|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
BIRDING in BHUTAN
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
| Above: Green-tailed Sunbird Top: White-browed Shrike Babbler (female) |
Cost: $7800, including meals from dinner on April 20 through breakfast on May 9.
Airfare: Round trip from the west coast USA to Bangkok approximately $1250. Bangkok to Paro $372 on Druk Air, Guwahati to Kolkata $150 and Kolkata to Bangkok $455 (subject to change; quoted 7/2007).
Leaders: Hishey Tshering and Gail and Doug Cheeseman.
Outfitters: Bhutan Birding and Heritage Travels, whose motto is "Come as our Guest. Depart as our Friend!". Travel in a Toyota Coaster Bus. Our camp staff will travel by truck to set up camp on the nights we are in a tented camp. Bedding, towels, shower tent and toilet tents provided.
Size: 12 plus leaders.
Deposit: $500 ($150 non-refundable).
Conditions: A non-smoking safari.
Itinerary updated: 7/2007
April 18 - 19: Flights to Bangkok and cross international date line
April 20: Arrival in Bhutan
April 21: Chelila Pass and evening drive to Thimphu
April 22: Tango and Cheri Valley to Thimphu
April 23: Thimphu to Jigme Dorji National Park
April 24: Trashithang to Damji
April 25: Wangdue to Pele La Pass via Phobjikha
April 26: Phobjikha to Camp at Wangdigang en route to Zhemgang
April 27 - 28: The Zhemgang-Tingtibi Road
April 29: Tingtibi to Trongsa
April 30: Trongsa to Ura
May 1: Ura to Sengor
May 2 - 4: Yongkhola
May 5: Mongar to Trashigang to Rongthong
May 6: Rongtong to Morong
May 7: Morong to Samdrup Jongkhar
May 8: Samdrup Jongkhar
May 9: Samdrup Jongkhar to Guwahati
May 10: Fly to Bangkok
The Kingdom of Bhutan is about the size of Switzerland and nestled between Tibet and India, really one of the Earth's last unspoiled areas. You will truly enjoy the intact Buddhist culture, which is integrated into every aspect of people's daily life in this "land of the peaceful dragon". Bhutan has 20 peaks over 23,000 feet. It is a wonderful place to enjoy stunning Himalayan mountain scenery on a clear day amongst un-logged forests and picturesque valleys with terraced fields, while also seeing spectacular birds. We will have an amazing trip across the prayer-flag laden passes of this country along roads providing sumptuous images. We will continue traveling easterly adding new species and absorbing the culture and at the end depart from Bhutan through Assam, India to Kolkata (formerly Calcutta).
 |
| Geographical Map of Bhutan |
Buhtan is such a unique destination in this rapidly changing world that it will be a most memorable adventure. Until recently, Bhutan's remoteness, steep terrain, and tightly controlled tourism have ensured that its incredible beauty and fascinating people remained a quiet secret known only to a few. Bhutan was closed to outsiders until 1960; its first roads were built in 1961; no tourists were officially permitted until 1974. Even today, one is more likely to encounter red-robed monks than a group of foreigners. Amidst cultural and political upheavals elsewhere in the region, Bhutan is the only remaining intact Himalayan Buddhist kingdom.
Bhutan is going through a transition and there will be many things happening in 2008. Firstly, there will be the official coronation of the 5th King (the 4th King abdicated since 2006) and the Kingdom will also be celebrating 100 years of monarchy, which was established on 17 December 1907. But the most important event will be the general elections. Bhutan will become a democratic country after 2008. The citizens of Bhutan have a very benevolent King and he must perhaps be the only ruler in the world currently who is giving up his own power and introducing these changes. It was the vision of the 4th King to usher in these changes in times of peace and he abdicated in December 2006 in favor of his son, although he was only 51 years old. Other changes are happening. The capital of Bhutan, Thimphu, now the size of a town, not a city, is growing very quickly with a population growth rate of over 7% per year, as it attracts sons and daughters to settle there, where they can make a better living than staying on the family farmland.
This shining cultural gem is a birder's paradise. Its moist climate and wide altitudinal range from sub-tropical lowlands to mountain peaks provide an array of climatic conditions and habitats. We'll walk in jungles, temperate forests and tundra. Over 70 percent of the country is forested, and unlike other Himalayan countries, most of Bhutan's original forest remains intact. The Buddhist philosophy of respect for all living things and a progressive governmental approach to preservation of the environment and the promotion of Bhutan's unique culture and traditions have maintained a healthy environment where wildlife flourishes. As a result, Bhutan lies in an area designated as one of the world's ten biodiversity hotspots.
Over 600 birds include some of the most exotic and rare species in the eastern Himalayas. Ten species of birds that are in danger of extinction are found in Bhutan, including the Black-necked Crane, which traditionally winters in the valleys of Phobjikha and Bomdeling. The diversity of bird life in Bhutan is accentuated by the migrations of hundreds of species between breeding grounds across a vast expanse of central Asia and wintering areas on the subcontinent of India between November and March.
In addition to having an astonishing diversity of birds in a country no larger than Switzerland, Bhutan is home to at least 165 species of mammals, including Golden Langur, Leopard, Rhinoceros and Elephant in the lowlands, Red Panda, Himalayan Black Bear and Musk Deer in the middle-elevation forests, and Takin grazing on grasses in alpine meadows along mountainsides. Tigers might be found anywhere from the bases of the foothills to above tree line. All the mammals are very elusive and encountering them is difficult. We will see the beautiful Golden Langur, which is a rare primate found only in Bhutan.
 |
| Beautiful Rhododendrons |
Bhutan's flora is no less impressive. More than 600 orchid species (including at least 50 that are endemic), 46 species of rhododendrons (4 endemic), and more than 300 species of medicinal plants are found within its borders. Our trip is timed for April and May in the spring, the season when flowering plants are ablaze and birds are most colorful. The weather has warmed up, although it will still be very cool at the high elevations, especially in the night and early mornings. During our travels across Bhutan, we will see a wide variety of beautiful rhododendrons wildflowers, bird life, and scenic wonders. Our walks and drives will take us through virgin forests, across high open pastures, and to Bhutan's most extensive high-elevation wetlands, as well as to mountain villages and monasteries. The roads we travel are remote, so the traffic should be very limited.
Throughout the trip we will see and occasionally stop to visit the impressive goembas (monasteries), dzongs (the monastery fortresses that serve as Bhutan's administrative and religious centers), lhakhangs (temples), and chortens (stupas) that are important features of Bhutan's past and present religion and culture. We'll have opportunities to examine traditional Bhutanese arts and crafts, which represent an exciting and vital aspect of Bhutan's living heritage, and which reflect Bhutan's spiritual and intellectual life. Surrounding us at every turn will be examples of Bhutan's distinctive architecture with its traditional shapes, colorful patterns, outrageous "motifs," and an unmatched combination of engineering skill and aesthetic beauty.
 |
| Political Map of Bhutan |
Saturday - Sunday, April 18 - 19: Flights to Bangkok
Depart on April 17 or 18, depending on flight schedules. Cross the International Dateline and arrive in Bangkok at Suvarnabhumi Airport, the new international airport outside Bangkok on April 19.
Overnight in a hotel near the airport on April 19 (meals on your own).
Monday, April 20: Arrival in Bhutan
Depart Bangkok in the morning for Paro, Bhutan, on Druk Air, the national airline of Bhutan. The tickets will be issued in Bhutan by Druk Air, handled by Hishey, our Resident Guide. There is a daily flight from Bangkok and it will either depart at 5:50 or 6:50 AM and will make a stop in Kolkata (formerly Calcutta), India. From here it is another hour to Paro. Upon arrival at Paro Airport, we will be met by Hishey, who will drive us to our hotel. (Read more about Hishey Tshering) On this drive from the airport to the hotel we may see our first very special species, the Ibisbill, which could easily be mistaken for a stone until you put your binoculars on it.
In the afternoon explore the beautiful valley of Paro, then continue northward toward the ruins of the Drukgyel Dzong. The valley of Paro is mainly Blue Pine forests, which does not have the diversity of bird life found in the habitats to the east, but the woodlands around the Drukgyel Dzong area provide a hint of the great variety that is to come in the next three weeks. Some of the common species that can be seen in this area include Black-faced Laughingthrush, Chestnut-crowned Laughingthrush, Brown Parrotbill, Chestnut-tailed Minla, Common Kestrel, Kalij Pheasant, White-collored Blackbird and Grey-backed Shrike. The more difficult birds we hope to encounter are marshland species, such as the Black-tailed Crake and the Solitary Snipe.
Paro: elevation - 7600 feet; vegetation - temperate with mainly Blue Pines. Overnight in hotel in Paro
Tuesday, April 21: Chelila Pass and evening drive to Thimphu
We'll start early our 90 minute trip to the Chelila Pass. The road winds upward through the Blue Pine, which slowly changes to higher elevation conifers, such as spruce, hemlock, fir, and juniper. At the summit the vegetation is mainly dwarf rhododendrons and open alpine meadows. The pass located at close to 13,000 feet is the highest road in Bhutan. If skies are clear, we'll get fantastic views of the sacred Mt. Jhomolhari and the adjacent Mt. Jichu Drake, both are over 20,000 feet. The pass also offers a breathtaking view of the Haa and Paro valleys. The quest for the day will be the incredibly majestic Monal Pheasant. Other specialties include Blood Pheasants, Spotted Laughingthrushes, Himlayan Griffon, White-browed Rosefinch and White-throated Redstarts. Collared Grosbeaks may respond to our tape. This is the only place we'll be above treeline in alpine scrub and dwarf rhododendrons (Rhododendron cinnabarinum, R. lanatum and others).
After breakfast at the pass, we will work our way back to lower elevations, where resident birds include several species of tits, Red Crossbills, Kalij Pheasants, and Yellow-billed Blue Magpies. For dinner we will arrive in Bhutan's capital, Thimphu, and overnight in a hotel in Thimphu.
Thimphu: elevation - 7700 feet (2300 meters); vegetation - today mainly Blue Pine and alpine scrub.
Wednesday, April 22: Tango and Cheri Valley to Thimphu
Like Paro, the Thimphu valley is relatively dry and is surrounded by Blue Pine forests. But to the north of the city in the religious valley of Tango and Cheri, the vegetation is mainly evergreen oak forest. A little before the end of the road, stop at a place with rock-bee hives hanging from a cliff to look out for the rare Yellow-rumped Honeyguide, which is a globally threatened bird relatively easily found in Bhutan. Other birds, such as the Crested Kingfisher, Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, Spotted Nutcracker, Oriental Cuckoo, and Large Hawk Cuckoo are quite common. We might also encounter the beautiful Fire-tailed Myzornis and the Satyr Tragopan, although the latter is more likely to be seen later in our trip.
In the afternoon we shall have some free time to wander around Thimphu and engage in some cultural activities. Later in the evening we will visit the Thimphu Sewerage Treatment Plant, where the enigmatic Ibisbill is quite common, along with other shorebirds, such as Green Sandpiper and Common Sandpiper. White Wagtails and Brown Dipper also enjoy feeding near the percolation ponds. We may even see the elusive Black-tailed Crake, as well as the Common Snipe.
Tango and Cheri: elevation - 8500 feet; vegetation - evergreen forests of oak, bamboo and pines. Overnight in hotel in Thimphu.
 |
| Dochula Pass |
Thursday, April 23: Thimphu to Jigme Dorji National Park
Depart early for a full morning birding at the Dochula Pass. Here we shall be looking out for high elevation, mixed evergreen and cool broadleaf forest birds. Only these colorful birds, Fire-tailed Myzornis, Red-tailed Minla, Mrs. Gould's Sunbird, and Green-tailed Sunbird, can match the stunning blossoms of rhododendrons and magnolias that dot the entire hillside. The wailing call of the Hill Partridge can be heard everywhere and should provide us with one of the challenges of the morning. The temperate broadleaved forest of rhododendrons and magnolias will soon give way to a semi-tropical zone, where banana and orange trees are cultivated in abundance. Here look out for are Eurasian Treecreeper, Golden Bush-Robin, niltava species, Eurasian Jay, Mountain Hawk Eagle, Plain-backed Thrush, Great Barbet and perhaps even the rare Ward's Trogon. The sudden appearance of low elevation species, such as Red-vented Bulbuls and Common Myna, is a reminder of the astonishing diversity of Bhutan within such short distances. The vegetation changes mainly to Chirpine. (As a side-note, an excellent quality oil is steam distilled from lemon grass growing amongst Chirpine forests in eastern Bhutan and marketed by Bio-Bhutan.)
A few migrant waterfowl, such as Ruddy Shelduck, may still be enjoying the peace of Bhutan in wetlands found in these areas. Today will also be our first attempt to look out for the extremely rare White-bellied Heron. Hishey has been responsible for initiating the survey of this rare bird through a donation made by a former client in 2002. Since then, the heron nest has been regularly sighted, the first since 1929. Though very rare elsewhere, the heron has been regularly located along the Po Chu River. As our visit coincides with the start of its secretive nesting time, it will not be easily sighted. Another rare bird we may encounter while looking for the White-bellied Heron that would be very exciting is the Palla's Fish Eagle.
Tonight we will be camping in the forest of the Jigme Dorji National Park, the largest park in Bhutan. The area of the park where we will be camping is, according to the authors of the Birds of Bhutan, Tim and Carol Inskipp, one of the richest bird habitats anywhere per unit area. Overnight in tented camp, Jigme Dorji National Park. (A bucket shower will be available when camping, plus toilet tents. Water for showers in camp will be warmed, but not hot.)
Docula area: elevation - 10,000 feet; vegetation - mixed evergreen and broadleaved forests (with rhododendrons and magnolias). Camp Area: elevation - 4500 feet; vegetation - warm broadleaved forests.
Friday, April 24: Trashithang to Damji
The pre-breakfast birding will be around our camp, where the vegetation is mainly warm broadleaved forest. A pair of Tawny Fish Owls are often sighted perched on a tree along the roadside. Hence we MUST start early before any vehicles pass by. It is also around this area that a pair of Red-headed Trogons show up occasionally. We shall also continue our quest for the globally threatened White-bellied Heron. It is imperative to stay alert here, as the birds often move in huge mixed flocks and identifying the assortments of warblers is always challenging, yet great fun. We may encounter some mammals, such as the national mammal of Bhutan, which is the Takin, as they graze in the open on mountainsides or in bamboo forest on buds and leaves. Also Leopard and Wild Boars are found in the forests that we pass through today, but rarely seen. The various elevations will produce a variety of habitats today. The newly constructed road towards the village of Damji has not really been explored and we may find a species that has not been reported in the region earlier. Later in the afternoon drive to Punakha, where we would not want to miss visiting the majestic Punakha Dzong. Before the capital moved from Punakha to Thimphu, Punakha Dzong was the seat for the kings and lamas. It was strategically built at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chuu, meaning male and female rivers, in 1637.
Trashithang to Damji: elevation - 4500 to 9000 feet; vegetation - a variety of forest types. Today we'll drive toward the Wangdue district, where we will be spending the night in a hotel.
Saturday, April 25: Wangdue to Pele La Pass via Phobjikha
Today we shall drive to Phobjikha with the hope of seeing Black-necked Cranes. Phobjikha, at 10,000 feet, is a glacial valley and is the biggest wetland in Bhutan. It is the winter home of about 350 Black-necked Cranes that arrive in late October and start migrating back to Tibet by early March. Though unlikely, it is possible that we may see a few cranes still lingering. Because of the presence of the cranes, Phobjikha is one of the most important wildlife preserves in the Kingdom. When we arrive, we'll quickly have confirmation of any cranes from the personnel at the crane center. If they are not in residence, we will spend time looking for three species of parrotbills (Black-throated, Brown and Great), Brown and Red-headed bullfinch, Rufous-bellied Woodpecker; Black-eared Shrike-babbler, Fired-tailed Myzornis, and Kalij and Monal pheasants.
Pele La Pass: elevation - 11,200 feet; vegetation - sub-alpine conifers and bamboo. Overnight in tented camp at Pele La Pass or at a hotel in Phobjikha.
 |
| Satyr Tragopan |
Sunday, April 26: Phobjikha to Camp at Wangdigang en route to Zhemgang
If at a hotel, we will want to leave very early for the hour drive to the Pele La. Monal Pheasants and Satyr Trogopan are a distinct possibility, but the bird that we will be after this morning is the Great Parrotbill. After breakfast at the pass, it will mainly be a driving day with occasional birding stops. From the Pele La we start down into central Bhutan. The drive is very scenic and the recent Bhutanese film Travelers and Magicians was shot along this road. Nearly an hour before we reach there on the winding road, we'll have our first glimpse of the Trongsa Dzong across the breathtaking depths of the Mangde Chhu Gorge. Built atop the crest of a narrow ridge, Satyr Tragopan it is, without doubt, the most spectacularly sited dzong in all of Bhutan. It is perched so far above the river that the clouds frequently float below it. From Trongsa we continue southwards until we reach the bottom of the valley and then again ascend to an elevation of about 6500 feet, where we shall camp at Wangdigang for the night. Almost all the Bhutan birding tours offered do not camp at Wangdigang, which is about 14 km before the town of Zhemgang. Hishey always plans a night here before continuing to the regular camp at Tingtibi, even though there isn't a proper camping area, mainly for the incomparable Beautiful Nuthatch. Hishey has had 100% success so far in the quest of this exquisite nuthatch. The Beautiful Nuthatch is illustrated in the Inskipps' Birds of Bhutan.
Wangdigang: elevation - 6500 feet; vegetation - mainly oak forest and open habitats. Overnight in camp at Wangdigang en route to Zhemgang.
Monday - Tuesday, April 27 - 28: The Zhemgang-Tingtibi Road
During these two days, we will be birding along the Zhemgang-Tingtibi Road. Here the very rare and much sought after Beautiful Nuthatch is resident. Other specialties include the Fire-tailed Myzornis, the Cutia, the Sultan Tit, Yellow-cheeked Tit, several species of fulvettas and laughingthrushes, Rufous-breasted Bush-Robin, Orange-flanked Bush-Robin, White-browed and Black-headed shrike babblers, Black-eared Shrike Babblers, Green Shrike Babbler, Rusty-fronted Barwing, Gray Peacock Pheasant, Red-headed Trogon, several species of cuckoos, Blue-bearded Bee-eater, Pintailed Green Pigeon, White-browed Piculet, and Scarlet Finch. Rufous-necked Hornbill is a distinct possibility. Besides birds, the endemic Golden Langur is also common here, so we will spend time with these special primates. In fact, our campsite is in the middle of this rare primate's range.
Elevation at camp - 2000 feet, but we will be exploring mixed broadleaved evergreen forests at elevations between 2000 to 8000 feet. Overnight in camp at Tingtibi
Wednesday, April 29:Tingtibi to Trongsa
After some early morning birding, we will back-track to Trongsa for the night for a well-deserved hot shower and a night in a "proper" bed, as Hishey calls it. (The beds in Bhutan hotels are very firm.)
Trongsa: elevation - 7,000 feet; vegetation - broadleaved evergreen forest. Overnight in a hotel in Trongsa.
Thursday, April 30: Trongsa to Ura
Above Trongsa the road climbs through many switchbacks, then passes through a misty forest of Silver Fir and bamboo on the way to Yotong La (11,234 feet). The drive through magnificent rhododendron and magnolia forest is simply breathtaking. White-browed Fulvettas, Grey crested Tits, Coal Tits, and gangs of White-throated Laughing thrush are fairly common. The elusive Fulvous Parrotbill is also a possibility and the Gold-naped Finch has been spotted here. Once we cross the Yotong La Pass, the vegetation is mainly spruce and Silver Fir forest with plenty of bamboo undergrowth. As we descend further, it then changes to Blue Pine forest, where the birdlife is not especially diverse. But Bumthang is the only district in Bhutan where you find the Black-billed Magpie. We shall spend some time exploring the town of Bumthang, which resembles a cowboy town of the Wild West. Later in the afternoon drive further east to the beautiful alpine valley of Ura. Ura (elevation 10,000 feet) is a large, compact, and quite wealthy agricultural village, since the advent of potato farming. It has an attractive temple and cobblestone "streets". Beautiful Rosefinch, White-browed Rosefinch, Red-billed Chough, Spotted Nutcracker, Russet Sparrows, Black-billed Magpie and Rufous-breasted Accentor are some of the rather common birds that can be seen foraging in the open fields.
Ura: elevation - 10,000 feet; vegetation - sub-alpine and open habitats. Overnight in Camp or farm house in Ura.
 |
| Typical farm house in Bhutan |
Friday, May 1: Ura to Sengor
We leave early in the morning before the flow of traffic begins with the hope of catching some of the most beautiful pheasants of the Himalayas feeding along the road. Flocks of up to thirty or more Blood Pheasants feed in the open by the roadside at dawn. If lucky, we should also see Monal Pheasant, as well as the Satyr Tragopan. Flocks of Snow Pigeons have also been frequently sighted flying across the valley or foraging in the farmlands. Near Gyazamchu in a small wetland along the crystal clear mountain stream, Wood Snipe were found during our previous trips and we shall check out this site again. The beauty of the landscape against the backdrop of brightly colored rhododendrons in full blossom is unmatched. Near the Thrimsingla pass at 3,700 metres is a rhododendron garden, which has over twenty species of rhododendrons, six of which are endemic to Bhutan. Here we shall check for the gorgeous Fire-tailed Sunbird and other forest birds, such as Rufous-gorgeted and Ultramarine flycatchers, Rufous-bellied Niltava, Red-headed Bullfinch, Collared Grosbeak, Rusty-flanked and Eurasian treecreepers, and a variety of tit species.
From the pass it is another hour to the beautiful alpine village of Sengor. We shall camp a little further down from the village, which is the prime Satyr Tragopan habitat. Besides the Tragopan, other beautiful species reported in this area include the Bar-winged Wren Babbler and the Spotted Laughingthrush.
Sengor: elevation - 9,000 feet; vegetation - mainly cool broadleaf and fir forest. Overnight in tented camp, Sengor
Saturday - Monday, May 2 - 4: Yongkhola
The road along this stretch from the pass at 12,000 down to 2,000 feet is considered to offer the best birding in Asia. During our three days here, explore the wonderfully rich, subtropical, warm and cool broadleaved forests along the lower section of this road (2,000 to 8,000 feet). The specialties here are Ward's and Red-headed trogon; several species of scimitar babblers, parrotbills, Rufous-necked Hornbill, an assortment of warblers, Fire-tailed Myzornis, Hill Partidge, Satyr Trogopan, Speckled Wood Pigeon, Sultan and Yellow-cheeked tits, varieties of bulbuls, three species of tesias (Chestnut-headed, Slaty-bellied and Grey-bellied), flycatchers, laughingthrushes and others. The first two nights we'll camp and for the third, we will drive 90 minutes to Mongar where we will stay in a hotel.
Camp: elevation - 6,000 feet, vegetation - subtropical, warm and cool broadleaved forests. Overnight two nights in a camp at Yongkhola, and one night in a hotel in Mongar.
Tuesday, May 5: Mongar to Trashigang to Rongthong
A few miles from the hotel in Mongar we'll be at Korilla pass (2,300 meters), where the vegetation is mixed broadleaved evergreen forests. The expected birds are Siberian Stonechat, Rufous-bellied Niltava, Ward's Trogon, Gold-naped Finch, and Maroon-backed Accentor. We'll then proceed toward the town of Trashigang, which used to be the biggest town in Eastern Bhutan until recently overtaken by Mongar's increasing population. Our drive will take us through the famous Yadi curves, which is a series of switchbacks passing through the village of Yadi through Chirpine forest, cornfields and banana groves. Once we have descended to the valley floor, the road follows the opposite direction of the Dangme Chu River. At Chazam we turn right over the bridge and climb upwards to the town of Trashigang. We shall spend some time at Trashigang and will visit the superbly located Dzong, which was built in 1659. Later in the afternoon we shall drive to Rongthong, where we have once spotted a Spot-bellied Eagle Owl very close to our campsite.
Camp: elevation - 7,000 feet; vegetation - open habitat. Overnight in camp, Rongthong
Wednesday, May 6: Rongtong to Morong
Prior to breakfast, we shall scan the rice fields near our camp for the elusive Black-tailed Crake. In addition, we may also see some cuckoos. Our drive today passes mostly through settlements, including Bhutan's primer institute, Sherubtse College. Even then, we should see some gorgeous birds, such as Scarlet Finches, Black-headed and White-browed shrike babblers, Emerald Cuckoos, Crested Serpent Eagles and others. Today's drive will also take us through some fantastic broadleaved forests and we will be passing our last high point of our tour at about 9,000 feet from where we will get great views of ridge after ridge of the Himalayan hills before they flatten out on the plains below. We camp tonight beside good birding habitat in Morong.
Camp: elevation - 5,700 feet; vegetation - broadleaved forests. Overnight in camp, Morong.
 |
| Ward's Trogon |
Thursday, May 7: Morong to Samdrup Jongkhar
Our quest for the day in this moist broadleaved forest will be one of the cochoas, which both look beautiful and sing beautifully. A Green Cochoa might pop out on the edge of the thickets. Other specialties include the Long-tailed Broadbill, Gray Peacock Pheasant, and Red-billed Leiothrix. The legendary Blyth's Trogopan has been reported along this stretch of road and the hunt is on to sight it. As we drive further down into the lowlands, the vegetation is sub-tropical and corresponding species like the Hill Myna, Wreathed Hornbill, and Long-tailed Sibia should be expected. Later in the evening we will proceed to the town of Samdrup Jongkhar for a night in the hotel.
Elevation - 2,000 to 5,000 feet; vegetation - moist broadleaved and sub-tropical forest. Overnight in Hotel, Samdrup Jongkhar
Friday, May 8: Samdrup Jongkhar
Samdrup Jongkhar is at the border of India, so we will drive back into Bhutan and explore the sub-tropical forest above the town. We'll look for various cuckoos, Black-naped Monarch, Crimson Sunbird, Asian Fairy-bluebird, Wreathed Hornbill and Great Hornbill.
Samdrup Jongkhar: Elevation - 500 feet; vegetation - sub-tropical. Overnight in Hotel Samdrup Jongkhar
Saturday, May 9: Samdrup Jongkhar to Guwahati
After some last minute early morning birding in Bhutan, we will bid reluctant goodbyes and proceed to the Guwahati Airport for onward departure to Kolkata. Some of the birds that we may encounter during this two to three hour drive are Greater and Lesser adjutants, Eurasian Crane, Asian Openbill Stork, and Yellow-footed Green Pigeon.
Stay in transit at the Kolkata Airport to connect with the next flight to Bangkok.
Sunday, May 10: Fly to Bangkok and homeward gaining back day lost crossing dateline
Based on the current schedule, the earliest flight from Kolkata to Bangkok is at 2 AM with check in beginning at 10 PM. Dinner is on our own this evening at the Kolkata Airport in transit or take a dayroom at a nearby airport hotel (optional). On arrival in Bangkok connect onward or overnight in Bangkok.
Gain back one day crossing the International Dateline and arrive home on May 10 or 11, depending on departure time from Bangkok.
 |
| Hishey Tshering, our resident guide |
Resident Guide:Hishey Tshering, the owner of Bhutan Birding and Heritage Travels and the one who has arranged this awesome trip, is based in Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, where he lives with his wife and family. After working with the Royal Society for the Protection of Nature and George Archibald, the co-founder of the International Crane Foundation, Hishey established his company in 1999. The Royal Society for the Protection of Nature (RSPN) is the only environmental NGO in Bhutan and Hishey is currently a member of their board. He also continues to work very closely with the International Crane Foundation. In 1998 he assisted the Crane Foundation in the first ever color banding and radio collaring program of the Black-necked Cranes to study their migratory route. Besides his travel business, he is the President of the Druk Stars Football Club (soccer in our country). His attention to details is amazing and his knowledge of Bhutan second to none. Despite the fact Bhutan has only been open to the outside world since 1974, Hishey is determined to keep the focus of his company on quality and personal service. He believes in the concept of Gross National Happiness, which he exudes from the moment he meets us at the International Airport in Paro until we depart.
Photo credits: Some photos used here are from from Hishey's guide, Chozang Tangbi, who has studied photography and ornithology in Wales. Other photos are by Hishey's clients, David Ressor and James Ownby.
Climate: Temperatures vary at this season from cold at high elevations to very comfortable, depending on the time of day. It will be very cool in the early morning and in the evening. It's the "dry" season, but rain could be encountered, although very unlikely. Bring a warm jacket that is rain and wind resistant. Insects are not normally a problem in Bhutan.
Reservations: Please contact us to assure space availability and to let us answer your questions. Then, fill out our reservation form, and mail it to us with your deposit:
Cheesemans' Ecology Safaris
20800 Kittredge Road
Saratoga, CA 95070
Toll Free: (800) 527-5330
Local: (408) 741-5330
Fax: (408) 741-0358
Email: info@cheesemans.com
Payments and Cancellations: Upon receiving your deposit, we will send trip materials, including a travel guide with trip essentials, reading list, species lists, and maps. Deposits are refundable before the final payment date, except for $150. The $150 may go toward another tour if a reservation is made within six months of the departure date of this trip. There are no refunds given after the final payment. Insurance applications are available for trip cancellation insurance.
| Payments Due | |
| Deposit - to reserve your space | $500 |
| June 15, 2008 - second deposit | $1000 |
| January 15, 2009 - final payment | remaining balance |
Included: Overnight in Bangkok on April 19, all specified activities, leaders, transport, park entry fees, accommodations, meals from dinner on April 20 through breakfast on May 9, drinks while in our private mobile camps, and airport transfers, unless making a separate transfer on a different day.
Not Included: Travel Insurance, all flights, departure taxes, items of personal nature, toiletries, staff gratuities, any drinks at accommodations other than at our mobile tented camps, airport departure tax of $20 from Bangkok and India visa fee of $65. Any overnight in a hotel near the airport in Kolkata (Calcutta) is also not included, but may be necessary once flights are determined.
Mailing List: If you would like to be on our mailing list or request information, please use our online request form or send us your name, address, email address and phone number. Please note we will never share your personal information with anybody
Travel Insurance: Unless you specifically decline travel insurance, Cheesemans' Ecology Safaris requires, at a minimum, insurance to cover emergency medical care and evacuation for the duration of the tour. We have had good experience with Access America. Visit their website for complete details and we will also send you their brochure with your trip materials. You can purchase a policy via their website, phone or by mail. Whatever insurance you purchase, be sure to review the terms of all available policies carefully in order to buy the policy that you need.
Baggage: When packing for your trip, please try to limit your checked bag to 40 pounds total per person. We ask that you keep it to one checked bag per person. The less weight the better, because of space restrictions in the baggage compartment of the vehicles. Also some international flights now limit checked luggage to 20 kilo (44 pounds) to avoid paying any excess baggage fees. As for the carry-on bags, this is standard as in all flights. Your bag will need to fit under the seat in front of you or in the overhead bin above. It is also going to have to fit with you throughout your trip, so packing lighter is recommended. However plan to bring whatever you require, as there is plenty of space in the vehicles for carry-ons and camera equipment. On safari we pay extra to give you more room in the Landcruiser stretch vehicles with a maximum of four people per vehicle, plus our drivers and guides.
Responsibility: Cheesemans' Ecology Safaris, Saratoga, California, act only as agents and shall not be responsible or become liable for any delay incurred by any person in connection with any means of transportation, nor for the loss, damage, or injury to person or property by reason of any event beyond the control of the agency or default of such agency suppliers. We reserve the right to cancel the tour prior to departure in which case full refund will constitute full settlement to the passenger. No refund will be made for any unused portion of the tour unless arrangements are made at the time of booking. All rates are based on current tariffs, exchange rates and fuel prices and are subject to adjustment in the event of any change therein. By sending your initial deposit, you agree to accept our payment schedule as a contract. If payments are still outstanding two weeks after the due date, your space may be forfeited. Baggage is at the owner's risk.
home |
current trips by region |
current trips by date |
site map |
contact us
 |
|
 |
|
 |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
 |
|
|
|
 |
