Mission Red Panda and White-Bellied Heron Expedition

Mission Red Panda and White-Bellied Heron Expedition

Duration :   08 Nights/09 Days
Places Covered :  
  • Paro
  • Bumthang
  • Sengor
  • Thrumshingla
  • Gayzamchu
  • Chumey
  • Dorji Gompa
  • Taphey Goemba Monastery
  • Pantang
  • Phobjikha

Package Description


  • Best Season: Mid-March to Early April
  • Theme: Wildlife expedition, birding, and nature photography
  • Highlights: Red Panda habitat exploration in Thrumshingla and Yongkola, White-bellied Heron sightings along Mangdechu and Zhemgang valleys, Taphey Goemba Monastery Hike.

Daywise Itinerary

Arrive at Paro International Airport.

Transfer to a hotel and freshen up.

Afternoon: Short hike to Zuri Dzong or Taktsang base trail for warm-up.

Evening: Explore Paro town and enjoy local dinner.

Overnight: Paro

Early morning domestic flight to Bumthang.

Drive eastward via Ura to Sengor, passing through the rhododendron and bamboo forests of Thrumshingla National Park.

En route, scan for Red Panda, Satyr Tragopan, and Blood Pheasant using binoculars.

Overnight: Camp or Homestay at Sengor

Early morning birding and panda spotting around Sengor and Yongkola area.

Explore dense bamboo thickets — prime Red Panda habitat.

Picnic lunch in the forest; continue afternoon exploration.

Overnight: Camp or Homestay at Sengor

Morning birding and scanning for Red Panda if not yet sighted.

Short hike from Thrumshingla Pass to Gayzamchu, a beautiful forest trail filled with rhododendrons.

Drive back to Chumey Valley for overnight stay.

Overnight: Chumey Nature

Morning drive to Dorji Gompa (Trongsa region).

Start Taphey Goemba Monastery Hike (Dorji Gompa to Willing Village) – a scenic 3–4 hour trail through oak and pine forest.

Continue  drive to Berti Eco Lodge, Tingtibi.

Overnight: Berti Eco Lodge

Early drive along Mangdechu River, scanning Tshedang, Praling, and Pantang areas for the critically endangered White-bellied Heron.

Visit Pantang Eco Lodge, interact with local conservation groups.

Overnight: Pantang Eco Lodge

Morning birding along Mangdechu before departure.

Drive north to Phobjikha Valley, another wetland habitat where herons have been occasionally sighted.

Explore Gangtey Monastery and nature trail walk.

Overnight: Phobjikha

After breakfast, drive to Paro via Dochula Pass, enjoy views of the Himalayas.

Free evening for souvenir shopping or optional visit to Kyichu Lhakhang.

Overnight: Paro

Transfer to Paro Airport for your onward flight.

End of Mission: Red Panda & White-Bellied Heron Expedition.

Key Species to Watch

Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens) – Thrumshingla, Sengor, Yongkola

White-bellied Heron (Ardea insignis) – Mangdechu, Praling, Pantang

Other Highlights: Satyr Tragopan, Blood Pheasant, Rufous-necked Hornbill, Himalayan Monal, Fire-tailed Sunbird.

Inclusions


  • Transfers from one place to another
  • Sightseeing in private cars
  • Vehicle will be provided based on the itinerary

Exclusions


  • Entrance fees at the monuments/ temples
  • Meals not mentioned in inclusions
  • Personal Expenses / Purchase of things
  • Any kind of insurance
  • Any increase in the govt. taxes and state taxes
  • Anything not mentioned in the itinerary.

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Mission Red Panda and White-Bellied Heron Expedition
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  • Bumthang
  • Sengor
  • Thrumshingla
  • Gayzamchu
  • Chumey
  • Dorji Gompa
  • Taphey Goemba Monastery
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