Bhutan: Wildlife & Culture
From Bhutan’s Mountains to the Forests of Royal Manas
21 February – 5 March 2027 | 13 Days / 12 Nights
Bhutan is an extraordinary destination for wildlife. From high mountain valleys and extensive forests to the warm subtropical south, its changing landscapes support an exceptional diversity of species, including Asian Elephants, Gaur, Golden Langurs and a remarkable variety of birdlife.
Wildlife is at the heart of this tour. Over 13 days, we’ll explore a wide range of habitats, looking for wildlife throughout the journey as well as spending three full days in Royal Manas National Park. We’ll visit a conservation centre dedicated to the critically endangered White-bellied Heron, search the southern forests for mammals and birds, and visit the beautiful Phobjikha Valley, winter home of the Black-necked Crane.
Alongside the wildlife, we’ll experience some of Bhutan’s great cultural highlights. We’ll hike through the forest to the spectacular Tiger’s Nest Monastery, visit historic temples and fortress-monasteries, cross mountain passes and travel through towns, valleys and rural communities.
Our route takes us from Paro and Punakha south towards Royal Manas, before turning north again through Zhemgang and Phobjikha. The dramatic changes in altitude, climate and habitat are a major part of the journey, giving us the opportunity to experience very different sides of Bhutan and its wildlife.
The tour is led by nature guide and conservationist Richard Pearce, who has been visiting and leading tours in Bhutan for nearly ten years, together with a trusted network of excellent Bhutanese partners and guides.
Dates: 21 February – 5 March 2027
Duration: 13 Days / 12 Nights
Price: £3,695
Group Size: 4–10 guests. The tour will operate with a minimum of 4 guests
Level: Moderate – includes the Tiger’s Nest hike, forest walks and some long travelling days
Tour Leader: Richard Pearce
Tour Highlights
Explore Bhutan’s wildlife across mountain valleys, forests, river systems and the subtropical south
Spend four nights at Royal Manas National Park, with three full days dedicated to wildlife watching and exploring
Search for Asian Elephants, Gaur, Golden Langurs and a wealth of other wildlife, with the possibility of encountering elusive species such as Tiger and Clouded Leopard
Experience Bhutan’s exceptionally rich birdlife throughout the journey
Visit the White-bellied Heron Conservation Centre and learn about efforts to protect this critically endangered species
Travel through the wildlife-rich forests around Zhemgang
Visit Phobjikha Valley, an important wintering area for Black-necked Cranes
Hike through the forest to Tiger’s Nest, Bhutan’s spectacular cliffside monastery
Visit historic Buddhist temples and impressive fortress-monasteries
Travel from the mountain valleys of western Bhutan into the subtropical south, experiencing dramatic changes in habitat and wildlife
Experience Bhutan’s wildlife alongside its culture, communities and spectacular landscapes
Tour Overview
Bhutan’s geography makes it a fascinating country to explore for wildlife. During this journey we travel from the mountain valleys of western Bhutan into the subtropical forests of the south and back into the mountains, passing through very different habitats and looking for wildlife throughout.
We begin in Paro, where our first days combine wildlife watching with one of Bhutan’s most famous experiences: the hike to Tiger’s Nest. The trail climbs through forest to the Buddhist monastery dramatically situated on the cliffs above the Paro Valley.
From Paro, we cross Dochula Pass at 3,150 metres and descend towards Punakha. Here we visit Chhimi Lhakhang and the impressive Punakha Dzong, giving us our first deeper introduction to Bhutan’s Buddhist culture and history.
We then turn south, and both the landscape and wildlife begin to change as we descend towards the warmer regions of the country. Along the way we visit the White-bellied Heron Conservation Centre, where we can learn about efforts to protect this critically endangered bird.
Continuing south brings us to the wildlife centrepiece of the tour: Royal Manas National Park. We spend four nights here, giving us three complete days to explore rather than making a brief visit. We’ll walk through the forests, watch birds, search for wildlife and spend time around the rivers, with our plans shaped by local conditions and the knowledge of our Bhutanese guides.
Royal Manas supports an impressive diversity of wildlife. Asian Elephants, Gaur and Golden Langurs are among the animals found in these forests, together with a rich variety of birds. Tiger and Clouded Leopard also inhabit the park and, while sightings are rare and certainly cannot be guaranteed, there is always the possibility of an encounter. Simply knowing that these elusive predators still roam the forests adds to the excitement of exploring Royal Manas.
Our wildlife watching continues when we leave Royal Manas. Travelling north through Zhemgang, we pass through extensive forest with further opportunities to look for wildlife along the way. We then climb back towards the mountains and Phobjikha Valley, an important wintering area for Black-necked Cranes. Our visit comes towards the end of their winter stay, so we’ll look for any cranes that are still present.
Throughout the tour, Bhutan’s culture is an important part of the experience. We’ll visit monasteries and temples, explore historic fortresses, spend time in towns and communities and experience the landscapes through which we travel. At its core, this is a wildlife tour, but the journey also offers a much broader experience of Bhutan – its Buddhist culture, historic monasteries and fortresses, communities and spectacular landscapes.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Paro
Arrive at Paro International Airport and meet our Bhutanese team.
Depending on our arrival time, we’ll have lunch in Paro before spending the afternoon exploring the town and surrounding area. It’s a relaxed introduction to Bhutan and our first opportunity to see some of the wildlife of the Paro Valley.
Overnight: Paro
Day 2 – Tiger’s Nest
Today we hike through the forest to Taktsang, better known as Tiger’s Nest, Bhutan’s famous monastery dramatically situated on the cliffs above the Paro Valley.
We’ll take our time on the trail, enjoying the forest and watching for wildlife along the way. Later, we visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred temples in Bhutan. Dating back to the 7th century, it is traditionally believed to be one of 108 temples built by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo across the Himalayas to help overcome forces obstructing the spread of Buddhism.
Overnight: Paro
Day 3 – Paro to Punakha
We leave Paro and travel across Dochula Pass, at approximately 3,150 metres. The pass, with its 108 chortens and prayer flags, is one of Bhutan’s most striking mountain crossings.
For those interested, there will be the option to cycle from Dochula down towards Punakha. It’s a long, largely downhill ride from the cool mountain forests towards the much warmer Punakha Valley, with plenty of freewheeling along the way.
In Punakha, we visit Chhimi Lhakhang, the famous fertility temple associated with the unconventional Buddhist saint Drukpa Kunley, before exploring the magnificent Punakha Dzong, dramatically situated at the meeting of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. We’ll also cross the long suspension bridge nearby.
Driving time: approximately 3½ hours
Overnight: Punakha
Day 4 – Punakha to Gelephu
Today we begin our journey south, with the landscape and vegetation changing as we descend towards Bhutan’s warmer regions.
Along the way we visit the White-bellied Heron Conservation Centre at Changchey Dovan, where we’ll learn about work to conserve this critically endangered species.
After lunch en route, we continue south to Gelephu.
Driving time: approximately 5½ hours
Overnight: Gelephu
Day 5 – Gelephu to Royal Manas
After breakfast we continue towards Panbang and Royal Manas National Park.
This is one of our longer travelling days, but it takes us through the changing landscapes and habitats of southern Bhutan. Wildlife watching remains part of the journey, and we’ll make the most of opportunities along the way.
By evening we reach Panbang, our base for the next four nights.
Driving time: approximately 7 hours
Overnight: Panbang Eco Camp
Day 6 – Royal Manas National Park
Our first full day is dedicated to exploring Royal Manas.
We’ll spend the day birdwatching, walking through the forest and searching for wildlife. Golden Langurs are among the species we may encounter, alongside the park’s varied birdlife and other wildlife.
Exactly where we explore will depend on local conditions and the knowledge of our guides.
Overnight: Panbang Eco Camp
Day 7 – Royal Manas National Park
A second full day gives us more time to explore the forests and rivers of Royal Manas.
Our programme will remain flexible, with birdwatching, forest exploration and time around the river, as well as opportunities to experience the communities around the protected area.
Having several days here allows us to respond to wildlife activity and make the most of what we find.
Overnight: Panbang Eco Camp
Day 8 – Royal Manas National Park
Our third full day gives us another opportunity to explore different areas of Royal Manas and continue searching for wildlife.
Rather than trying to fit the park into a single excursion, three complete days give us time to explore at a more natural pace and adapt our plans according to conditions and recent sightings.
Overnight: Panbang Eco Camp
Day 9 – Royal Manas to Zhemgang
We leave Royal Manas and begin travelling north towards Zhemgang, but this remains very much a wildlife day.
The route passes through extensive forest, and we’ll continue looking for Golden Langurs, birds and other wildlife as we travel, stopping when worthwhile opportunities arise.
After arriving in Zhemgang, there will be some free time to relax.
Driving time: approximately 4¼ hours
Overnight: Zhemgang
Day 10 – Zhemgang to Phobjikha
Today we travel north towards the beautiful Phobjikha Valley, with the landscape and habitat changing dramatically as we gain altitude.
After arriving in Phobjikha, we’ll stretch our legs on the Gangtey Nature Trail, an easy walk through the valley with opportunities to enjoy the landscape and look for wildlife along the way.
Driving time: approximately 5½ hours
Overnight: Phobjikha
Day 11 – Phobjikha Valley
A full day to explore Phobjikha Valley, giving us time for wildlife, culture and the surrounding countryside.
We’ll spend time looking for wildlife, including any Black-necked Cranes that remain towards the end of their winter stay, and visit Gangtey Monastery. With a full day rather than a brief overnight stop, we can explore the valley at a relaxed pace and make the most of any wildlife opportunities.
Overnight: Phobjikha
Day 12 – Phobjikha to Paro via Thimphu
We leave Phobjikha and travel west towards Paro, stopping along the way in Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital.
We’ll have time for a brief look around the capital and lunch before continuing to Paro for our final evening in Bhutan.
Overnight: Paro
Day 13 – Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Paro International Airport for our onward flights.
What’s included
12 nights’ accommodation in Bhutan
All meals during the tour
All transport within Bhutan
Bhutan Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
Bhutan visa and visa processing
Entrance fees and sightseeing as described in the itinerary
Local Bhutanese guides and support
Wildlife activities and excursions included in the itinerary
Three full days exploring Royal Manas National Park
Services of Richard Pearce as tour leader throughout
What’s not included
International flights to and from Bhutan
Travel to and from your home country to the international departure point
Travel insurance
Alcoholic drinks
Personal expenses
Tips and gratuities
Any activities or services not included in the itinerary
Getting to Bhutan
International flights are not included in the tour price. For this tour, we recommend travelling to Bhutan via Bangkok (BKK) or Kathmandu (KTM), both of which have direct flights to Paro.
Current return fares to Paro are approximately:
Bangkok – Paro – Bangkok: US$985 per person
Kathmandu – Paro – Kathmandu: US$490 per person
Guests should arrange their own travel to Bangkok or Kathmandu. From there, our partners in Bhutan can arrange and book your return flights to Paro.
Please ask us for more details or help with your travel arrangements.
Your Tour Leader
Richard Pearce is a British nature guide, conservationist and wildlife researcher who has spent almost two decades living and working in Japan and has been visiting and leading tours in Bhutan for nearly ten years.
He is the founder of Sustainable Daisen, a conservation organisation working to protect wildlife and restore habitats in western Japan, and a member of the IUCN Species Survival Commission’s Ecotourism and Species Conservation Specialist Group. His fieldwork focuses particularly on the Japanese Giant Salamander, one of the world’s largest amphibians, and the conservation of the river systems on which it depends.
Richard is also the lead author of the 2026 book Reptiles and Amphibians of Japan and has worked as a nature guide across Asia and southern Africa. His guiding has taken him throughout Japan as well as Bhutan, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia, combining wildlife watching with a strong interest in conservation, landscapes and the relationship between people and the natural world.
Richard has developed close connections in Bhutan over many years and works with a trusted network of excellent Bhutanese partners and guides. Their detailed knowledge of the country, its wildlife and culture, combined with Richard’s experience as a wildlife guide and conservationist, is at the heart of this tour.
Booking Your Place
The 2027 Bhutan Wildlife & Culture Tour is limited to a maximum of 10 guests.
Dates: 21 February – 5 March 2027
Price: £3,695 per person
Group size: 4–10 guests. The tour will operate with a minimum of 4 guests
To reserve a place, please contact us using the enquiry form above or email Richard directly at richard@bushidojapan.com.
We’ll confirm availability and provide full booking details, including the deposit and payment schedule.
