Top Birding Sites in Bhutan: A Paradise for Bird Lovers
Bhutan, a small Himalayan kingdom known for its pristine forests and rich biodiversity, is a dream destination for birdwatchers. With over 770 recorded bird species, including many rare and endangered ones, Bhutan offers an extraordinary birding experience across its lush valleys, remote mountains, and protected sanctuaries. Whether you are an avid birder or a curious nature lover, here are the top birding spots in Bhutan that promise an unforgettable wildlife adventure.
Lamperi Botanical Garden
The mixed forests around the pass and the botanical park are full of flowering plants, mossy trees, and vibrant Himalayan species. Birders especially love this spot in spring when rhododendrons bloom. Covering 47 square miles (120 km²), it connects Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park and Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Park. Birding within the central area offers a delightful hour-long walk where visitors can encounter key species like Darjeeling and Rufous-bellied Woodpeckers, Brown Parrotbill, Streaked-breasted Scimitar Babbler, and Black-tailed Crake. Seasonal sightings include Golden-breasted and Black-throated Parrotbill. In winter, the park hosts species such as Alpine Thrush, Blue-fronted and Hodgson’s Redstart, and Rufous-breasted Accentor. Ward’s Trogon is a highlight species, alongside 46 species of rhododendrons.
Phobjikha Valley
Phobjikha Valley is one of Bhutan’s largest and most pristine marshland areas, globally renowned as a vital winter habitat for the endangered Black-necked Cranes. Out of a worldwide population of over 17,000, more than 600 cranes migrate to this valley every winter. Due to its ecological importance, the valley has been officially designated as a conservation area.
While the Black-necked Cranes are the valley’s most iconic visitors, Phobjikha also supports a modest yet diverse range of other species. Notable among these are the Himalayan Owl, Oriental Skylark, Hen Harrier, and the impressive Himalayan Griffon. During winter, several Thrush and Redstart species also migrate to the area. Rarely, the elusive Woodsnipe has been spotted, adding to the valley’s appeal among birdwatchers.
Tingtibe – Gomphu – Panbang
Often referred to as the “birding capital of Bhutan,” the Zhemgang region, especially the stretch from Tingtibi to Panbang, is one of the richest lowland birding zones in the country. The subtropical broadleaf forests here are teeming with rare and endangered birds.
You will encounter the White-hooded Babbler, Pale-billed Parrotbill, Pale-headed and Grey-capped Pygmy Woodpeckers, Bay and Fulvous-breasted Woodpeckers, and the White-browed Piculet. Look for the Grey-throated Babbler, Mountain Tailorbird, Yellow-bellied, and Rufous-faced Warblers, and raptors like the Crested Serpent-Eagle, Emerald Dove, and Red-headed Trogon. Watch for the Lesser Yellownape, Long-tailed and Silver-breasted Broadbills, Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrike, White-bellied Erpornis, Bronzed and Lesser racket-tailed Drongos, and the Rufous-necked and Great Hornbills. Keep an eye out for owls including the Spot-bellied Eagle Owl, Tawny Fish Owl, Brown Boobook, Asian-barred Owlet, and Collared Owlet. Don’t miss the chance to spot Barbets such as the Great, Blue-throated, and Golden-throated, and watch for the critically endangered White-bellied Heron.
Yongkola to Namling and Lingmethang – Eastern Bhutan
Widely regarded as one of the best birding stretches in the entire Eastern Himalayas, the road from Yongkola to Namling and Lingmethang is a dream destination for birdwatchers. The route winds through elevations ranging from subtropical forests to cool broadleaf and temperate zones, creating diverse habitats that support an exceptional range of birdlife.
This birding paradise is known for offering some of the finest sightings of Bhutan’s most sought-after species. Key highlights include:
- Ward’s Trogon – one of the most coveted species for birders in the region
- Rufous-necked Hornbill – often seen gliding between towering forest canopies
- Beautiful Nuthatch – a vibrant Eastern Himalayan specialty
- Scarlet Finch, Golden-breasted Fulvetta, and Blue-winged Laughingthrush
Lower elevations closer to Lingmethang are ideal for spotting species such as the Hill Partridge, Rusty-cheeked Scimitar Babbler, and the White-gorgeted Flycatcher. The dense forest cover also supports species like the Black-headed Shrike-Babbler, Slender-billed Scimitar Babbler, Long-tailed Broadbill, and various minivets, barbets, and yuhinas.
Pelela Old Abandoned Road
The Pelela Old Abandoned Road is a scenic and rewarding birding hotspot, offering sweeping open meadows and vibrant Rhododendron forests that provide ideal habitat for some of Bhutan’s most sought-after high-altitude species. This area is particularly famous for sightings of the Himalayan Monal and Blood Pheasant, two of the region’s most iconic birds.
Bird enthusiasts can also find various Laughingthrushes, the Brown Parrotbill, White-winged and Collared Grosbeaks, and a range of Rosefinches. The road is also a promising location for spotting the striking Red-headed Bullfinch, the elusive Bar-winged Wren Babbler, and the shy Scaly-breasted Cupwing.
Nobding
Nobding is a serene highland area dominated by cool broadleaf forests, making it one of Bhutan’s most rewarding birding destinations. The region is famous for Ward’s Trogon and the rare Yellow-rumped Honeyguide, as well as a variety of sought-after spring species such as Himalayan Cutia, Fire-capped Tit, and Bhutan Laughingthrush.
During the winter months, the rock cliffs along the road attract Wallcreepers, while shrubs nearby provide habitat for the brilliant Fire-tailed Myzornis. Nobding is ideal for birders seeking a combination of rare species, scenic forests, and seasonal diversity.
Punakha
Highlights: Pallas’s Fish Eagle, White-bellied Heron, Bay Woodpecker, Lesser Yellownape, Greater Yellownape, Tawny Fish Owl, Forktails (Little, Slaty-backed, Spotted), Chestnut-headed Tesia, Slaty-bellied Tesia, Lesser Shortwing, Spotted Elachura
Punakha is renowned for its diverse habitats, which include rich riverine environments and warm broadleaved forests—making it one of the most rewarding birding regions in Bhutan.
The area is especially famous for sightings of the endangered Pallas’s Fish Eagle and, on occasion, the critically endangered White-bellied Heron.
Punakha’s forests and riverbanks also support an excellent variety of woodpeckers such as the Bay Woodpecker, Lesser Yellownape, and Greater Yellownape, as well as the majestic Tawny Fish Owl.
For birders seeking more elusive forest species, Punakha offers opportunities to encounter the Chestnut-headed Tesia, Slaty-bellied Tesia, Lesser Shortwing, and the fascinating Spotted Elachura—a species so unique that it now represents its own family.
Along the rivers and streams, birdwatchers can look for three charismatic Forktail species: Little Forktail, Slaty-backed Forktail, Spotted Forktail.
With its rich diversity and exceptional habitats, Punakha remains one of Bhutan’s most fruitful regions for both beginner and specialist birders.
Trongsa to Koshala Stretch
The forests surrounding Trongsa are among Bhutan’s most reliable locations for spotting the rare and striking Beautiful Nuthatch, a jewel for birdwatchers. The area also hosts other notable species such as the Grey-headed Woodpecker and the Yellow-rumped Honeyguide, making it a rewarding destination for both novice and experienced birders.
With its lush forests and rich mid-altitude habitats, Trongsa offers excellent opportunities for observing Himalayan birdlife in a scenic and relatively accessible setting.
Zhemgang – Dakphal Road
Highlights: Rufous-necked Hornbill, Beautiful Nuthatch, Bhutan Laughingthrush, Blue-winged Laughingthrush, Rufous-chinned Laughingthrush, Red-faced Liocichla, Scarlet Minivet, Grey-chinned Minivet, Himalayan Cutia, Blyth’s Shrike Babbler, Sultan Tit, Yellow-cheeked Tit, Green-backed Tit, Black-throated Tit, Blue-naped Pitta (spring)
The Zhemgang – Dakphal Road winds through a mix of cool and warm broadleaved forests, creating ideal habitats for some of Bhutan’s rarest and most striking birds. Birdwatchers can encounter the spectacular Rufous-necked Hornbill and the elusive Beautiful Nuthatch, as well as a rich variety of Laughingthrushes, including the Bhutan Laughingthrush, Blue-winged Laughingthrush, Rufous-chinned Laughingthrush, and Red-faced Liocichla.
The area also supports numerous common and attractive species, such as Scarlet and Grey-chinned Minivets, Himalayan Cutia, and Blyth’s Shrike Babbler. Forest edges and mid-canopy layers host a variety of Tits, including the Sultan, Yellow-cheeked, Green-backed, and Black-throated Tits. Spring brings additional excitement with the chance to spot the elusive Blue-naped Pitta.
This route is a must-visit for serious birders seeking a combination of rare species, colorful passerines, and scenic Eastern Bhutan forests.
Bhutan is truly a birdwatcher’s paradise, offering an unmatched combination of pristine landscapes, diverse habitats, and rare Himalayan species. From the marshlands of Phobjekha Valley, home to endangered Black-necked Cranes, to the lush forests along Zhemgang – Dakphal Road, and the scenic heights of Pelela Old Abandoned Road and Nobding, each region provides unique opportunities to witness both iconic and elusive birds.
Whether you are a seasoned birder or a passionate beginner, Bhutan’s rich biodiversity, well-preserved forests, and accessible birding routes make it an unforgettable destination. With knowledgeable local guides and tailor-made itineraries by OMSHA Travel, exploring Bhutan’s birdlife becomes a seamless and enriching experience.
Plan your birding adventure with OMSHA Travel and immerse yourself in the vibrant colors, melodious calls, and rare species that make Bhutan one of the Himalayas’ ultimate birdwatching destinations.
