The deity appeared before him in person and prophesied that Phajo would build a meditation centre at Tango, marry the Dakini, Khando Sonam Peldon and lay the foundations for the Drukpa Kagyu School in Bhutan.
The good medication for the stress related problems is ‘Meditation’.  Mediation is the best treatment for stress related problems. The researchers from USA also found out that the meditation helps not only the stress related problems but also the heart disease.
Tango Monastery is blessed by many revered Buddhist personals and it is a very good and important place for meditation.

Read More

Mountain Biking

On your mountain bike you embark on the adrenaline-fueled explorations of Bhutan's inaccessible routes from West to East. The biking journey kickstarts from Paro following a single paved road that meets up further with steep, narrow, rocky and muddy paths through several alpine passes, or extreme washboard caused by cattle or yak. Crossing by a total of seven undulating mountain passes, you make several ascents and descents stretching before you a real picture of Bhutanese Lifestyle. From Thimpu to
the Indian border post at Samdrup Jongkhar, you get to experience Bhutan up close and personal on a mountain bike.





> TRIP FACTS
Trip length: 14 Days
Activity: Mountain Biking
Starts in: Paro
Ends in: Guwahati (India)
Group size: Maximum 12
Accommodation: Hotel & Camping
Maximum altitude: 4050m



> HIGHLIGHTS
> Sightseeing in Paro and Bumthang valley
> Peddle through Thrumshing la ( 4050 m)


> OUTLINE ITINERARY
Day 01 - Arrival at Paro. O/n
Day 02 - Sightseeing at Paro. O/n
Day 03 - Commence cycle tour to east across Dochula pass altitude 3050m. and camp at Khuruthang day.
Day 04 - Visit Punakha dzong and continue towards Gangtey Gompa via Wangdiphodrang. O/n camp.
Day 05 - Cycle down to Norbuling and then cross Pelela pass altitude 3300 m towards Trongsa. O/n
Day 06 - Cycle uptoYotola pass altitude 3600m and then down to Dumkhar, Chumi and to Bumthang. O/n
Day 07 - S/seeing of Bumthang valley. O/n
Day 08 - Cycle to Ura and cross Thrumshing la altitude 4050 m and downhill to Sengor.O/n camp
Day 09 - Cycle to Kuru Zam, Mongar.O/n camp
Day 10 - A short climb to Mongar.O/n
Day 11 - Cross Korila pass altitude 2600m to Trashigang.O/n
Day 12 - Cycle to Wamrong.O/n
Day 13 - Cycle to Samdrup Jongkhar. O/n camp
Day 14 - Cycle or drive to Guwahati (India )for departure.

Read More

Pilgrimage Tour

Day 1:Bkk/Delhi/Kolkatta/KMT- Paro

The fight to Paro is one of the beautiful of all the mountains flights. You will see Himalayan peaks, Everest, Kanchenjunga& Makalu, and Chomolhari& Tserimgang (Peak of Bhutan).Bhutan’s first gift to you as you disembark from the airplane will be clean fresh air.
You will be met by your  Bhutan Landlocked Adventures representative and after completion of arrival formalities will be drive to hotel.

Day 02 : Paro
This beautiful valley is home to many Bhutanese’s oldest monasteries and temples. The country’s one airport is in Paro.  Mt. Chomolhari (7,300m) situated at the north end of the valley whose glacier water forms the  river following through the valley.  The following are the some interesting places to visit in Paro :

Drukgyal Dzong: on the clear day one can see Mount Chomolhari from the village below the Dzong.

Rimpong Dzong: This fortress of the heap of Jewels is the venture for the annual Paro festival held every spring.

Ta Dzong: Built as a watch tower the Ta Dzong has since been turned into national museum

Kyichu Lhagang : This monastery dated back to the 7th century  and one of the oldest and most sacred.

Overnight at  hotel in Paro.

Day 03 : ParoAfter break fast hike to Tiger Nest. Taksng ” Tiger Nest” is perched on the side of a cliff at a height of 900m above the Paro valley.  The hike up to the monastery take about 4 to 5 hours.  There is a lookout point and a cafeteria about one half hour walk from the road. Taksangsang is one of the holiest place in Bhutan. In 8th century Guru Rimpochey (Great Indian Saint) arrived to this place on flying tigress and meditated there for few months and later his followers followed his footsteps and meditated there. In 17th century the temple was built by Gesay Tenzin Rabgay 4th temporal ruler of Bhutan. In 1998 some part of the temple was destroyed by the fire.

Overnigth at hotel in Paro

Day 04: Paro –Thimphu
After break fast an interesting drive of about 1hr hours’ duration to Thimphu, the modern capital town of Bhutan. Evening free after dinner. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
It is a bustling town on the banks of the Thimphu river and set gloriously in the hills of Thimphuvalley.  It is home to the Bhutanese Royal Family, the Royal Government and  several foreign missions and development projects. Bhutan has one golf course, a nine-hole circuit, is situated next the magnificent Thashichodzong.

Tashichodzong : The fortress of the glorious religion house onr og the throne room of His Majesty the King, the main secretarial building and the central monk body.

Memorial Chorten :
This stupa was built in 1974 by the mother of the King, her Majesty Jigme Dorji
Wangchuck in memory of her son.

Semotokha Dzong : Five km from Thimphu,on a lofty ridge, stands Semotokha  Dzong the oldest Dzong in
Bhutan.  The Dzong now houses the Institute of Language and Culture.  The Institute
of Zorig Chusum: Institute of 13 Art and craft school

Institute of Traditional Medicine : The complex consist of the traditional medicine treatment hospital and a school.

Weekend Market :
Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday most of the population congregate on the banks of
the river where the weekend mark is held. Here villagers and other nearby places come
to sell their agriculture produce .Overnight at hotel in Thmphu.

Day 04 : Thimphu

After break fast drive North of Thimphu city an hour and stop near bridge were your hike begins to cherry monastery. The Cherry Monastery is  one of the old monastery and which was in  1620 AD by Zhabdrung. In this monastery first monk body of Bhutan was started by Zhabdrung.  Now is seat of higher Buddhist studies and meditation centre for Buddhist monks. After visiting this old monastery walk back to bridge and you will serve hot picnic lunch near by stupa.After lunch drive back to hotel and stroll in Thimphu town if time permits. Over night hotel in Thimphu.
Note: There is options if you like to visit tango Monastery you can do it .

Day 05 : Thimphu  - Punakha
After breakfast drive to Punakha,crossing Dochola pass(3150m)about 45 min.On the clear day the view from the pass is superb  and there are 108 Chortens which was built by the Queen Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk in 2004 after the flushed out Indian militants from southern and Eastern boarders of the Bhutan in December 2003.Then road descend to the  Punakha valley. Hike to Chimi Lhangang before lunch ,afterter luch drive to Punakha . Punakha Dzong which is built in the confluence of two river,male which runs though right and female river runs through left of the Dzong.

Druk Waangyel Chorten at Dochula ( 3150m)
On the way to Punakha from Thimphu is Dochula pass from where seat a beautiful panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain range can be seen, specially during the clear winter days. The beauty of this place is further enchanced by the 108 Stupas built by the eldest Queen, her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck.

Punakha Dzong: It was built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1637 A.D. It stands majestically at the  junction of the two rivers- male and Female river.

Khamsum yulley Mamgyal : Built by the third Queen, Ashi Tshering Yangdon wangchuck.   This Stupa is one of the fine example of Bhutanese architecture and art and is the only one of its kind in the world.

Chimi Lhagang( No Dog Monastery):Built by Lama Drukpa kuenley ( Devine madman) in 1449 AD. He subdued the demons of the Dochula  with his magic thunder bolt of wisdom.

Wangdiphodrang: (Altitude 1400m)

This town is located south of Punakha and is the  last town before central Bhutan. The district is famous for its fines bamboo work and its slate and stone carving.
Overnight at hotel in Punakha/Wangdi.

Day 06 : Punakha – Trongsa

After the breakfast explore in the valley for an hours if there is time otherwise drive across Pelelapass (3300m). This pass is traditionally considering the boundary between western and central Bhutan. Then road descend to Chandebji were you will stop for tea before you rive up to. Trongsa .The landscape of Trongsa is the spectacular and its impressive Dzong stretched along a ridge above a ravine, first come into the view about an hour before the winding road suddenly leads you to the town. After lunch visit Dzong and explore in the town.
Gangtey Goenpa/Phobjikha( 3000m)
The valley of Phobjikha is well known as winter home of black neck cranes. They fly to this place in the last week of October because of sever  cold in Tibet and by the end of March they fly back to Tibet.  The Monastry of 17th century can visit.

Trongsa :(2300m)This town is perched on the slopes on above a river gorge, form the central hub of the nation and is the place from where attempts at unifying the country were launched in earlier times. The landscape around Trongsa is spectacular and its impressive Dzong, stretched along a ridge above ravine, first comes into view about an hour before the winding, mountain road leads you into the town.

Trongsa Dzong :
Built in 1648 Ad,it is the ancestral home of the Royal family. Bothe the first and the second king ruled the country from this ancient seat. All the kings hold post of Trongsa Penlop prior to being crowned as king.

Ta Dzong:
Perched above the Trongsa Dzong this is watch tower which once stood guard over the Trongsa Dzong from internal rebellion. It is now being turned  into a heritage museum.

Overnight at hotel in Trongsa.

Day 07 : Trongsa – Bumthang

Drive to Bumthang is 3hrs across Yotola pass 3,300 m.After lunch sightseeing in Bumthang.

Bumthang( Altitude 2600m)
This fascinating valley is the religious heartland of the nation and home of someof the oldest Buddhist temples and monasteries. Its gentle sloping  hills offers plenty of   walking opportunities to many temples in this valley. The valley is also famous for its production of honey, cheese, apple and yatra- a woolen material that has multiple uses.

Jambay Lhagang :
It is one of the 108 monasteries built by the king Songten Goempo in the 7th century to subdue evil spirits in the Himalayan region.

KurjeyLhagang( Body Print Monastery) :It is decited to Guru Rimpochey who was supposed to have meditated in the 8th century.

Tamshing Lhagang; It was built in1501 AD by Terton Pema Lingpa, a re-carnation of Guru Rimpochey, whose  lineage trace to the Royal Family.

Jakar Dzong :
The Dzong was initially built as a monastery  by the great grand father of Zhabdrung. It is now used as administrative center for the Bumthang district.Overnight at hotel in Bumthan.

Day 08 : BumthangAfter breakfast drive to tang valley wit hot picnic lunch. Drive will be 4hrs to and fro.
Hike to Ugyencholing ( one of the Royal Palce in olden days now it served as private museum). After visiting Museum eat lunch near by it.Overnight at hotel in Bumthang.

Day 09: Bumthang – Mongar
The journey continues eastwards, winding through more ragged terrain. The drive to Monggar is 7/8 hours with panoramic views.You will drive into hills above the valley and pass Ura Vallage before driving to the highest point on Bhutan’s moterable road, Thromshingla pass (4000).
From the pass road descends to the alpine valley of Sengor with beautiful views of cascading waterfalls and hills of eastern Bhutan along the way. Vegetation changes from alpine to subtropical with the loss of height and bamboo and luxuriant fern.Picnice lunch at scenic spot. The descent stops at 700m and you ascend to Monggar through pine forests, Maize fields and eastern hamlets to reach Monggar. Overnight at hotel in Monggar.

Day 10-Monger – Luntshe – Mongar
Drive early to Luntshi ,after 2hrs drive you can walk to Khoma village to expore and admire the unique Bhutanese tapestry right at their origin ( Khoma Village).We will eat lunch their which is prepared by our village people.We an just there fore few hours enjoying their art of weaving.The walk back to car for night halt in Mongar.

Note: Options if we like to experience the life in village we can stay in village house for one night .

Day 11 : Monger/Luntshe – Trashi gang

Trashigang(1100m)This is the largest district in Bhutan and lies in the far Easton the banks of Gamri Chu. It was once the center of a busy trade with Tibet. Today it is junction of the east west high way with road connected to Samdrupjongkhar and then the Indian state of Assam. The nomadic people from Marak and Sakten who are remarkable for their exceptional features and costumes use this town as their market place mostly during winter.After lunch drive to Radha.Its North east of Trashigang.Overnigth at hotel in Trashigang.

Day 12-rashigang – Tashiyangtshe- Trashigang
Trashiyangtse( 1700m)
Trashiyangtse is also home of black neck Crane especially in Bumdeling. This eastern most part of Bhutan and boarder of Arunachal Pradesh in India.   Trashiyangtse is famous for its wooden container and bowls, which makes inexpensive, attractive and useful mementoes of a visit to this remote region.  The Institute for 13 Traditional Arts and Crafts of Bhutan is also worth to visit.

Chorten kora:
This dazzaling white stupa is situated on the river bank below the town.  Built in 1740 Ad by Lama Ngawang Loday, it is built the same style as Bodnath Stupa in Nepal,with eyes painted at the four cardinal points. During the second month of lunar calendar there is an interesting celebration here known as kora.Overnigt at hotel in Trashigang.

Day 13: Trashigang - Samdrupjongkhar

Trashigang to Samdrupjongkhar road was finished in 1965 and it take 7/8 hrs. You will pass by Sherubtshe College in Kanglung which was established in 1978 and was Degrees granting institute affiliated to Delhi University, India. Now we have our own University. Drive continue to Khaling home of the National Institute for the Disable (Blind School) and weaving centre. From here drive up to Womrong village and to Samtrup Jongkhar. Overnight at hotel in Samdrupjongkhar.

Day 14: SamdrupJongkhar – Guwahati (Capital of Assam)

After breakfast drive to Guwahati Air port for flight to Delhi/Kolkata or onward program in SamdrupJongkhar.

Read More

Bird Watching Tour

18 Nights - 19 Days of Bird Watching Package
About 22% of Bhutan’s total land area is designated as national parks, nature reserves, wildlife sanctuaries and conservation areas. These protected areas sustain hundreds of bird species. Of date 464 bird species have been sighted in Bhutan, including 14 that are identified as globally threatened by Bird Life International. The threatened species include the Rufous-necked Hornbill, which inhabits the southern foothills, the Black-Necked Crane which migrates to Bhutan from Tibet in winter, and the Tragopan Blythii.
Bhutan has 114 temperate forest species of birds alone.

DAY 1 – Bangkok /Delhi/Kolkatta/Katmandu to Paro, Bhutan
We fly to Bhutan on the national carrier, Druk Air, from Bangkok crossing the mighty Himalayas. If the weather is clear, we can enjoy magnificent views of some of the world’s most spectacular peaks including Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga.
The representatives of Bhutan Orchid Adventures will give us a traditional Bhutanese welcome at the Paro airport. After lunch at our hotel, we will explore the Paro valley visiting the National Museum housed in a 16th century watchtower and the seat of the governor at Paro Dzong. Although not a birding day, we may have an opportunity to see birds like the Wallcreeper probing the sides of the fortress, a pair or two of Ibisbill, Brown Dipper, Hodgson’s, Plumbeous and White-capped Water-Redstarts around the river valley and nearby rock cliffs.
Night halt at hotel in Paro.

DAY 2 – Paro - Thimphu via Chele La Pass
Today will be our first full birding day. We will leave the hotel early to Chelela pass where we can hope to see the elusive Himalayan Monal, the amazing Blood Pheasant, and the most sought after of all pheasants, the mythical Satyr’s Tragopan. After breakfast at Chelela we head to Bhutan’s capital. The downhill drive should be an opportunity to run into Kalij Pheasants, White-winged Grosbeak, White-browed Rose finch, Spotted Nutcracker, Rufous Sibia, White-browed Fulvetta, Brown Parrot bill, Stripe-throated Yuhina and various Eurasian warblers. Before calling it a day at our hotel in Bhutan’s capital, we will take a short trip to downtown Thimphu where we usually see Ibisbill, River Lapwing, Ruddy Shelduck, and assorted shorebirds along the riverbed. Once we even saw the rarely encountered Long-billed Plover in this area.
Night halt at  hotel in Thimphu

DAY 03 - CHERI VALLEY After early breakfast we drive to the north of the capital to Cheri, a quiet Buddhist retreat that is also the home of various species of birds. The river banks at Cheri are the haunts of Yellow-rumped Honeyguide, Rufous-bellied woodpecker, Mrs. Gould’s Sunbird, Blue fronted Red starts, Rufous flanked, yellow brown Tit, Blacked faced Laughing thrushes, Wallcreeper and many others. We will have our lunch amid the splendid greenery of the location.
Night halt at hotel in Thimphu

DAY 4 – Thimphu to Punakha via Dochu La
We leave Thimphu early to reach the Dochu La pass (3,150m) in time for sunrise. On a clear day, the scenery from Dochula is one of the most breath-taking: we can get a full view of the mightiest peaks of the Himalayas towering along the northern horizon.
Today is an excellent opportunity to see pheasant species like the Satyr’s Tragopan and a host of mixed species that dwell in the cool broadleaf forests. As we drive along the winding road to Punakha, we may find the Red-flanked Bluetail and Golden Bush-Robin, Grey Bushchat and Rufous-breasted Accentor. We may also be able to sort out from the flock, the Blue-winged, Red-tailed and Chestnut-tailed Minlas, Rufus-winged, White-browed and Nepal Fulvetta and Whiskered, Stripe-throated, Rufus-vented, Black-chinned and White-bellied Yuhinas. It is possible to see both Barwings plus a good selection of Laughing Thrushes before we reach our destination in Punakha.
After lunch in our hotel in Punakha, we take a short trip to the temple of the “Divine Mad Man”. The temple is famous today for its miraculous powers to bestow fertility to barren women. From the temple, we walk to the Phochu banks to look for the endangered Pallas’ Fish-Eagle and the world-renowned White-bellied Heron.
Night halt at Punakha Hotel.

DAY 5 – Tashithang This morning we head northwards to Tashithang, a thickly forested base for Bhutan’s extremely challenging northern trek routes. Here, at an elevation of 5,000 feet above the sea level, we comb for species such as Crested Kingfisher, Lesser Shortwing, Greater Yellownape, Bay Woodpecker, Orange-bellied Leafbird, Little and Slaty-backed Forktail, Pygmy Wren-babbler, Golden Tree-Babbler, Striated and Rufous-chinned Laughingthrush, Black-eared Shrike-Babbler, tesias, Golden-spectacled and Broad-billed Warbler, Small Niltava and Black-throated Tits. We might even be able to spot a pair or two of Yellow-throated Martins and flocks of Assamese Macaques. This area is known for its excellent hawk watching spots. Besides, if lucky, we might see the extremely rare Twany Fishing Owl.
After lunch, we retrace our journey to the imposing Punakha Dzong, a massive 17 th century fortress that was the seat of the Bhutanese government until the 1950s.
Night halt at Hotel in Punakha .

DAY 6 - Punakha to Pele La We should have another chance to spot the White-bellied Heron as we start the day with an excursion along the river and gradually climb our way through a forest of cool broadleaf and evergreen trees to Pele-la, the pass that divides eastern and western Bhutan. The diverse habitats along the way should give us numerous prospects of seeing great range of species such as Cutia, Great Barbet, Darjeeling Woodpecker, Long-tailed Minivet, Streak-breasted Scimitar-Babbler, White-throated Laughingthrush, Fire-tailed Myzornis, Yellow-bellied Bush-Warbler, Ashy-throated Leaf Warbler, and Verditer. Ward’s Trogon is usually sighted along this road. In all, in a day, we should be able to see more than 100 bird species in this region.
Night halt at a camp in Pele-la

DAY 7 – Pele La to Trongsa
It should be another day of great birding prospects. We will search the slopes at our campsite for the Himalayan Bear, Black Leopard, White-collared Blackbird, the Himalayan Monal, Black-faced Laughing Thrush and White-tailed Nuthatch. We might even see tragopans as we’ll be there during the height of the bird’s breeding season. In the pine forests around the pass we will look for Rusty-flanked Treecreeper, Dark Rosefinch, Himalayan Greenfinch and Rufus-vented, Grey-crested, Green-backed Tits, Common Buzzard, Mountain Hawk-Eagle, Steppe Eagle and Himalayan Griffon our targets.
Finally, we will move on to the interior town of Trongsa through cool broadleaf forests where we may come across Red-billed Leiothrix, Yellow-billed Blue-Magpie and Gray-sided Bush-Warbler.
Night halt at  Trongsa.

DAY 8 – Trongsa to Shemgang Today, we travel deep into the interior of an area known as the Black Mountain National Park, via the town of Zhemgang and finally to our night’s destination at Tingtibhi. Our path cuts through dense jungles that contain a plethora of wildlife species like the Black-Eagle, Blue-bearded Bee-eater, Speckled Piculet, Lesser Yellownape,and the Golden Langur (a strikingly beautiful monkey species that is found only in Bhutan). Flowers and fruiting trees that attract sunbirds will be plentiful enroute as we descend to the lowest elevation in our itinerary. This entire region is very rich in wildfire and has thus been declared as a protected area by the Bhutanese government.
Night halt in camp at Tingtibhi (2000 feet)

DAY 9 – Zhemgang Road We start birding early. Breakfast and lunch will be served at our birding points in the forests. The bamboo groves around Tingtibhi are usually the haunts of Lesser Rufus-headed Parrotbills and Streaked Laughingthrushes while the fruiting trees attract Golden-throated Barbets, Wedge-tailed and Pin-tailed Green-Pigeon and Scarlet Minivets. This area is also the best chance of encountering the Rufus-necked Hornbill. We may also see flocks of Yellow-bellied and White-throated Fantail and other species like yuhinas, minlas, fulvettas and sibias that we might have already encountered earlier in our journey.
Night halt in camp at Tingtibi

DAY 10 – Zhemgang to Trongsa
We return to Trongsa today. We will look for birds that we may not have seen when we first came. We expect to see the Mountain-Imperial Pigeon, Golden-throated Barbet, Great-pied Hornbill, White-browed Piculet, Nepal House-Martin, Fulvous-breasted, Grey-capped, Gray-headed Green Woodpeckers, laughingthrushes, White-throated, Greater Necklaced, Rufus-chinned, Blue-winged and Red-faced Liocichla. Beautiful Nuthatch is another species found in this region.
Night halt at Sherubling Tourist Lodge, Trongsa

DAY 11 – Trongsa to Bumthang A relaxed trip awaits us today as Bumthang, the place of our next night halt, is just about 67 kilometres away. Our aim as we head east is to spot Yellow-rumped Honeyguide, then climb the Yotongla Pass and enter the forests of spruce and fir abruptly changing the avifauna. The Bumthang valley, oen fo the most beautiful in the country, is home to Beautiful Rosefinch, Eurasian Sparrowhawk, Spotted Laughingthrush, Ibisbill and Snow Pigeon. The The Himalayan Black Bear is commonly spotted in this valley.
After lunch in Bumthang, we will explore the valley in the afternoon visiting, among others, the textile shops, the Jakar Dzong (fortress), ancient monasteries, the local brewery, and a stupa under which, legend has it, lies the severed head of a Tibetan General who tried to invade Bhutan.
Night halt at Sithardha Resort, Bumthang.

DAY 12 – Bumthang to Sengor
Early drive further eastward. We cross a pass and enter the Ura valley where we stop awhile to enter the village. The Ura locality is not only beautiful but has plenty of bird species. After the stopover, we climb up to the Thrumsing La pass (12,400’), the highest point on of our journey, and then begin a long descent to Sengor. If time permits, we’ll do some late afternoon birding.
Night halt in tent at Sengor.

DAY 13, 14 and 15 Limithang Road camping The next three days should be the highlights of the tour, scouring the Limithang valley for birds. The Limithang area, situated at elevations ranging from 3,000 to 12,400 feet, boasts some of the country’s most pristine forests, unrivalled in the density of tree species, and thus is a natural haven for birds. The endless stretches of forests, the quaint villages and a sleepy road which winds through the valley are all frequented by flocks after flocks of birds of all shades that make the entire area a visual delight for bird lovers. Here we have the greatest chance of seeing famous Bhutanese birds we may have missed elsewhere during the trip like the Rufus-necked Hornbill, Ward’s Trogon, Satyr Tragopan and endless others.
We will be tracking down, among others, the Collared Scops-Owl, Collared Owlet, Himalayan Swiftlet, Striated, Black-crested, White-cheeked, Red-vented, Ashy, Black and Mountain Bulbuls, Golden-breasted and Yellow-throated Fulvetta, Slender-billed Rusty-cheeked, Streak-breasted, and Coral-billed Scimitar-Babblers, Hill and Rufecent Prinia, Gray-headed Canary Flycatcher, Common Tailorbird, Ashy, Bronzed, Lesser Racquet-tailed and Hair-crested Dorangos, and Scarlet Finch. We hope to end each day’s adventure with revelry in our comfortable camps.
DAY 16 – Limithang to Bumthang
From this day on, we retrace our steps back to western Bhutan, the airport and eventually the flight home. It doesn’t however mean that we will not be adding new birds to our sighted list and capturing them in celluloid.
Night halt a, Bumthang.

DAY 17 – Bumthang to Wangdiphodrang Night Halt at  Wangdiphodrang.
DAY 18 - Wangdiphodrang - Paro
Night halt at  Hotel, Paro
DAY 19 – Paro to Bangkok

Read More