Our first trip to Bhutan (scheduled for spring of 2021) fell victim to COVID. We waited two years before we were able to offer it. That year we ended up sending two groups. Was it worth the wait? I think you’d get a resounding “yes” from those who went, including GGBA Travel Coordinator Dawn Lemoine. Two years later it was our other Travel Coordinator, Eric Schroeder, who went, and he adds his voice to the chorus (along with those of former GGBA Trip Leaders Bob Lewis, Eddie Bartley, and Noreen Weeden). For a complete list of the 340 species seen by this group, check out the trip report.

It’s no wonder that it’s possible to see so many birds in a trip that’s less than three weeks long. Bhutan, a country roughly the size of Maryland, has almost 600 species of birds. Over 70% of its land is forested with 25% protected by National Parks. You’ll visit a range of environments varying from sub-tropical at 150m to alpine at over 4,500m.

On this 19-day trip, some of the major targets you’ll be looking for include the big three pheasants—Himalayan Monal, Satyr Tragopan, and Blood Pheasant—as well as some unusual birds like the Ibisbill, some beautiful birds like the Fire-tailed Myzornis, Ward’s Trogon and the aptly named Beautiful Nuthatch, and some critically endangered birds like the Rufous-necked Hornbill and the White-bellied Heron. You can also expect to see 10-15 species of mammals (on several trips the group was fortunate enough to see Red Panda). Our Bhutanese guide from Langur Eco Travels will not only introduce you to the fauna but also the flora of Bhutan (we’re visiting during the spring rhododendron bloom) and its culture (our trip includes visits to several famous sites, including the Tiger’s Nest Monastery).

For more on Bhutan we recommend the talk our Bhutanese host Chubzang Tangbi gave at one of our special Travel Program Speaker Series talks two years ago. All of the amazing photographs are his. Click here for the talk and slideshow. We also recommend a feature on Bhutan shown on 60 Minutes. Click here to watch it. 

FLIGHTS

Bangkok to Guwahati $462 per person (can be booked by Langur Eco Travels or self-arranged)

Paro to Bangkok $520 per person (arranged by Langur Eco Travels)

Note: Flight costs are current prices and are subject to change