8 Day Black Necked Crane Festival

Day 1: Arrival in Paro 

Upon your arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be greeted by your tour guide who will take you on a sightseeing tour of Paro. Visit Paro Rinpung Dzong, a fortress-monastery built in the 17th century, and the National Museum of Bhutan, which showcases Bhutanese art, culture, and history. In the afternoon, drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. On the way, you will stop at Tachog Lhakhang, a temple built in the 15th century, and the famous Iron Bridge. In the evening, you will arrive at your hotel in Thimphu, where you can check-in, freshen up, and rest.

Day 2: Thimphu Sightseeing 

After breakfast, you can visit the Buddha Dordenma, a 169-feet tall statue of Buddha, and the Takin Preserve, where you can see Bhutan’s national animal, the takin. In the afternoon, you can visit the School of Traditional Arts, where students learn Bhutanese painting, woodcarving, and other traditional crafts.

Day 3: Thimphu to Punakha 

After breakfast, you will drive to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan. On the way, you will stop at Dochula Pass, which offers stunning views of the Himalayas. In Punakha, you can visit the Punakha Dzong, a beautiful fortress-monastery located at the confluence of two rivers.

Day 4: Black-necked Crane Festival 

After breakfast , drive to Phobjikha and attend the Black-necked Crane Festival, which takes place annually in Phobjikha. The festival celebrates the arrival of the endangered black-necked cranes, which migrate to Bhutan from Tibet every winter. You can witness traditional Bhutanese dances, music, and other cultural activities.

Day 5: Phobjikha Sightseeing 

 After breakfast, you can visit the Phobjikha Valley, which is home to several endangered species such as the black-necked crane, the Himalayan black bear, and the leopard. You can also take a nature trail hike through the beautiful valley, which is known for its stunning natural scenery.

Day 6: Phobjikha to Paro 

After breakfast, you will drive back to Paro. In the afternoon, you can visit the Kyichu Lhakhang, a temple built in the 7th century and one of the oldest and most sacred shrines in Bhutan. You can also take a leisurely walk around Paro town and explore the markets.

Day 7: Tiger’s Nest Hike

After breakfast hike to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, one of the most iconic landmarks in Bhutan. The hike is a steep climb uphill, but the stunning views of the valley and the monastery will make it all worthwhile. The monastery is located at an altitude of 3,120 meters and is considered one of the most sacred places in Bhutan.

Day 8: Departure

 After breakfast, your tour guide will accompany you to the Paro International Airport for your flight back home.