Birding in Bhutan - Mass Audubon · Birding in Bhutan March 17 – April 4 ... Lying in the heart...
Transcript of Birding in Bhutan - Mass Audubon · Birding in Bhutan March 17 – April 4 ... Lying in the heart...
Birding in Bhutan
March 17 – April 4, 2015
With Elissa Landre
Bhutan is one of our planet's great hot spots of biodiversity and one of the more pristine landscapes to be found
anywhere. Lying in the heart of the eastern Himalayas and spanning almost 24,000 feet of altitude, 60 percent of
the country remains cloaked in primeval forest from subtropical deciduous forests to alpine krummholz. Although
it is a temperate-zone country with an area about the size of Vermont and New Hampshire combined, Bhutan a
wide variety of bird species and 2,000 species of flowering plants, including 50 rhododendrons. We have planned a
wonderful tour of the natural and cultural sites of this delightful country – we hope that you can join us!
Bhutan
March 17- April 4, 2015
Travel with the Massachusetts Audubon Society
208 South Great Road, Lincoln, MA 01773
800-289-9504
DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY___________________________________________________________
Day 1: Tuesday, March 17 – Arrive Delhi after midday
After passing through Immigration and Customs, we will meet our Indian guide and transfer to the hotel.
Overnight at The Uppal Hotel. (Dinner)
Day 2: Wednesday, March 18 – Delhi, India
In the morning we will take the opportunity to go birding at the Sultanpur Jheel National Park. This
wetland reserve is a great place to see a variety of waders including Eurasian Spoonbill, Painted Stork,
and Black-winged Stilt, as well as woodland species such as Green Bee-eater, Red-vented Bulbul, and
Black Kite. With luck, we could also see a Nilgai, a member of the antelope family. Overnight at The
Uppal Hotel (B, L, D).
Day 3: Thursday, March 19 – Fly from Delhi to Guwahati
Today is an exciting travel day. We will fly from Delhi to Guwahati by Spice Jet 885, depart Delhi at
0555 hrs, arrive Guwahati, the capital of Assam, at 0820 hrs. From here we will drive north, crossing the
mighty Brahmaputra, to the border of Bhutan, and then continue north to Samdrum Jonkhar. Overnight
at hotel TLT or Tashi Gasel Lodge (B, L, D).
Day 4: Friday, March 20 – Samdrup Jonkhar to Morong
Continuing north, it will be roadside birding looking for Crested Goshawk, Mountain Imperial Pigeon,
Grey-bellied and Asian Emerald Cuckoos, Red-headed Trogon, Greater Yellownape, Golden-throated
Barbet, Long-tailed Broadbill, Grey-backed Shrike, Collared Treepie, Orange-headed Thrush, Small
Niltava, Grey-headed Flycatcher, Green-backed Tit, White-browed Scimitar-babbler, Nepal Fulvetta,
Rufous Sibia, and rare Rufous-headed Parrotbill. Overnight at tented camp (B, L, D).
Day 5: Saturday, March 21 – Morong to Tashigang
Today we will drive and bird our way northward to Tashigang, gradually gaining altitude, moving from
subtropical forest into a broad-leaved forest. We shall pass the Tashigang Dzong, built in 1659, and
superbly located on a spur overhanging the river. Overnight at Rangjung Guest House or similar (B, L,
D).
Day 6: Sunday, March 22 – Tashigang to
Lower Limithang
We’ll pass through a pine forest, cornfields, and
banana groves as we leave Tashigang. After crossing
the Korila at 8000 feet, we will be traveling through a
wonderful mixed broad-leafed evergreen forest
where we are likely to see a number of species such
as the rarely seen Black-tailed Crake, Siberian
Stonechat, and Crested and Little Buntings. The next
few days will be spent exploring this famous area.
Birdwatchers know the magnificent stretch of habitat
that we will explore today and tomorrow as the
Limithang Road. Overnight at tented camp (B, L, D).
Bhutan
March 17- April 4, 2015
Travel with the Massachusetts Audubon Society
208 South Great Road, Lincoln, MA 01773
800-289-9504
Days 7-8: Monday, March 23 & Tuesday, March 24 – Lower Limithang to Yongkola
After early tea/coffee, we will set out to explore, watching the changes in vegetation and birdlife as we
go. Because of Bhutan’s dynamic altitudinal, as well as latitudinal, migration patterns, one never knows
what one is going to find. However, some of today’s watch birds include: Mountain Hawk-Eagle, White-
throated Needletail (one of the fastest birds in the world), Alpine Accentor, Orange-flanked and Golden
Bush Robins, the incomparable Fire-tailed Myzornis, a number of warbler species including Golden-
spectacled and Ashy-throated, six or more species of tits, up to three treecreepers, White-tailed
Nuthatch, Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher, Rufous-bellied Niltava, Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrush, with
luck, a parrotbill or two, a variety of charmingly named babblers (yuhinas, fulvettas, minlas, and sibias),
White-winged Grosbeak, and perhaps a rosefinch or two. Yoncola, tented camp (B, L, D).
Day 9-10: Wednesday, March 25 & Thursday, March 26 – Yongkola to Sengor
The forests here are a mixture of spruce, hemlock, and fir with birds including Black-faced, Chestnut-
crowned, and Spotted Laughingthrushes, White-browed Bush Robin, Rusty-flanked Treecreeper, Tibetan
Serin that flock in large groups, Red Crossbill, Golden-naped Finch, Slender-billed Scimitar Babbler, and
Bar-winged Wren-Babbler. Satyr Tragopan is also found on slopes. Overnight at tented camp (B, L, D).
Day 11: Friday, March 27 – Sengor to Bumthang
via Ura
The road from Sengor to Ura is a candidate for the most
beautiful passage in the world with mountains, mists,
waterfalls, masses of rhododendrons, and towering trees
creating dramatic new effects around every corner (of
which there are many). Highway signs warn us to spare
any Red Pandas we encounter. So, we should watch the
tree tops where these smaller relatives of the Giant Panda
typically curl up to sleep during the day. This is also Blood
Pheasant country and offers our best chance of finding this
bizarrely-plumaged Himalayan endemic. We will climb
through Thrumsing La (pass at 12,4000 the highest point on our trip) and then continue through rich
forest. Overnight at Jakar (Bumthang) at Gongkhar Lodge or similar (B, L, D).
Day 12: Saturday, March 28 – Visit the Monasteries of Bhumthang valley
We will do a bit of birding in an enchanting mossy forest at a high pass, and then drop down to the
“perfect” Bhutanese village of Ura. We will drive back to our hotel in Jakar (Bumthang) at Gongkhar
Lodge or similar (B, L, D).
Day 13: Sunday, March 29 – Bumthang to Trongsa
Bumthang, as the four valleys of this region are known, is not only Bhutan’s geographical heartland, but
its spiritual and historical heartland as well. There are more temples, monasteries, and shrines
concentrated in these valleys than anywhere else in the Buddhist Himalaya. Time will be spent here to
visit a few select sites. For example, Jampey Lhakhang, which dates from the 7th century, is said to have
been built to subdue a demoness who was threatening Buddhism. We will also see the Kurje Lhakhang
complex, which consists of three exquisite temples surrounded by a wall of stone chortens. All of
Bhutan’s past kings were cremated here and the main temple is erected in a palace. We will not, of
course, neglect interesting birds, butterflies, or plants that we encounter as we explore. A variety of raptors can often be seen over the valley.
Bhutan
March 17- April 4, 2015
Travel with the Massachusetts Audubon Society
208 South Great Road, Lincoln, MA 01773
800-289-9504
We will drive to Trongsa, located in central Bhutan. Trongsa holds one of the most singularly
magnificent dzongs in the entire kingdom. Hanging above Mangde Chhu, the Trongsa Dzong is a
spectacular sight. Overnight at hotel Puenzhi or Yangkhill or similar (B, L, D).
Day 14: Monday, March 30 – Trongsa to Punakha
Our journey today crosses over the Black Mountains dividing western from central Bhutan. Some of the
birds we will search for include Great Parrotbill, which prefers stands of rhododendron and bamboo,
the striking Golden-breasted Fulvetta, Golden Bush Robin, Himalayan Vulture soaring overhead in the
warm thermals, Long-tailed Minivet, the skulky Grey-sided Bush Warbler in thick grasses, White-winged
Grosbeak, and the very uncommon Brown Bullfinch.
En route, the valley widens, affording us dramatic views of the Wangdue Phodrang Dzong founded in
1632, which is stretched along a ridge above the river with commanding views of the valley below. We
will arrive late in the afternoon in Punakha. Overnight at hotel Zangto Pelri or similar (B, L, D).
Day 15: Tuesday, March 31 – Full Day visit to Tashitang Valley This morning we will bird the lovely broad-leaved subtropical
forest along the main road that parallels the swift Mo Chu
River. Unique clattering Bailey bridges composed of wood
panels pinned together allow us to cross the river at various
points. Some species to be found along this route include the
rare White-bellied Heron, Tawny Fish Owl, Himalayan Swiftlet
buzzing overhead, Crested Kingfisher, ever-vocal Great and
Golden-throated Barbets, Rufous Woodpecker, Short-billed
Minivet that often perch for long periods before sallying insects
in midair, Bar-winged Flycatcher-Shrike, Tickell’s Leaf Warbler,
Small Niltava, Hodgson’s Redstart, Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch
that pick through the masses of epiphytes for insects, Slender-
billed Oriole, and Chestnut-tailed Starling.
We will drive past the impressive Punakha Dzong. Until the time of the second king, it served as the seat
of the Bhutanese government. Overnight at hotel Zangto Pelri or similar (B, L, D).
Bhutan
March 17- April 4, 2015
Travel with the Massachusetts Audubon Society
208 South Great Road, Lincoln, MA 01773
800-289-9504
Day 16: Wednesday, April 1 – Punakha to Thimphu
After an early start, we will make for the famed high mountain pass of Dochu La. Leaving the almost
tropical Punakha Valley at 4,000 feet, our route will take us up through mixed evergreen and broad-
leaved forests to the pass at 10,000 feet. Specialties that occur in this area include Rufous-bellied
Woodpecker, Black-winged Cuckooshrike, Grey-winged Blackbird, the tiny Chestnut-headed Tesia, the
intensely-colored Ultramarine Flycatcher, Hoary-throated Barwing, Dark-rumped Rosefinch, the elusive
but exquisite Fire-capped Tit, and the radiant Fire-tailed Myzornis. If the day is clear, the lofty pass of
Dochu La affords outstanding views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks, some of which top 24,000 feet.
We will enjoy the visual splendor of the pass littered with prayer flags before descending towards our
hotel located in the center of Thimphu. The impressive Trashi Chhoe Dzong was built traditionally
without nails or the use of written plans and will be visible soon after we arrive in the area. Overnight at
hotel Galingkha or Jumolhari or similar (B, L, D).
Day 17: Thursday, April 2 – Thimphu to Paro
We will bird around Thimphu in the morning and then
drive back to Paro to visit the festival. Here, it will be
another wonderful adventure as we walk through a
beautiful stretch of the Blue Pine forest that clothes the
Paro Valley. Our destination is a viewpoint facing the
Tiger’s Nest monastery, perched high on the cliffs above.
The monastery is one of Bhutan’s most famous Buddhist
shrines. Those who wish can walk back to the trailhead
birding along the way. The relatively open pine-oak habitat
is the perfect setting to review some of the country’s
common land birds. Overnight at hotel Khangkhu or
Phuensum Jurmey or similar (B, L, D).
Bhutan
March 17- April 4, 2015
Travel with the Massachusetts Audubon Society
208 South Great Road, Lincoln, MA 01773
800-289-9504
Day 18: Friday, April 3 – Full Day visit to Chele La
This morning we will have an early start in order to make the most of the great birding opportunities in
the forests above the hills of Paro to Chele La, where we’ll search for pheasants. Chele La is one of the
best places to see Himalayan Monal. Additional pheasants to be seen this morning are Blood and Kalij
Pheasants, while other species possible include the Yellow-billed Blue Magpie, Darjeeling Woodpecker,
Himalayan White-browed Rosefinch, the bright Red-headed Bullfinch, Collared Grosbeak, and Spotted
Laughingthrush. In the late afternoon, we will search for the secretive Black-tailed Crake, Rosy Pipit, and
one of the most sought after shorebirds - the Ibisbill. On return to Paro, time permitting, we will visit
the Paro Dzong. Overnight at hotel Khangkhu or Phuentsok Purmev (B, L, D).
Day 19: Saturday, April 4 – Flight from Paro, Bhutan to Delhi, India
After breakfast we will fly out of the valley. This flight provides some of the most dramatic scenery of
any scheduled flight in the world – on a clear day, you can gaze over the summit of Mount Everest and
other high Himalayan peaks. (Board flight KB 204 (0800 hrs / 1045 hrs) to Delhi). On arrival, transfer to
hotel The Uppal for day use. We will depart after dinner for the airport and our flights home (B, L, D).
Bhutan Tour Terms and Conditions___________________________________________________
PRICE: $7800 per person, double occupancy. Single Supplement: $1100 Singles are limited.
Tour length 19 days.
Price Includes:
All meals and accommodations as shown in the itinerary
Services of Mass Audubon naturalist and local guides
Flights from Delhi –Gauhati -Paro - Delhi
All tips and gratuities
Bhutan visa fees , Bhutan taxes, and Bhutan departure tax
Mineral water in coach and during meals
All excursions, entrance fees
Extensive trip preparation notes
Medical Evacuation coverage
Price Excludes:
International airfare between U.S. and India
Passport and India visa fees;
Trip cancellation insurance
Excess baggage charges
Items of a personal nature, including beverages, laundry, internet and telephone fees; other items not
specifically mentioned as included.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: A U.S. Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the trip’s departure date is
required. Visas are required for both Bhutan and India. Details for application will be sent to registered travelers.
Please attach to the registration form (and send in with your deposit) a clear copy of the first two pages of your
passport that includes your passport photo.
Bhutan
March 17- April 4, 2015
Travel with the Massachusetts Audubon Society
208 South Great Road, Lincoln, MA 01773
800-289-9504
TERMS & CONDITIONS OF TRAVEL
RESERVATIONS, APPLICATIONS, DEPOSITS: Early reservations are required to ensure your place on
this trip. All reservations must be accompanied by a completed reservation form and a $1000 deposit. In the
case of questionable health, we reserve the right to require a physician’s certification to affirm you are capable of
the activities. You will receive a final invoice prior to departure with final payment due on December 18, 90 days
prior to departure. Final Payment must be by check.
RATES: All forms and fares are accurate at the time of publication, March 2014, but are subject to change at any
time prior to departure. It is our policy to pass on only the actual amount of any increases in airfares or land
costs such as those increases due to the devaluation of the dollar. A price increase may be called for if the group
falls below the minimum of 10. The maximum number of participants is approximately 15.
FLIGHTS: Travelers are responsible for arranging their own international flights to Delhi. We will send you
suggested flights, including the flight details of our Mass Audubon leader. You may book your flights online, with a
travel agent, or directly with an airline. Please be aware that most tickets are nonrefundable; therefore, you
should not book your flight arrangements until you have checked with us to be sure the tour has the minimum
number of participants for the trip to go.
CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS: All cancellations must be done in writing and are effective upon
receipt in the Massachusetts Audubon Travel Office. Cancellations received up to 91 days prior to departure will
be refunded all money less a $250-per-person service fee. For cancellations between 90 and 61 days prior to
departure, all deposits will not be refunded. There are no refunds for cancellations 60 days or less from
departure. We strongly urge all travelers to purchase trip cancellation insurance. You will be sent information
from the Massachusetts Audubon Society upon receipt of your deposit.
Your Responsibility: Although every precaution is taken to safeguard you and your belongings, group travel
trips by their nature involve a certain amount of risk. Trip participants should understand that the domestic and
international trips sponsored/operated by Massachusetts Audubon Society (Mass Audubon Tours) - hereafter
collectively “M.A.S.” - involve known and unknown risks. M.A.S. assumes no responsibility for injuries, death,
financial losses or damage to clients’ property caused by or occurring during participation in any of the travel trips
sponsored/operated by M.A.S. Trip participants must assume responsibility for having sufficient skill and fitness to
participate in the trips and activities offered or sponsored by M.A.S. Trip participants must also certify that they
have no medical, mental or physical conditions which could interfere with their abilities to participate in the
activities and/or trips they are participating in and they must assume and bear the cost of all risks that may be
created, directly or indirectly, by any such condition. It is the responsibility of trip participants to have in place
adequate insurance to cover any injury, damage or emergency transportation costs related to their travel and/or
participation in trip activities and/or to bear the costs of such injury, damage or emergency transportation costs.
Because of the risks associated with the travel trips sponsored by M.A.S. we urge all trip participants to
supplement their own insurance with travel or vacation or emergency response types of insurance. M.A.S.
requires that all trip participants acknowledge and assume these risks by reading and signing an M.A.S. Release and
Waiver and Assumption of Risk contract prior to departure.
Travelers will be provided an itinerary and trip preparation information. It is expected that travelers will read this
information prior to trip departure. Travelers will be responsible for completing a reservation form, a personal
information form, and a release of liability form.
Bhutan
March 17- April 4, 2015
Travel with the Massachusetts Audubon Society
208 South Great Road, Lincoln, MA 01773
800-289-9504
Application Form for Bhutan Birding and Beyond
Mr./Mrs./Ms.
Passenger Name (1) – as shown on passport
Nationality: ____________________________
Occupation (if retired, please tell us what it was before retirement):___________________ (the above information is needed for processing the Bhutan visa)
Mr./Mrs./Ms.
Passenger Name (2) – as shown on passport
Nationality: ____________________________
Occupation (if retired, please tell us what it was before retirement):___________________ (the above information is needed for processing the Bhutan visa)
Address
City State Zip
Phone: Day Evening
Email address
_____ Please attach to this reservation form a clear color copy of the photo pages of your passport.
Please indicate accommodation preferences:
I/We are non-smoker(s) ___ smoker(s) ___ (smoking is limited to outdoors in non-group spaces)
___ I request single accommodations where available and will pay the single supplement.
___ I would like to be assigned a roommate. If one is not available, I will pay the single supplement.
___ I am sharing with _____________________________________
Deposit: Please find my enclosed check ____or please charge _____ my credit card for the deposit
($1000 per person)
VISA___MC___ Card #____________________________________________________Exp.______________
Make checks payable to “Massachusetts Audubon Society”
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Signature