Bhutan~ Birding and Beyond April 12 April 30, 2013

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1 Bhutan~ Birding and Beyond April 12 April 30, 2013 With Mass Audubon Naturalist Bill Gette OUR THANKS TO BILL LAWLESS FOR ALL PHOTOS Bhutan is one of our planet's great hot spots of biodiversity and one of the more pristine landscapes to be found anywhere. Lying in the heart of the eastern Himalayas and spanning almost 24,000 feet of altitude, 60 percent of the country remains cloaked in primeval forest from subtropical deciduous forests to alpine krummholz. Although it is a temperate-zone country with an area about the size of Vermont and New Hampshire combined, Bhutan a wide variety of bird species and 2,000 species of flowering plants, including 50 rhododendrons. We have planned a wonderful tour of the natural and cultural sites of this delightful country we hope that you can join us!

2 Bhutan Tour Terms and Conditions PRICE: $7500 per person, double occupancy. Single Supplement: $950 Singles are limited. Tour length 19 days. Price Includes: All meals and accommodations as shown in the itinerary Services of Mass Audubon naturalist and local guides Flights from Delhi Guwahati and Paro - Delhi All tips and gratuities All excursions, entrance fees Extensive trip preparation notes Medical Evacuation coverage Price Excludes: International airfare between U.S. and India Passport and India visa fees; trip cancellation insurance Airport taxes; excess baggage charges Items of a personal nature, including alcoholic beverages, laundry and telephone calls; other items not specifically mentioned as included. TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: A U.S. Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the trip s departure date is required. Visas are required for both Bhutan and India. Details for application will be sent to registered travelers. Please attach to the registration form (and send in with your deposit) a clear copy of the first two pages of your passport. TERMS & CONDITIONS OF TRAVEL RESERVATIONS, APPLICATIONS, DEPOSITS: Early reservations are required to ensure your place on this trip. All reservations must be accompanied by a completed reservation form and a $1000 deposit. In the case of questionable health, we reserve the right to require a physician s certification to affirm you are capable of the activities. You will receive a final invoice prior to departure with final payment due on December 18, 95 days prior to departure. Final Payment must be by check. RATES: All forms and fares are accurate at the time of publication, February 2012, but are subject to change at any time prior to departure. It is our policy to pass on only the actual amount of any increases in airfares or land costs such as those increases due to the devaluation of the dollar. A price increase may be called for if the group falls below the minimum of 10. The maximum number of participants is approximately 16. FLIGHTS: Travelers are responsible for arranging their own international flights to Delhi. We will send you suggested flights, including the flight details of our Mass Audubon leader. You may book your flights online, with a travel agent, or directly with an airline. Please be aware that most tickets are nonrefundable; therefore, you should not book your flight arrangements until you have checked with us to be sure the tour has the minimum number of participants for the trip to go. CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS: All cancellations must be done in writing and are effective upon receipt in the Massachusetts Audubon Travel Office. Cancellations received up to 91 days prior to departure will be refunded all money less a $250-per-person service fee. For cancellations between 90 and 61 days prior to departure, all deposits will not be refunded. There are no refunds for cancellations 60 days or less from departure. We strongly urge all travelers to purchase trip cancellation insurance. You will be sent information from the Massachusetts Audubon Society upon receipt of your deposit. Travel with the Massachusetts Audubon Society 2

3 ITINERARY Day 1: Friday, April 12 Arrive Delhi after midday ~ After passing through Immigration and Customs, we will meet our Indian guide and transfer to the hotel. Overnight at The Uppal Hotel. (Dinner) Day 2: Saturday, April 13 Delhi, India ~ In the morning, we will take the opportunity to go birding at the Sultanpur Jheel National Park. This wetland reserve is a great place to see a variety of waders including Eurasian Spoonbill, Painted Stork, and Black-winged Stilt, as well as woodland species such as Green Bee-eater, Red-vented Bulbul, and Black Kite. With luck, we could also see a Nilgai, a member of the antelope family. Overnight at The Uppal Hotel (B, L, D) Day 3: Sunday, April 14 Fly from Delhi to Guwahati ~ Today is an exciting travel day. We will fly from Delhi to Guwahati, the capital of Assam. From here, we will drive north, crossing the mighty Brahmaputra, to the border of Bhutan, and then continue north to Samdrup Jongkhar. Overnight at hotel TLT or Tashi Gasel Lodge. (B, L, D) Day 4: Monday, April 15 Samdrup Jongkhar to Morong~ Continuing north, it will be roadside birding looking for Crested Goshawk, Mountain Imperial Pigeon, Grey-bellied and Asian Emerald Cuckoos, Red-headed Trogon, Greater Yellownape, Golden-throated Barbet, Long-tailed Broadbill, Grey-backed Shrike, Collared Treepie, Orangeheaded Thrush, Small Niltava, Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher, Green-backed Tit, White-browed Scimitar babbler, Nepal Fulvetta, Rufous Sibia, and rare Greater Rufous-headed Parrotbill. Overnight at tented camp. (B, L, D) Day 5: Tuesday, April 16 Morong to Tashigang ~ Today, we will drive and bird our way northward to Tashigang, gradually gaining altitude, moving from subtropical forest into a broad-leaved forest. We shall pass the Tashigang Dzong, built in 1659, and superbly located on a spur overhanging the river. Overnight at Rangjung Guest House or similar. (B, L, D) Day 6: Wednesday, April 17 Tashigang to Lower Limithang ~ We ll pass through a pine forest, cornfields, and banana groves as we leave Tashigang. After crossing the Korila pass at 8000 feet, we will be traveling through a wonderful mixed broad-leafed evergreen forest where we are likely to see a number of species such as the rarely seen Black-tailed Crake and Crested and Little Buntings. The next few days will be spent exploring this famous area. Birdwatchers know the magnificent stretch of habitat that we will explore today and tomorrow as the Limithang Road. Overnight at tented camp. (B, L, D) Day 7-8: Thursday, April 18 - Friday, April 19 Lower Limithang to Yongkola After early tea/coffee, we will set out to explore, watching the changes in vegetation and birdlife as we go. Due to Bhutan s dynamic altitudinal as well as latitudinal migration patterns, one never knows what one is going to find. However, some of today s target birds include: Mountain Hawk Eagle, White-throated Needletail (one of the fastest birds in the world), Alpine Accentor, Orange-flanked and Golden Bush Robins, the incomparable Fire-tailed Myzornis, a number of warbler species including Golden-spectacled and Ashy-throated, six or more species of tits, up to three treecreepers, White-tailed Nuthatch, Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher, Rufous-bellied Niltava, Chestnutcrowned Laughingthrush, with luck, a parrotbill or two, a variety of babblers, White-winged Grosbeak, and perhaps a rosefinch or two. Yoncola, tented camp. (B, L, D) Travel with the Massachusetts Audubon Society 3

4 Day 9-10: Saturday, April 20 - Sunday, April 21 Yongkola to Sengor Bhutan: Birding & Beyond The forests here are a mixture of spruce, hemlock, and fir that support a wide variety of birds, including Black-faced, Chestnut-crowned, and Spotted Laughingthrushes, White-browed Bush Robin, Rusty-flanked Treecreeper, Red Crossbill, Golden-naped Finch, Slender-billed Scimitar Babbler, and Bar-winged Wren Babbler. Satyr Tragopan is also found on slopes. Overnight at tented camp. (B, L, D) Day 11: Monday, April 22 Sengor to Ura The road from Sengor to Ura is a candidate for the most beautiful passage in the world with mountains, mists, waterfalls, masses of rhododendrons, and towering trees creating dramatic new effects around every corner (of which there are many). Highway signs warn us to spare any Red Pandas we encounter. So, we should watch the tree tops where these smaller relatives of the Giant Panda typically curl up to sleep during the day. This is also Blood Pheasant country and offers our best chance of finding this bizarrely-plumaged Himalayan endemic. We will climb through Thrumsing La (pass), at 12,4000 feet the highest point on our trip, and then continue through rich forest. Overnight at tented camp/guest house. (B, L, D) Day 12: Tuesday, April 23 Witness Ura Festival Activities We will do a bit of birding in an enchanting mossy forest at a high pass, and then drop down to the perfect Bhutanese village of Ura. Our main event today is to witness the colorful pageantry of the Ura eschu (festival). These religious festivals, symbolizing amity, peace, and compassion, are held annually at various parts of the kingdom at different times of the year. They are a time for the people from various walks of life to come together in all their ceremonial dress. During the festival, sacred masked dances, sword dances, and many rituals are performed inside the courtyard of the temple. In the afternoon, we will then drive to our hotel in Jakar (Bumthang) at Gongkhar Lodge or similar. (B, L, D) Day 13: Wednesday, April 24 Bumthang to Trongsa Bumthang, as the four valleys of this region are known, is not only Bhutan s geographical heartland, but its spiritual and historical heartland as well. There are more temples, monasteries, and shrines concentrated in these valleys than anywhere else in the Buddhist Himalayas. We will spend some time visiting a few select sites. Jampey Lhakhang, for example, which dates from the 7th century, was built, it is said, to subdue a demoness who was threatening Buddhism. We will also see the Kurje Lhakhang complex, which consists of three exquisite temples surrounded by a wall of stone chortens. All of Bhutan s past kings were cremated here and the main temple is erected in a palace. We will not, of course, neglect interesting birds, butterflies, or plants that we encounter as we explore. A variety of raptors can often be seen over the valley. We ll drive to Trongsa, located in central Bhutan. Trongsa holds one of the most magnificent dzongs in the entire kingdom. Hanging above Mangde Chhu, the Trongsa Dzong is a spectacular sight. Overnight at hotel Puenzhi or Yangkhill or similar. (B, L, D) Travel with the Massachusetts Audubon Society 4

5 Day 14: Thursday, April 25 Trongsa to Punakha Our journey today crosses over the Black Mountains dividing central Bhutan. Some of the birds we will search for include Great Parrotbill, which prefers stands of rhododendron and bamboo, the striking Goldenbreasted Fulvetta, Golden Bush Robin, Long-tailed Minivet, the skulky Grey-sided Bush Warbler in thick grasses, White-winged Grosbeak, and the rare Brown Bullfinch. En route, the valley widens, affording us dramatic views of the Wangdue Phodrang Dzong founded in 1632, which is stretched along a ridge above the river with commanding views of the valley below. We will arrive late in the afternoon in Punakha. Overnight at hotel Zangto Pelri or similar. (B, L, D) Day 15: Friday, April 26 Full Day visit to Tashitang Valley This morning, we will bird the lovely broad-leaved subtropical forest along the main road that parallels the swift Mo Chu River. Some species to be found along this route include the rare White-bellied Heron, Tawny Fish Owl, Himalayan Swiftlet buzzing overhead, Crested Kingfisher, ever-vocal Great and Golden-throated Barbets, Rufous Woodpecker, Short-billed Minivet that often perch for long periods before sallying after insects in midair, Tickell s Leaf Warbler, Small Niltava, Hodgson s Redstart, Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch that pick through the masses of epiphytes for insects, Slender-billed Oriole, and Chestnut-tailed Starling. We will take time today to also visit the impressive Punakha Dzong. Until the time of the second king, it served as the seat of the Bhutanese government. Overnight at hotel Zangto Pelri or similar. (B, L, D) Day 16: Saturday, April 27 Punakha to Thimphu After an early start, we will make for the famed high mountain pass of Dochu La. Leaving the almost tropical Punakha Valley at 4,000 feet, our route will take us up through mixed evergreen and broad-leaved forests to the pass at 10,000 feet. Specialties that occur in this area include Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, Black-winged Cuckooshrike, Grey-winged Blackbird, the tiny Chestnut-headed Tesia, the intensely-colored Ultramarine Flycatcher, Hoary-throated Barwing, Dark-rumped Rosefinch, the elusive but exquisite Fire-capped Tit, and the radiant Firetailed Myzornis. If the day is clear, the lofty pass of Dochu La affords outstanding views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks, some of which top 24,000 feet. We will enjoy the visual splendor of the pass festooned with prayer flags before descending towards our hotel located in the center of Thimphu. The impressive Trashi Chhoe Dzong was built traditionally without nails or the use of written plans and will be visible soon after we arrive in the area. Overnight at hotel Galingkha or Jumolhari or similar. (B, L, D) Travel with the Massachusetts Audubon Society 5

6 Day 17: Sunday, April 28 Thimphu to Paro Bhutan: Birding & Beyond We will bird around Thimphu in the morning and then drive on to Paro. Here, it will be another wonderful adventure as we hike through a beautiful stretch of the Blue Pine forest and hike to the Tiger s Nest monastery, perched high on the cliffs above. The monastery is one of Bhutan s most famous Buddhist shrines. The relatively open pine-oak habitat is the perfect setting to review some of the country s common land birds. Overnight at hotel Khangkhu or Phuensum Jurmey or similar. (B, L, D) Day 18: Monday, April 29 Full Day visit to Chele La This morning, we will have an early start in order to make the most of the great birding opportunities in the forests above Paro and at Chele La, where we ll search for pheasants. Chele La is one of the best places to see Himalayan Monal. Additional pheasants to be seen this morning are Blood and Kalij Pheasants, while other species possible include the Yellow-billed Blue Magpie, Darjeeling Woodpecker, White-browed Rosefinch, the bright Redheaded Bullfinch, Collared Grosbeak, and Spotted Laughingthrush. In the late afternoon, we will search for the secretive Black-tailed Crake, Rosy Pipit, and one of the most sought after shorebirds - the Ibisbill. On return to Paro, time permitting, we will visit the Paro Dzong. Overnight at hotel Khangkhu or Phuentsok Purmev. (B, L, D) Day 19: Tuesday, April 30 Flight from Paro, Bhutan to Delhi, India After breakfast, we will fly out of the valley. This flight provides some of the most dramatic scenery of any scheduled flight in the world. On a clear day, you can gaze over the summit of Mount Everest and other high Himalayan peaks. (Board flight KB 204 (1125 hrs / 1335 hrs) to Delhi.). On arrival, transfer to hotel The Uppal for day use. We will depart after dinner for the airport and our flights home. (B, L, D) Travel with the Massachusetts Audubon Society 6

7 Mass Audubon Tour Naturalist: and guides. Bill Gette is the Sanctuary Director of Mass Audubon's Joppa Flats Education Center and Wildlife Sanctuary in Newburyport. Bill, a skilled teacher and field naturalist, has been leading domestic and international natural history expeditions for the Society since He has led very successful programs throughout the United States and to Canada, Botswana, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Belize, Costa Rica, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Brazil, Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, and Antarctica. He led a Mass Audubon group to Bhutan in April 2008 and April Bill has taken a leadership role in bird research and public education about birds and bird conservation. He will be joined in leading this program with skilled local naturalists Please Note: This trip is not for everyone; however, if you enjoy birding, learning about new cultures, and are in good physical condition, you will certainly enjoy this experience. There will not be long or especially strenuous hikes, but we will spend long days in the field. Daily activities may be adjusted as the realities of weather, wildlife, and unexpected opportunities dictate. We will be traveling some days at higher altitudes, and there will be some days with long drives. We will sleep in the full range of accommodations, from the elegant hotel in India to a comfortable tented camp in the mountains of Bhutan. This trip is designed for those who share the enthusiasm to discover offthe-beaten-path destinations. In order to reap the rewards of visiting a seldom-explored country, we expect that you will travel with flexibility, a willingness to accept local standards of amenities and services, and of course, a sense of humor. This is, without a doubt, one of the world s most interesting and beautiful places, and one of our most popular tours. Travel with the Massachusetts Audubon Society 7

8 Your Responsibility: Although every precaution is taken to safeguard you and your belongings, group travel trips by their nature involve a certain amount of risk. Trip participants should understand that the domestic and international trips sponsored/operated by Massachusetts Audubon Society (Mass Audubon Tours) - hereafter collectively M.A.S. - involve known and unknown risks. M.A.S. assumes no responsibility for injuries, death, financial losses or damage to clients property caused by or occurring during participation in any of the travel trips sponsored/operated by M.A.S. Trip participants must assume responsibility for having sufficient skill and fitness to participate in the trips and activities offered or sponsored by M.A.S. Trip participants must also certify that they have no medical, mental or physical conditions which could interfere with their abilities to participate in the activities and/or trips they are participating in and they must assume and bear the cost of all risks that may be created, directly or indirectly, by any such condition. It is the responsibility of trip participants to have in place adequate insurance to cover any injury, damage or emergency transportation costs related to their travel and/or participation in trip activities and/or to bear the costs of such injury, damage or emergency transportation costs. Because of the risks associated with the travel trips sponsored by M.A.S. we urge all trip participants to supplement their own insurance with travel or vacation or emergency response types of insurance. M.A.S. requires that all trip participants acknowledge and assume these risks by reading and signing an M.A.S. Release and Waiver and Assumption of Risk contract prior to departure. Travelers will be provided an itinerary and trip preparation information. It is expected that travelers will read this information prior to trip departure. Travelers will be responsible for completing a reservation form, a personal information form, and a release of liability form. Travel with the Massachusetts Audubon Society 8

9 Mr./Mrs./Ms. Passenger Name (1) as shown on passport Application Form for Bhutan Birding and Beyond: Nationality: Date of Birth: Occupation (if retired, please tell us what it was before retirement): (the above information is needed for processing the Bhutan visa) Mr./Mrs./Ms. Passenger Name (2) as shown on passport Nationality: Date of Birth: Occupation (if retired, please tell us what it was before retirement): (the above information is needed for processing the Bhutan visa) Address City State Zip Phone: Day Evening address Please attach to this reservation form a clear color copy of the cover pages of your passport. Please indicate accommodation preferences: I/We are non-smoker(s) smoker(s) (smoking is limited to outdoors in non-group spaces) I request single accommodations where available and will pay the single supplement. I would like to be assigned a roommate. If one is not available, I will pay the single supplement. I am sharing with Deposit: Please find my enclosed check or please charge my credit card for the deposit ($1000 per person) VISA MC Card # Exp. Make checks payable to Massachusetts Audubon Society Signature Travel with the Massachusetts Audubon Society 9