Category: Itineraries

Tingtibi is a delightful place to experience for birdwatchers seeking to explore a less-visited yet rewarding birding destination. Tingtibi falls under Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park (Formerly Black Mountain National Park)  located in central Bhutan, within the Zhemgang district, and offers excellent opportunities to spot a diverse range of bird species amidst its lush forests and scenic landscapes. 

So far ornithologists had recorded over 300 recorded bird species. From colorful sunbirds and beautiful flycatchers to rare hornbills and laughing thrushes, and many more bird species during their seasonal journeys as the place serves as a corridor. Visiting during the migratory season provides a chance to witness the influx of these traveling birds.

Beyond regular birds, one can spot rare and elusive bird species, such as the Ward’s Trogon and Rufous-necked Hornbill in which you may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of these elusive gems with the help of local guides or birding experts guides. 

To celebrate the richness of this avifaunal diversity, Zhamgang Dzongkhang collaboration with other agencies instituted 3 days bird festival, and in 2023 they have scheduled festival dates from 11 to 13 November. 

Birding in Royal Manas National Park is a truly remarkable experience. As Bhutan’s oldest and largest national park, it boasts incredible biodiversity and is a haven for birdwatchers. With its diverse habitats, including lush forests, riverine areas, and grasslands, the park attracts a wide array of bird species.

The park is home to several rare and endangered bird species, such as the Bengal Florican, White-bellied Heron, Rufous-necked Hornbill, and Great Hornbill. The Park serves as an important wintering ground for migratory birds. During the winter months, you can witness the arrival of various species from the northern regions, adding to the park’s avian diversity.

So far over 400 recorded bird species, the park offers a treasure trove of birdwatching opportunities. You can encounter vibrant sunbirds, colorful pheasants, fascinating woodpeckers, and a variety of raptors, among others.

Trans Bhutan Trail was recently launched by the Bhutan-Canadian foundation with the vision to create a link between Bhutan’s past, present, and future.  The “Trans Bhutan Trail” is a long-distance hiking trail project that aims to traverse the entire country of Bhutan from west to east, offering hikers a unique opportunity to experience the country’s pristine landscapes, rich culture, and traditional lifestyle.

The Trans Bhutan Trail was envisioned as a community-based project to promote sustainable tourism and showcase Bhutan’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. It was designed to offer hikers an immersive experience in Bhutan’s diverse landscapes, from lush forests and meadows to high mountain passes and remote villages. The trail was also intended to connect various ancient pilgrimage routes and traditional footpaths used by locals for centuries.

The key highlights and points of interest along the Trans Bhutan Trail include:

1. Have the chance to meet and interact with the friendly Bhutanese people, learn about their customs, and witness traditional ceremonies and festivals.

2. The trail takes you through diverse ecosystems, from the lush lowlands to the rugged highlands, offering breathtaking views of Bhutan’s stunning landscapes.

3. Bhutan is known for its Buddhist heritage, and the trail passes by several monasteries, dzongs (fortress-monasteries), and temples, providing opportunities for cultural exploration.

4. The trail winds through remote and often isolated villages, allowing trekkers to experience the authentic rural life of Bhutan.

5. Bhutan is home to a variety of wildlife, including snow leopards, takins, red pandas, and various species of birds. Trekkers may have the chance to spot some of these animals in their natural habitats.

6. The trail includes challenging ascents and descents over high mountain passes, such as Dochula Pass and Pele La Pass, Thromshingla pass which offer panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks.

It’s optional you can choose to do the whole trip starting from West to East or do some sections as per your interest, time, and budget incorporating with the Bhutan culture tour. 

ROAD MAP

Sources: Trans Bhutan Web

PROGRAM OUTLINE: We have made some adjustments to the schedule to enhance practicality. Additionally, there is an option for an overnight camp, which can help lower costs compared to deluxe camping if preferred.

Day	Outline Program	Walking Distance	Highest Altitude	Overnight	Remarks
1	Paro-Haa	N/A	3810 meters	Hotel	Transfer to Haa
2	Haa-Paro	14.3 Km	3684 meters	Hotel	Start of Trek
3	Paro-Tsaluney	12.81 Km	3473 meters	Deluxe Tent
4	Tsaluney-Thimphu	17.53 Km	3994 meters	Hotel
5	Thimphu-Hontsho	20 Km	2780 meters	Hotel/Tent	Camp at Hontso
6	Hontsho-Tranleygang	12.88 Km	3116 meters	Deluxe Tent
7	Tranleygang-Punakha Dzong	14.71 Km	1821 meters	Hotel
8	Punakha Halt	N/A	1200 meters	Hotel	Rest Day
9	Punakha Dzong-Lingmukha	12 Km	2147 meters	Deluxe Tent
11	Lingmukha-Samtengang	13.85 Km	2462 meters	Deluxe Tent
12	Samtengang-Razawo	16.24 Km	2798 meters	Deluxe Tent
13	Razawo-Longtey	15.7 Km	3413 meters	Deluxe Tent
14	Longtey-Chendeji	16.04 Km	3174 meters	Deluxe Tent
15	Chendebji-Tsangkha	22.52 Km	2470 meters	Deluxe Tent
16	Tsangkha-Kewathang	13.01 Km	2435 meters	Deluxe Tent
17	Kewathang-Getsa	19.38 Km	3427 meters	Hotel
18	Geytsa-Jakar	16.08 Km	3421 meters	Hotel
19	Jakar Halt	N/A	3000 meters	Hotel	Rest Day
20	Jakar(Phomdrong)-Ura	16.5 Km	3492 meters	Farm House
21	Ura-Gayzamchu	10.87 Km	3775 meters	Deluxe Tent
22	Gayzamchu-Sengor	12.7 Km	3691 meters	Deluxe Tent
23	Sangor-Latongla	10 Km	2982 meters	Deluxe Tent
24	Latongla-Lingmithang	14.7 Km	2650 meters	Deluxe Tent
25	Lingmithang-Mongar	15.8 Km	1601 meters	Hotel
26	Mongar-Korila	11.01 Km	2324 meters	Deluxe Tent
27	Korila-Sherizampa	13.09 Km	2324 meters	Deluxe Tent
28	Sherizampa-Dramitse	11.77 Km	2112 meters	Deluxe Tent
29	Dramitse-Gongthung	14.54 Km	2112 meters	Deluxe Tent
30	Gongthung-Tashigang	7.05 Km	1781 meters	Hotel
31	Tashigang-Paro	30 Mins	2200 meters	Hotel	Short Flight to Paro
32	Paro	N/A	2200 meters	Hotel
33	Departure	N/A	N/A	N/A

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The Snowman Trek offers different routes, each with unique starting and ending points. These routes can begin from Paro and end at Trongsa (Nikka Chhu), continue to Bumthang (Dur Tshachu/Hotsprings), or start from Punakha and finish at Trongsa or Bumthang.

Renowned for its challenge and rewards, the Snowman Trek showcases breathtaking landscapes, high-altitude terrain, and untouched wilderness. Covering an impressive 217 miles (350 km) in about 15 to 30 days, passing over thirteen towering mountain passes, ventures into remote highland communities, and includes camping amidst snowy vistas with glimpses of Bhutan’s majestic snow-covered peaks.

Taking on this trek requires exceptional physical readiness, suiting those who are highly active, healthy, and deeply passionate about trekking. The journey’s demands call for disciplined fitness training and understanding one’s physical limits. Navigating rugged terrain, conquering high mountain passes, and enduring long days of trekking requires not just strength but adaptability.

Mental strength is equally important, as the Snowman Trek presents challenges that can test even the strongest spirit. Extended days of walking, unpredictable weather, and the solitude of the wilderness can strain mental endurance. Those who truly enjoy pushing their physical and mental limits show their resilience through focus, positivity, and composure.

It’s essential to understand that the rewards for overcoming these challenges are priceless. The Snowman Trek reveals stunning views, untouched natural beauty, and an immersive experience of Bhutan’s culture. However, despite these incredible benefits, the journey remains a test of physical strength and an unwavering commitment to exploration.

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