Black Necked Crane Festival
Overview
Bhutan celebrates the arrival of the majestic Black-Necked Cranes with the annual Black-Necked Crane Festival. Held on November 11th at Gangtey Gonpa in Phobjikha Valley, this one-day event honors these revered birds, who become part of the local life during winter. You get to observe cultural performances, music, and a celebration of conservation efforts to protect this endangered species. Join the joyous atmosphere and witness Bhutan’s respect for nature.
Tour Highlights
- Watch unique crane-themed dances and performances by local children.
- Spot endangered black-necked cranes in their natural habitat.
- Enjoy traditional Bhutanese music, dance, and food.
- Visit the scenic Phobjikha Valley and Gangtey Monastery.
- Learn about conservation efforts and local ecology.
Tour Plan
Day 1: Arrival in Paro -Thimphu
- Get blessings at the oldest temple Kichu lhakhang, built in 629 AD by a Tibetan king.
- Visit Paro Ta Dzong, an ancient watch tower turned into one of the best museums of Asia.
- Rinpung Dzong “fortress of the heap of jewels.”
- In evening drive to Thimphu (drive 1hr). Thimphu is a charming capital city nestled in the heart of the Himalayas.
- Evening at your leisure
- Overnight in Thimphu (Alt; 2320m).
Day 2: Thimphu Cultural Tour
- Drive to Sangay-gang where the national animal of Bhutan, the Takin, is found in captivity. This hill is also called the “romantic point” as lovers often come here to enjoy the panoramic view of the Thimphu valley.
- Visit Buddha Dordenma Statue which offers a spectacular view of Thimphu city. This giant Buddha-statue overlooking Thimphu is one of the biggest in the world.
- Visit the General Post Office. You can create personalized postage stamps with your own photo for souvenir or sent home on postcard.
- The Tashichhoe Dzong, the main secretariat building, the office of the King and Throne room and also the house of the State Monastic Body.
- Visit the Farmer’s Weekend Market for organic fruits & nuts
- Overnight in Thimphu
Day 3: Gangtey Valley Expedition (155km/ 4-5hr)
- Drive on different vegetation of alpine, subtropical and glacial. Phobjikha is a glacial valley on the north western tip of the Black Mountain. It’s also one of the roosting grounds of the Black-necked cranes.
- En route stop by Dochula pass (3150m) to enjoy spectacular views of the eastern Himalayan mountain range. Stroll around 108 stupas and enter Drukwangyel (Royal temple).
- On arrival, embark on the Nature trail hike across the refreshing Blue-pine forest to Kewa village (1hr hike). Try homemade tea & local snacks at village home.
- Visit the Crane Info Centre to watch the Black Necked Cranes in their natural inhabitants
- Free to walk around village or drive to your hotel for rest.
- Overnight in Phobjikha (2900m)
Day 4: Black-Necked Crane Festival
- In the morning, attend the Black-Necked Crane Festival, held every November 11 at Gangtey Monastery. It celebrates the arrival of the endangered black-necked cranes, which migrate from Tibet for the winter. The festival promotes crane conservation through traditional mask dances, crane-themed performances, and community involvement. It’s a vibrant blend of culture, nature, and education.
- Free to walk around village or drive to your hotel for rest.
- Overnight in Phobjikha
Day 5: Discovering Punakha & Wangdue (65km/ 2.5hr)
- After breakfast drive to Punakha. En route drive for mountain-view at Pele La pass (3,300m). It’s common to spot yaks along this pass.
- On arrival, visit the Punakha Dzong, "Palace of the Great Happiness". This beautiful fortress lies between two rivers, the Pochu and Mochu, male and female river.
- Try walking on the 200m suspension bridge above Phochu river to Gidagom village
- Easy hike along the Metshina village to Chimi lhakhang, a solitary “fertility temple” where a childless couple who comes to pray is usually blessed with a child.
- Overnight Punakha & Wangdue (Alt; 1240m)
Day 6: Getaway to Dzongdakha & Paro Detour (174 km/ 5hr)
- En route stop for coffee at Drukwangyel Café and enjoy distant snowcapped mountains.
- After check in at Paro, visit the Dzongdakha Monastery. This ancient beautiful monastery is also a pilgrim spot for the locals.
- In evening, leisurely stroll around Paro town and shop for souvenir
- Overnight in Paro (Alt; 2280m)
Day 7: Excursion to Mystical Taktsang
- After a wholesome breakfast,hike up the forested path to Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest, Bhutan’s most famous and scenic icon. Tiger’s Nest clings to sheer cliffs of 900m above Paro valley. The climb is steep and takes about 4-5hrs round trip.
- Lunch at the hillside cafe with close Tiger’s Nest view.
- Authentic Bhutanese farewell dinner at a typical village home with local liquor called “Ara.”
- Overnight in Paro
Day 8: Depart from Paro International Airport
- Our representative will bid you farewell at the airport. TashiDelek!
Included
- Visa Fee
- Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
- Accommodation in 3 star hotels on twin sharing
- All meals ( breakfast, lunch and dinner )
- Entrance fees for monuments and cultural sites
- Licensed English speaking guides
- Airport transfer and all transportation
- Bottled water during the tour
- All applicable taxes and service charges
Excluded
- International airfare to/from Bhutan
- Travel Insurance
- Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, shopping, etc.)
- Alcoholic and specialty beverages
- Tips for guides, drivers, and hotel staff
- Additional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Additional expenses due to unforeseen events (weather, flight cancellations, etc.)
Good to know
- More than 45 days before the tour: Free cancellation
- Within 30 days: 35% of the total cost
- Within 21 days: 50% of the total cost
- No-show in Bhutan: 100% of the total cost
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