The annual Bhutan Bird Festival is set to be held from November 13 to 14, 2024, attracting birders, nature lovers and adventure seekers from around the world. This exciting festival will happen in Zhemgang, rightly recognized as the ecotourism capital of Bhutan. Located in the heart of Bhutan, Zhemgang beckons travelers with its unmatched natural beauty and magnificent ecosystem. A six-hour drive from Bhutan’s capital Thimphu, it borders three protected areas: Royal Manas National Park, Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park and Phrumsengla National Park, making Zhemgang a paradise for bird watchers and nature lovers. There are 357 species of birds in the region, with majestic creatures like Pallas' Fish Eagle, Satyr Tragopan, Rufous-throated Hornbill, Spotted Elachura, Blue-capped Rock Thrush, Emerald Cock, Nuthatch, and White-bellied Heron.
Birds aren’t the only treasure Zhemgang holds. The region is full of subtropical ecosystems, with the highest concentration of Bengal Tigers, the Golden Langur, and an endangered species that lives in Bhutan. Also, Zhemgang has Bhutan’s largest rivers, the Mangade Chu and Drangme Chu Basin making it an excellent water-based adventure destination.
The Bhutan Bird Festival is more than just a gathering of bird lovers. This multifaceted event is designed to promote birding, improve ecotourism in the area and strengthen the local economy. During the two days event, visitors will be treated to cultural and entertainment activities. Visitors can attend the bird conservation awareness program, where national and local bird experts will share insights on conservation through documentaries and talks. Moreover, bird enthusiasts can join the birdathon, a bird-spotting event in collaboration with the Bhutan Birdlife Society, where participants can aim to spot as many species as possible and for fitness lovers, the festival will host a 21 km half-marathon from Tingtibi to Yebelaptsa, encouraging participants to promote fitness while enjoying Zhemgang's scenic landscapes.
Furthermore, traditional Bhutanese games like Khuru and archery will be available for visitors to enjoy, while those seeking adventure can participate in rafting on the Mangde Chu River or try fly-fishing. Attendees can also experience bird and wildlife-themed face painting during the event.
Local bands, dancers and musicians will showcase their talents, accompanied by spectacular mask dances and traditional Bhutanese music. The festival will also feature bird-themed dances, with performers dressed as birds, symbolizing the harmony between Bhutanese culture and nature. Food stalls will decorate the festival grounds, offering signature local dishes to tempt your taste buds. There are the popular delicacies like kharang (grained maize), smoked fish, bamboo shoots, pickles, fruits, rice, tongpa (wheat-based wine, served in bamboo containers), offering a delicious insight into Bhutanese culinary tradition. In addition to cooking, the people of Zhemgang are known for their skills in bamboo weaving, one of the thirteen traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. During the festival visitors will have the opportunity to view and even purchase beautiful and creative products made from bamboo, such as household items, pots, baskets, plates and ornaments.
Bhutan has cemented its status as a birdwatcher's paradise, hosting more than 770 bird species, including globally threatened ones. Four of these species, the White-bellied Heron, Baer's Pochard, White-rumped Vulture and Red-headed Vulture, are critically endangered. What sets Bhutan apart as a bird-watching destination is the harmonious coexistence between Bhutanese people and birds. They don't harm or hunt their birds, instead, they share their natural habitat, fostering a unique and sustainable environment.
Bhutan features three top birdwatching routes, each offering distinct experiences for bird enthusiasts. The Narphu - Samdrup Jongkhar birding route, situated within an altitude range of 150 - 1900m, has recorded a total of 262 bird species. Narphu town, perched on the ridgeline of the jaw-dropping Narphu cliff, serves as the starting point for this route.
The Shechamthang - Waklaytar birding route, with altitudes ranging from 311 to 1960m presents 291 bird species for avid birdwatchers. Beginning at the floodplains of Sarpang Dzongkhag, this route climbs towards Tsirang Dzongkhag and descends to Changche by Punatshangchu. Last but not least, the Rimchu - Gasa birding route, nestled within an altitude range of 1345 - 2817m offers sightings of over 204 bird species. This route winds through the Jigme Dorji National Park, along the Mochu River, providing an unforgettable bird-watching experience.
With its pristine natural environment and its status as the world's first carbon-negative country, Bhutan offers a bird-watching experience like no other.
To know more about Zhemgang district including their new tourism products and services, visit the Zhemgang website here.
