Kolkata / Day 1 - 2
Arrive in the eastern gateway of the country. After breakfast, we have an opportunity to enjoy a first taste of India’s remarkable birdlife in the city’s parks and wetlands. Situated within ten kilometers of the bustling city centre, the Satragachi Jheel is a noted wetland site, which plays host to thousands of migratory wildfowl in winter. Lesser known Whistling-ducks are generally abundant, along with good numbers of other waterfowl - some familiar, others less so - including Little Cormorant, Northern Pintail, Garganey, Gadwall, Ferruginous Duck, Fulvous and Cotton Pygmy- goose. Bronze-winged Jacanas stalk across the choking Water Hyacinths. Spend the day sightseeing at various places like the Howrah Bridge, Victoria Memorial, Kali Ghat Temple, Botanical Gardens, flower market, St. Paul’s Cathedral Church and Mother Teresa’s House. The day is spent getting oriented to the culturally rich city of Kolkata.
Paro / Day 03 - 04
Druk Airways flight to Bhutan provides the most fascinating view of Himalayan scenery. Whether flying along the Himalayan range from Kathmandu or over the foothills from Calcutta, each flight is a mesmerizing aeronautical feat and offers exciting descent into the kingdom. Evening orientation programme in the hotel with audio-visual presentation, slide show and general talk end the day. The altitude of Paro valley ranges from 2,150 - 2,950 m and the ideal birding spots are through the farmlands, the lower and upper broad leaved evergreen forests, the riversides, subalpine forests and shrubberies. The valley also possesses wealth of cultural attractions such as Ta Dzong (National Museum), Rinpung Dzong, Kyichu Lhakhang and Taktsang Lhakhang. We reserve the second day on the trip to cover these. Some of the recorded bird species in Paro includes: Aberrant Bush Warbler, Blyth's Reed Warbler, Himalayan Whistling Thrush, Common Teal, Grey headed Flycatcher Warbler, Greenbacked Tit, Hodgson's Redstart, Jungle Crow and Himalayan Brown Dipper.
Thimphu / Day 05
Drive to Thimphu, the modern capital town of Bhutan. Later explore this beautiful upland valley. Relatively dry, Thimphu valley is surrounded by fine stands of Blue Pine and temperate evergreen forests. The increasing human settlement has pushed birding spots at least 10 km and now the ideal areas for birding are around the stream near Motithang and in and around Begana and Cheri villages. Few of the bird species recorded here are the Common Sandpiper, Redrumped Swallow, Sparrowhawk, Grackle or Hill Myna, Grey Wagtail; White bellied Yuhina, Upland Pipit, and Plumbeous Redstart.
Punakha and Wangdue Phodrang Valley / Day 06
From Thimphu, proceed further to Dochula pass (3,050m), which offers most spectacular view over high peaks of eastern Himalaya. From here the descent to Punakha and Wangduephodrang valley is long at the altitude difference between the pass and the valley is about 1,800 m. The route first passes through a temperate type of leafy forest where rhododendron and magnolia bloom in March and April then moves to semi tropical zone where, orange and banana trees and cactuses are found in abundance. More common species in these valleys are Black chinned Yuhina, Spotted Dove, Black chinned Babbler, Black breasted Sunbird, Red breasted Rosefinch, Fulvous breasted Pied Woodpecker, Large Grey Babbler, Himalaya Tree Pie, Little Bunting, Slatybacked Fork tail and White breasted Kingfisher. This is a great opportunity to see these unique birds.
Punakha & Wangduephodrang and Gangtey / Day 07 - 08
From Wangduephodrang, the journey continues eastwards through Black Mountain region. The drive is relatively shorter and there are regular stops for birding and photography all along the way. The road finally leads to forest of oak and rhododendron and then broad Phobjikha valley, which is one of the few glacial valleys in Bhutan. Because of large flock of black-necked cranes that winter here, this valley is one of the most important wildlife reserve in the country. The fascinating Gangtey village is sitting on the ridge overlooking the large green expanse of Phobjikha valley. In additions to the species in Punakha & Wangduephodrang, the species readily available in this region are Amur Falcon, Red mantled Rosefinch, Fire breasted Flowerpecker, Redheaded Bullfinch, Scarlet Finch, White-tailed Nuthatch, Magpie-Robin and Gold crest.
Trongsa – Bumthang (Jakar) / Day 09
On this trip of 68 km, there is altitude variation from 2,100 m in Trongsa to Yotongla pass at 3,400 m and then descend to Bumthang valley at 2,600 m and the vegetation changes from temperate forests of Trongsa to coniferous and mixed alpine of Bumthang. Apart from being one of the most beautiful valleys of the kingdom, Bumthang is also the religious heartland of the nation. The ideal birding spots in this region are before Yotongla pass, farmland in the valleys and the riverside of Chamkhar Chhu river. Few birds of this area are Goldcrest, Blyth's Pipit, Common Sandpiper , Little Bunting, Redbilled Chough and Cormorant.
Bumthang – Ura / Day 10
Ura is the last and the highest valleys of Bumthang and to reach here, the road climbs through amazingly open countryside, occasionally running into forests. Large sheep pastures line the road and the route also crosses 3,600 m high Ura la pass and later descending into Ura by long loop across fields and pastures. Perched at an altitude of 3,100 m, Ura village has characteristically closed clustered houses which are quite unusual in Bhutan. The day is for exploring fascinating Ura valley and village. Overnight-tented accommodation.
Ura – Limithang / Day 11
Leaving behind the relatively dry Ura valley, the route ascends through forests of gigantic firs, often with an under storey of rhododendron. The road for a few kilometres is precipitous in the extreme, with steep drops that reveal a landscape defying description, until the pass at Thrumshingla (3,750 m) is finally reached. From this highest pass in the country, the road descends to the village of Sengor, a tiny settlement of shingle roofs and lush fields. This village is also the home to this mountain’s most special bird, Monal Lophophorus Impejanus. Explore the wonderfully rich subtropical forests of this area. Stretching away to the horizons, these forests differ noticeably from those at higher elevations with tall trees sporting magnificent girths supported on huge buttress. The important species visible in this area are Black Bulbul, Blyth's Pipit Bronzed Drongo, Gould's Shortwings, Redheaded Bullfinch, Speckled Piculet, Grey Wagtail, Whitethroated Munia and Whitebrowed Blue Flycatcher.
Mongar – Trashigang / Day 12
From Limithang, the road reaches to its lowest point of 650 m at the bridge over Kuru Chhu river. The Chhorten at this point, was built in 1800, in Nepalese style of architecture to hold the precious religious objects of Shongar Dzong when the Dzong was abandoned in favour of other place, Mongar. Visit here, Mongar Dzong built at the beginning of 19th century. However the present structure dates from 1953, when it was formed on command of Bhutan's Third King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Besides being the administrative centre of the region, it also houses the Drukpa monastic community. The eastern towns of Mongar and Trashigang are not interesting for birding so the time in last two days of the tour is spent for cultural experience. On arrival in Trashigang, check in at the lodge. Later visit Trashigang Dzong, standing at the extreme end of the spur, overhanging the Gamri river by more than 400 m. Unlike most other Dzongs in the Kingdom, it has only one courtyard. The Dzong now serves as the administrative seat for district and part of it occupied by Drukpa monastic community. Overnight at the lodge in Trashigang.
Samdrup Jongkhar / Day 13
Trashigang — Samdrup Jongkhar road completed in 1965 and the journey takes about 6 hours. Along the way, pass by Sherubtse College, the only college in country founded in 1978. Also visit the Zangtho Pelri temple built in 1978 by the late Minister of Home Affairs. It represents Guru Rinpoche’s paradise. Driving ahead, reach to Khaling to visit the Blind School and Weaving Centre. Deothang, 80 kms from Khaling is the centre of Technical training college and road maintenance head quarters for the east. From here the road descends fairly rapidly to the plain through a dense tropical forest with an abundance of teak, bamboo and ferns. Overnight at the lodge in Samdrup Jongkhar.
Guwahati / Day 14
After breakfast transfer to Bhutan border where you will be picked up by Indian agent for onward drive to Guwahati. Enjoy visit of the Kamakhya Devi temple. Overnight at the hotel.
Kolkata / Day 15
After breakfast transfer to the airport and fly to Kolkata, in Kolkata transfer to the international terminal and fly back home.