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Bhutan - Tour Destination
- Birding the Buddhist Kingdom
Click here for Trip Reports of previous tours
Thanks to a small population embracing their Buddhist traditions of respecting wildlife and a forward-thinking government, Bhutan has avoided the environmental ravages that have left neighboring Himalayan forests degraded. Bhutan is now the only country in the region that boasts endless forest vistas that provide birders with some very special opportunities.
Traveling through magnificent scenery blanketed in deep forests, with mighty snowcapped Himalayan peaks towering in the distance, the mountain kingdom of Bhutan is unlike any other destination in the world. The great mountain passes littered with prayer flags give way to pristine forests often dominated by massive dzongs (temple-fortresses). We will have an opportunity to visit several dzongs to view the impressive artwork that adorn these structures, and interact with the devout Bhutanese.
Beginning in the east and traveling across the breadth of this remarkable country, we will pass through lush broad-leafed forests dripping with orchids, blazes of rhododendrons and magnolias, seemingly endless coniferous forests, and arguably the most spectacular mountain scenery in the world. The birds are no less extravagant with a brilliant array of colors and seldom-seen rarities including species that are unlikely to be encountered outside of this pristine Kingdom. Targets include Himalayan Monal, Satyr Tragopan, White-bellied Heron, Ibisbill, Ward’s Trogon, Rufous-necked Hornbill, Beautiful Nuthatch, Wedge-billed Wren-Babbler and Fire-tailed Myzornis.
Our tour includes comfortable camping, often at spectacular sites, where our needs are catered for by a team of helpful camp assistants. The pace is easy and most of our birding is done whilst walking the most productive sections of the breath-taking road that winds its way across the Kingdom. Join us on this adventure through a paradise of culture, birds and scenic vistas as we explore the heavenly riches of Bhutan.
Our Assam extension showcases Kaziranga National Park, arguably India’s most famous reserve and Nameri National Park, one of the last areas where the highly endangered White-winged Duck can be observed . The vast swathe of swamps, grasslands and forests in Kaziranga support masses of large mammals, unrivalled anywhere else in Eurasia. The prehistoric One-horned Rhinoceros is abundant and large numbers of wild Water Buffalo, Asian Elephant and numerous deer including the rare Swamp Deer can be seen. Predators include Tiger, Leopard and Dhole. The birding is equally superb and targets will include the striking Bengal Florican, endangered Greater Adjutant, Blue-naped Pitta and a variety of other exciting Asian specialties.
Please contact us for the detailed itineraries for these tours.
| tour name & date 2011 | Assam Extension I: 21 - 25 Mar (5 days); Bhutan I: 25 Mar - 13 Apr (20 days)
Bhutan II: 20 Apr - 9 May (20 days); Assam Extension II: 16 - 20 April (5 Days) |
| tour cost for 2011 |
Bhutan I & II: US$6,250.00, US$600.00 ss
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| max group size | 12 & 2 Rockjumper leaders; Bhutan & Assam |
| tour leaders | Bhutan & Assam I: Glen Valentine & Rainer Summers
Bhutan & Assam II: Glen Valentine & Rainer Summers |
| habitats covered | low to high elevation forests (including bamboo, coniferous & mixed broad-leafed), pastures, wetlands, rocky slopes, rivers |
| climate | hot and tropical to temperate and cold, some rain expected |
| tour pace & walking | moderate pace, undemanding walks, some long drives |
| accomodation | simple lodges and comfortable camping |
| ease of birding | moderate with some difficult species |
| no. of species expected | Bhutan: 330 - 380; Assam Ext: 230 - 260 |
| top mammals | Golden Langur, Capped Langur, Common Goral, Himalayan Black Bear, One-horned Rhinoceros, Tiger |
| other attractions | Buddhist culture, dzongs (temple-fortresses), incredible mountain scenery and magnificent forests, a land little touched by time, Assam megafauna |
| photographic opportunities | excellent |
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