What to Expect
Overview
The Bhutan tour is a moderately paced birding tour. We usually start the day with an early morning, before-breakfast walk, as it is best to begin birding at daybreak in the tropics, when bird activity and song are at their peaks. In forest regions, we concentrate on “edge” birding until light is sufficient to enter forest trails. Often bird activity slackens off by noon and we may return to our hotel for lunch and a short siesta, after which we bird again in the coolness of the late afternoon.
Food
We generally have breakfast back at the hotel after birding. We usually have a picnic lunch on the road. Dinner is usually at the lodge or a nearby restaurant. Each evening after dinner we compile the day’s checklist, review the day’s activities, birds, mammals and other observations, and plan the next day’s activities.
Accommodation
During the tour we stay in moderate or good-quality accommodation. In eastern Bhutan we stay in tented camps which are basic, but comfortable with foldable beds and foam mattresses. At the tented camps, there are separate toilet and shower tents as well as separate dining and kitchen tents. All lodgings provide Wi-Fi access, and reliable mobile reception with 3G and 4G coverage is available, even in the camping area.
Walking
Walking conditions will be relatively easy, occasionally moderate with steep sections; some strenuous optional hikes. Bhutan is a high altitude country; most of our time will be between 2,000 – 3,000m (6,500-9,800 ft), with occasional forays up to 4,000m (13,100 ft). We will move slowly to avoid altitudinal problems such as headaches or breathlessness. The passenger vehicle will follow the group every 10-15 minutes, ensuring that clients can rest in the car if needed or travel in the car alongside the group.
Driving
Most days involve some driving and we will make sure to have many rest stops each day. The vehicle we use on this tour is a 22 passenger Toyota Coaster bus. The roads will be in good condition.
Climate
Temperatures will range from warm, possibly hot in lowland areas to cool at higher altitudes, with freezing temperatures at the highest passes and at night. Although it will be mainly dry, we can expect precipitation in the form of rain and perhaps snow.
