The “Black-Necked Crane Festival” is a vibrant annual event held at Gangtey Monastery in Bhutan, marking the official welcome of the endangered black-necked cranes to their winter haven in Phobjikha Valley. These majestic birds spend their winter months in Bhutan before migrating back to Tibet, China, and other colder regions. The festival, first introduced by the Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN) with the support of Gangtey and Phobjikha villagers, is a unique celebration dedicated entirely to the cranes, focusing on their conservation and safe migration. Unlike other Bhutanese festivals, it features traditional dances and crane-themed performances by local students dressed as black-necked cranes. The event includes crane songs and local dances, creating a festive atmosphere that highlights both the cultural and ecological importance of these magnificent birds. We highly recommend attending this distinctive festival to witness the celebration and contribute to the preservation efforts of the black-necked cranes.
The 7-night, 8-day journey starting from Paro Airport, designed to immerse you in Bhutan’s cultural and natural splendor, with a special focus on the unique Black-Necked Crane Festival. After arriving in Paro, you’ll begin with a visit to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery and the historic Paro Rinpung Dzong. The tour then moves to Thimphu, Bhutan’s vibrant capital, where you’ll explore key landmarks such as the Buddha Dordenma Statue and Tashichho Dzong, gaining insights into Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage.
The adventure continues with a scenic drive to Phobjikha Valley, where you’ll experience the Black-Necked Crane Festival at Gangtey Monastery. This festival celebrates the arrival of the endangered black-necked cranes to their winter habitat, featuring traditional Bhutanese dances, crane songs, and performances by local students dressed as cranes. Following the festival, you’ll travel to Punakha to admire the magnificent Punakha Dzong and its beautiful surroundings before returning to Paro for a final exploration. This well-rounded itinerary offers a blend of cultural immersion, festival excitement, and scenic beauty, providing a memorable Bhutanese experience.
Day 1: Arrive Paro by Druk Air & transfer to Thimphu (55km, approx. 1.1/2 hour drive)
Arrive Paro International airport and drive to Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan. On arriving to Thimphu check into the hotel and later in the day visit Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang). The largest seated Buddha statue(169ft) in the country Located at a short drive from Thimphu city. Then, visit King’s Memorial Chorten and towards evening go for a walk in Coronation Park & stroll through the government-run Handicrafts Emporium and local crafts bazaar.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Thimphu (Altitude 2,320m)
Day 2: Local sightseeing in Thimphu
After breakfast drive to visit National Library and Institute for Zorig Chusum (Commonly known as Arts & Crafts School or Painting School) then drive to Takin Preserve – Takin is national animal of Bhutan, Later in the afternoon visit Trashichhoedzong, “fortress of the glorious religion”. This is the center of government and religion. The Folk Heritage Museum (Phelchey Toenkhyim), simply Bhutan museums and to National Textile Museum.. Evening time at leisure…
Overnight stay at the hotel in Thimphu (Altitude 2,320)
Day 3: Thimphu to Phubjikha/Gangtey valley (Altitude 3000m/130km, approx 4 hrs drive)
After an early breakfast, embark on a fascinating drive vai Dochula Pass to Gangtey to attain Black Necked Crane Festival the most important plan for the tour. The valley of Gangtey is one of the most beautiful spots in Bhutan. The surprise of finding such a wide, flat valley without any trees after the hard climb through dense forests is augmented by an impression of vast space, an extremely rare experience in Bhutan where most of the valley’s are tightly enclosed.
Visit the Gangtey Gompa : Perched on a small hill that rises from the valley floor on the western side of the Black Mountain.Then explore the fascainting Phobjikha Valley. This place is the winter home of black necked cranes that migrate from the arid plains in the north to pass their winter in milder and lower climate.
Also visit Black Neck Crane Information Centre. Situated on the edge of the forest and wetland along the main road of Phobjikha valley, the Centre well equipped and also offers display information that outline the natural and cultural history of the area.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Gangtey. (Altitude 3000m)
Day 04: Attain “Black Necked Crane festival”
Whole day at the unique and interesting Black Necked Crane Festival, where there will be traditional dance and songs performed by locals and school children’s will be dressed like the Black Necked Cranes and performs Crane Dance. Its an whole day event but you can head back to hotel for lunch and back for the Festival or can drive to Gangtey Monastery and do the popular Shasila Nature Trail Hike from Monastery to the Festival venue. Must take your binoculars and rain gear because weather in Phobjikha remains super unpredictable.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Gangtey. (Altitude 3000m)
Day 05: Gangtey – Punakha (Altitude 1300m/78km approx 2hrs Drive)
After breakfast proceed to Punakha, make sure to stop for photography and shorts walks to keep your legs and arms active.
On arrival in Punakha drive to visit Bhutan longest suspension bridge & Punakha Dzong or (Palace of Great Happiness), built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal at the junction of the Phochu and Mochu rivers. Later in the day go for excursion to Chimi Lhakhang (the temple of fertility).
Overnight stay at the hotel in Punakha (Altitude 1,300m)
Day 6: Punakha to Paro (125km, approx 4 ½ hrs drive)
After an early breakfast drive back to Paro across Dochu la pass via Thimphu. On your way visit Tachog lhakang & Suspension Bridge which was built around 1420 by Thangtong Gyalpo who was great architect and saint of Bhutan. Then drive further to paro on arrival check into the hotel & proceed to visit Ta Dzong, then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong (“fortress of the heap of jewels”).
Overnight stay will be at hotel in Paro. (Altitude 2,280m)..
Day 7: Hike to Tiger Nest (approx 6 hours hike).
After breakfast hike to Taktshang Monastery (Tiger’s nest) approx 6 hours round trip hike. It is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor.
On arrival back to paro after hike visit Drukgyel Dzong, along the way, visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. Evening time at leisure to cherish your last night stay in Bhutan…..
Overnight stay will be at hotel in Paro. (Altitude 2,280m)
Day 8: Departure
After early breakfast at the hotel, drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination. Our representative will help you with all the exit formalities and then bid you farewell. Have a safe Flight!!
For your accommodation, we have selected Department of Tourism-approved 3-star hotels, ensuring you have a comfortable and enjoyable stay throughout your trip. These hotels offer great services and amenities to enhance your experience in Bhutan.
If you would like to make any changes to the hotel selections or upgrade your stay to a higher category, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team is happy to assist you in customizing your accommodations to better suit your preferences.
We are here to ensure that your tour is tailored to your needs and expectations. Looking forward to hearing from you!
Day 1: Thimphu – Overnight stay at Hotel Dharla
Day 2: Thimphu – Overnight stay at Hotel Dharla
Day 3: Phubjikha – Overnight stay at Phubjikha Resort
Day 4: Phubjikha – Overnight stay at Phubjikha Resort
Day 5: Punakha – Overnight stay at Hotel Kingaling
Day 6: Paro – Overnight stay at Riverfront Resort
Day 7: Paro – Overnight stay at Riverfront Resort
Please note that the type of vehicle will be, SUV, Ertiga, Innova, H1 Bus, HiAce Bus, or Coaster Bus—will be arranged based on the number of travelers in group.
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8Days/7 Nights
Bhutan
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