Bhutan Wildlife Expedition 2026 – From Snow Leopards to Subtropical Jungles

Duration: 17 Days / 16 Nights
Group Size: Max 10 guests
Level: Moderate to Challenging (includes multi-day trekking, high altitude, and forest hikes)
Leader: Local naturalist guides & experienced Bhutanese trek crew
Inclusions: Accommodation, meals as listed (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner), park entry fees, domestic transport, expert guiding, and support staff during trek
Accommodation: A mix of hotels, eco-lodges, local guesthouses, and full-service camping

Tour Highlights

  • Spot elusive species including Snow Leopard, Himalayan Monal, Golden Langur, Clouded Leopard, and Bengal Tiger

  • Trek through high-altitude wilderness near Jomolhari with panoramic views of the eastern Himalayas

  • Experience Bhutan's rich conservation ethos rooted in Gross National Happiness and carbon neutrality

  • Explore Royal Manas National Park, Bhutan’s premier lowland jungle reserve teeming with biodiversity

  • Visit iconic cultural sites including Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Punakha Dzong, and the Gangtey Crane Centre

  • Witness rare birds such as the White-bellied Heron, Rufous-necked Hornbill, Ward’s Trogon, and Beautiful Nuthatch

  • Stay in a mix of handpicked eco-lodges, campsites, and guesthouses supporting local communities

  • Participate in wildlife safaris, boat excursions, and nature walks guided by local experts

  • Journey through dramatic landscapes from alpine tundra to subtropical forests

Tour Overview

This extraordinary expedition takes you deep into Bhutan's pristine ecosystems—from the icy Himalayan passes of Jomolhari to the steamy lowland jungles of Royal Manas National Park. Combining high-altitude trekking with lowland wildlife safaris, this journey offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to spot species such as Blue Sheep, Himalayan Monal, Golden Langur, Clouded Leopard, and perhaps even the elusive Snow Leopard or Bengal Tiger. Along the way, you'll visit iconic monasteries, walk ancient trails, and engage with Bhutan's deep conservation ethic—grounded in Gross National Happiness, carbon neutrality, and protected biodiversity.

As with all of our Bhutan adventures, this tour prioritises connection with the landscape and culture. Travelling through remote highlands and rarely visited lowland jungles, you'll also encounter yak herders, learn about traditional subsistence farming, and explore Bhutanese Buddhist traditions. A deep respect for Bhutan's protected areas and community-based conservation underpins each step of the journey.

Itinerary Summary

Day 1 – Arrival in Paro
Meals: D
Arrive at Paro International Airport and meet your guide. Visit Paro Dzong and Ta Dzong (National Museum), followed by a stroll through Paro town.
Overnight: Hotel in Paro

Day 2 – Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Meals: BLD
A full-day acclimatization hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest), perched on a cliffside. Spot birds such as Himalayan Monal and Blood Pheasant.
Overnight: Hotel in Paro

Day 3 – Paro to Soi Thangthangka (Trek Start)
Meals: BLD
Drive to Gunitsawa Village and begin trekking along the Paro Chu River through pine forest.
Overnight: Riverside Camp (3,610 m)

Day 4 – Soi Thangthangka to Jangothang
Meals: BLD
Trek through alpine terrain with views of Jomolhari and Jichu Drake.
Overnight: Jangothang Base Camp (4,115 m)

Day 5 – Acclimatization Day at Jangothang
Meals: BLD
Optional hikes to Tshophu Lakes. Look for Blue Sheep, marmots, and raptors.
Overnight: Jangothang Camp

Day 6 – Jangothang to Soi Yaksa
Meals: BLD
Trek over Bhonte La Pass (4,890 m). Snow Leopard sightings are rare but possible.
Overnight: Soi Yaksa Camp (3,800 m)

Day 7 – Soi Yaksa to Thombu Shong
Meals: BLD
Cross Takhung La Pass (4,520 m). Keep an eye out for Griffon Vultures and Lammergeiers.
Overnight: Thombu Shong Camp (4,120 m)

Day 8 – Trek Ends / Drive to Thimphu
Meals: BLD
Descend to Gunitsawa and transfer to Thimphu for rest and a hot shower.
Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu

Day 9 – Thimphu to Punakha via Dochula Pass
Meals: BLD
Birdwatching at Dochula (3,100 m). Visit Punakha Dzong and Chimi Lhakhang.
Overnight: Hotel in Punakha

Day 10 – Punakha to Gelephu
Meals: BLD
Scenic drive south into the subtropical zone. Journey through ever-changing forested valleys, crossing ridges with dramatic views of Bhutan’s south.
Overnight: Hotel in Gelephu

Day 11 – Gelephu to Royal Manas National Park (Panbang)
Meals: BLD
Drive to Panbang, gateway to Bhutan’s premier lowland park. Orientation and nature walk.
Overnight: Eco-lodge or Community Camp

Day 12 – Royal Manas Wildlife Safari
Meals: BLD
Full-day safari with guided jungle walks and a boat ride (water level permitting).
Key species: Elephants, Gaur, Clouded Leopard, Sambar Deer, Pied Falconet, White-bellied Heron, Green Peafowl
Overnight: Eco-lodge

Day 13 – Royal Manas to Zhemgang
Meals: BLD
Scenic forest drive to Zhemgang. Begin entering Golden Langur habitat. This remote region is known for its dense biodiversity and strong conservation partnerships.
Overnight: Guesthouse or local hotel in Zhemgang

Day 14 – Zhemgang to Trongsa
Meals: BLD
Continue eastward through lush forest corridors. Visit community-run forest cooperatives en route.
Key birds: Rufous-necked Hornbill, Beautiful Nuthatch, Ward’s Trogon
Overnight: Hotel in Trongsa

Day 15 – Trongsa to Phobjikha
Meals: BLD
Drive to the glacial valley of Phobjikha. Hike the Gangtey Nature Trail and visit the crane information centre, dedicated to the conservation of Black-necked Cranes.
Overnight: Hotel in Phobjikha

Day 16 – Phobjikha to Paro
Meals: BLD
Return west with a scenic drive and free time in Paro town. Explore local markets or revisit monasteries on foot.
Overnight: Hotel in Paro

Day 17 – Departure
Meals: B
Transfer to the airport for departure.