ExclusiveJourneyYour journey to the land of happiness
A black-necked crane feeding in winter grassland

Wildlife

7 Best Bird Watching Locations in Bhutan

2 min read

7 Best Bhutan Bird watching Tour Location in Bhutan for Nature Tour packages:

Bhutan is a paradise for bird watchers, with over 700 plus species recorded across diverse habitats from subtropical forests to alpine meadows, including globally threatened and restricted-range species. The country's protected forests and wildlife corridors are a major reason for this diversity. Bhutan is a very strong destination for birding, particularly if you want a combination of Himalayan birds, subtropical forest species, photography and beautiful landscapes

Bhutan Birds watching Tour you can look for depending on season and route, possibilities include:

  • Black-necked Crane 
  • Ward's Trogon
  • Great Hornbill
  • Rufous-necked Hornbill
  • Satyr Tragopan
  • Beautiful Nuthatch
  • Pallas's Fish Eagle
  • Blyth's Kingfisher
  • White-bellied Heron
  • Imperial Heron
  • Blue-winged Laughingthrush

1. Phobjikha Valley (Gangtey Valley)

  • Region: Central Bhutan
  • Highlight species: Black-necked cranes (Nov–Feb), Himalayan monal, blood pheasant
  • Why visit: A glacial valley with marshlands perfect for migratory birds.

2. Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary

  • Region: Northeastern Bhutan (Trashiyangtse)
  • Highlight species: Black-necked cranes, satyr tragopan, ward’s trogon
  • Why visit: Remote and rich in endemic and migratory bird species.

3. Samtengang and Wangdue Forests

  • Region: Near Punakha and Wangdue Phodrang
  • Highlight species: Rufous-necked hornbill, white-bellied heron, spotted laughingthrush
  • Why visit: Forested trails ideal for both beginners and avid birders.

4. Tingtibi (Zhemgang District)

  • Region: South-central Bhutan
  • Highlight species: Beautiful nuthatch, golden langur (also spotted here), various hornbills
  • Why visit: Biodiversity hotspot with excellent forest birding.

5. Royal Manas National Park

  • Region: Southern Bhutan
  • Highlight species: Wreathed hornbill, emerald dove, pied falconet
  • Why visit: Bhutan’s oldest national park, offering subtropical birding and rare mammal sightings.

6. Chele La Pass

  • Region: Between Paro and Haa
  • Highlight species: Himalayan monal, rosefinches, white-winged grosbeak
  • Why visit: High-altitude birding with panoramic views and easy access.

7. Mo Chhu River Valley (Punakha)

  • Region: Western Bhutan
  • Highlight species: White-bellied heron (critically endangered), crested kingfisher
  • Why visit: One of the few places in the world to spot the rare heron in the wild.

Have a question about your trip?

Our Thimphu team replies within 24 hours, usually the same day.

A mountain valley in golden light with a village on the ridge

Ready to plan your Bhutan journey?

Tell us when you would like to travel and who is coming. We will reply within 24 hours with a private, tailor-made plan.