Itinerary:

Day 1: Thimphu

Arrival at Paro airport. After clearing immigration we will drive east through an enchanting valley with its decorated shingle-roofed houses and willow-fringed river. Red billed Choughs are quite common in this valley and as we head east we will stop to search for Ibisbill and Brown Dipper.

We will spend the night at Thimphu Bhutan`s delightful capital - at the Hotel Pedling or a similar hotel.

Day 2: Dochu la

Today we will head east out of Thimphu, up onto the western slopes of Dochu la, the first of a series of high altitude road passes. Entering the pristine mixed forests of hemlock, fir, oak, blossoming magnolias, and rhododendrons we should see a wealth of birds including some species rich feeding flocks. Quarrelsome Nutcrackers are common and other highlights may include a skulking Hill Partridge or Satyr Tragopan, Golden Bush Robin, an immaculate Cutia, Brown Parrotbill, or even a gorgeous Fire-tailed Myzornis. We`ll venture off road on to a couple of trails that enables us to explore the forest more Thoroughly.

The night be be spent near Punakha in Meri Puen Sum Resort or equivalent.

Day 3: Punakha

Spending three nights at a splendid traditionally decorated hotel near Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan, we`ll have ample time to explore the braided channels of MoChhu river and the bird-rich subtropical forests it contains. Our route will take us past the spectacular Punakha Dzong. We should see an impressive array of species, including the White-bellied Heron, one of Bhutan`s rarest specialties. We are sure to encounter several parties of brightly coloured minivets, noisy Striated Laughingthrushes and may also see more Red -headed Trogon, and Wedge-tailed Pigeon, wait to be discovered. Fire -capped Tit breeds here, as does White-gorgeted Flycatcher and rare Yellow -vented Warbler. We will also search for variety of skulkers including White -browed Shortwing, Spotted and Pygmy Wren-Babblers and all three species of tesia.

The night be be spent near Punakha in Meri Puen Sum Resort or a similar hotel.

Day 4: Punakha

As day three.

The night be be spent near Punakha in Meri Puen Sum Resort or similar.

Day 5: Punakha - Gangtey Gompa

Continuing east, past Wangdue Dzong (a monastery and fortress combined), we will make a series of brief stops to scan the braided river channel. We have seen Palla`s Gull and Palla`s Fishing Eagle regularly here. We also check forest edges and explore some of the small patches of cultivation. We will enter productive forest near the end of our journey and will stop here to look for species such as Blood Pheasant, Satyr Tragopan or majestic Himalayan Monal. Spotted Laughingthrush, Yellowish-bellied Bush Warbler, Rusty -flanked Treecreeper, and White-winged Grosbeak also occur here. We will also make a proper search for Ward`s Trogon, perhaps Bhutan`s premier avian prize, before heading on to the Dewachen Hotel in Gangtey Gompa or similar.

Day 6: Gangtey Gompa - Trongsa

Leaving Gangtey we will follow the twisting road over the Pelela Pass and into Central Bhutan. A stand of bamboo extend for about three miles below the pass and we will search here for specialties such as Great and Brown Parrotbills, and Golden-breasted Fulvetta, surely one of the world`s most attractive passerines.

Night in Trongsa at the Yangkhil Resort or similar.

Day 7: Trongsa - Jakar F

rom Trongsa we will initially head south. Our main target is the rare and little known Yellow-rumped Honeyguide but we should see a number of other species perhaps including Emerald Dove, Large Niltava, and Russet Bush Warbler. The Valley here is also good area for the rare Golden Langur monkey. Retracing our route we will climb over a pass into the first four valleys and rolling hillsides covered in spruce and fir and the avifauna alters equally abruptly. Nutcrackers can be common, though we will have to spend little more time searching for Beautiful Rosefinches.

We will spend the night in Jakar at the Swiss Hotel or similar.

Day 8: Jakar - Lingmethang Road

Continuing our circuit east we will climb eventually across the Thrumsingla, at 12,465ft is Bhutan`s highest road pass. The road then plunges dramatically down into rich semitropical rain forest. This is Lingmethang road, perhaps Asia`s premier birding road. Many of Bhutan`s most sought-after birds can be found here including Chestnut-breasted Partridge, Ward`s Trogon, the majestic Rufous-necked Hornbill, Blue-naped Pitta, Blue-fronted Robin, and Wedge-billed and Bar-winged Wren Babblers.

3 nights accommodation in modern tents or a traditional house.

Day 9: Lingmethang Road

In our two days of exploring the fabulous, lush primary forests in search of the area`s specialties we will also include a special area where Rufous-necked Hornbill roost during the middle of the day. Some of the rare species are Slender-billed and Coral-billed Scimitar Babblers, Scaly and Blue-winged Laughingthrushes, Greater Rufous-headed Parrotbill, Broad-billed Warbler and Rufous-throated Wren Babbler.

Overnight at our Tented Camp.

Day 10: Lingmethang Road

As day 9

Day 11: Lingmethang Road - Bumthang - Jakar

Today we retrace our way back to Bumthang across the Thrumsingla pass checking the places that we missed.

Overnight in Local Hotel.

Day 12: Bumthang

Full day in Bumthang to explore the cultural sites and do some of the best walking trips through the farms, cattle and farm houses.

Overnight in local hotel.

Day 13: Jakar - Thimphu

Early drive to Thimphu across the passes Yotongla, Pelela, and finally across Dochula and on to Thimphu.

Overnight at the Pelri Hotel, the Hotel River View or equivalent.

Day 14: Cultural Activities

We will have a morning of cultural activities that may include visits to the Stupa Memorial [for the third King], Textile Museum, Handicrafts Emporium, Folk heritage Museum, Painting school, Bhutanese paper factory and Post office. An afternoon departure for Paro and the possibility of a visit the National Museum.

Overnight at Paro at the Silver Pine Hotel or similar.

Day 15: Homeward Flights