Phrumseng La National Park is billed as one of the finest birding spots in all the world, boasting a species list of well over 350 birds, 70 mammals, and 600 plants in a mountain range that encompasses 6 habitat zones from subtropical to alpine. The forest is intact old-growth that has virtually never seen a saw. The weather didn't favor us with unusual cold and too much rain for this time of year, but we did very well with our birding. The majestic scenery only added to the experience. We spent three full days in the mid-elevations and a final day traveling up and over Thrumshing La Pass at 12,400 feet before descending back down to a more temperate 8,500 feet in the Bumthang Valley for the evening.
eBird list
eBird list going up
eBird list heading down
Our day up and over the mountain turned out to be more of an adventure than anyone expected. The rain from several prior days fell as a solid in the higher elevations. Thankfully our skilled driver Phuntsho navigated it expertly, and it was all the fun anyone could ask for. Chubzang, who has been guiding for over 20 years and has been over this pass more times than he can count, said it was the most snow he had ever seen. Lucky us!
On a current events note: The Bhutan government closed the country to all inbound tourists yesterday due to the coronavirus epidemic. Since we're already here it's all good for us. We just hope we can get home when the time comes.
Day 1
eBird list
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| Bhutan Laughingthrush |
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| Blue-bearded Bee-eater |
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| Grey-cheeked Warbler |
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| Grey-chinned Minivet |
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| Red-faced Liocichla |
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| Rufous-chinned Laughingthrush |
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| Rusty-fronted Barwing |
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| Striated Laughingthrush |
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| White-throated Laughingthrush |
Day 2
eBird list |
| Breakfast in the field |
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| That's the road cutting through the hillside. This tiny one lane road is the national east-west highway |
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| Hunting Ward's Trogon in the bamboo forest |
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| Ashy-throated Warbler |
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| Brown-throated Treecreeper |
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| Green Shrike-Babbler |
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| Rufous-chinned Laughingthrush |
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| Scaly Laughingthrush |
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| White-naped Yuhina |
Day 3
eBird list
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| Guide Chubzang scouts for birds |
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| Bhutan Giant Flying Squirrel |
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| Golden-throated Barbet |
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| Little Forktail |
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| Red-headed Trogon |
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| Rufous-necked Hornbill |
Day 4
eBird list going upeBird list heading down
Our day up and over the mountain turned out to be more of an adventure than anyone expected. The rain from several prior days fell as a solid in the higher elevations. Thankfully our skilled driver Phuntsho navigated it expertly, and it was all the fun anyone could ask for. Chubzang, who has been guiding for over 20 years and has been over this pass more times than he can count, said it was the most snow he had ever seen. Lucky us!
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| Heading up to the pass in the clouds |
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| The Sengor Valley at nearly 10,000 feet during the ride up |
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| Doing a little roadside snow birding |
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| The road gets a little treacherous toward the summit |
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| Like everywhere else, the road is cut into the side of the mountain |
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| Finally after a bit of white knuckle riding, we're at the top |
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| On the way down, the one-lane road proved to be an issue at times |
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| Once we get below most of the snow, it's time for a field lunch |
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| The forest at this high elevation is beautiful with hemlock, larch and firs |
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| Blood Pheasant |
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| Himalayan Beautiful Rosefinch |
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| Little Bunting |
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| Snow Pigeon |
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| Snow Pigeons |
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| Snow Pigeons |
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| White-browed Fulvetta |
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| Yellow-throated Fulvetta |
A few days ago I posted a lengthy appreciative comment which disappeared into the ether. Anyway, Thank You for all of it.
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