Black Necked Crane Festival – 7Nights & 8 Days

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


  • All Transportation including airport Transfer
  • All Accommodation – Twin/Dbl sharing Rooms
  • All Breakfast & Dinner
  • Govt. SDF of US$ 100 PPN
  • One time visa fee of US$ 40
  • All Sightseeing as per Itinerary
  • Professional English Speaking Tour Guide
  • All Visa Formalities
  • 1 Bottle Each Mineral Water daily
  • 1 Tourist Sim-Card
  • All Internal Taxes
  • No Hidden Cost

  • Those Services not mentioned under Inclusions
  • Laundry, Drinks, Phone Calls, Travel Insurance
  • Entry Fees to museums and Monuments
  • Lunch
  • Air tickets

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.


N/A


  1. Peak Season: March, April, May, June, September, October, November & December
  • The cancellation before 30 days will lead to 50% of the total amount cancellation.
  • The cancellation after 30 days will lead to 100% of the Total amount cancellation.
  • Since we are inter-dependent with the Hotels so above cancellation charges might vary with few Hotel’s Cancellation charges.
  1. Lean Season: January, February, June, July, August, and December
  • The Cancellation before 30 days will lead to Zero cancellation of the total amount.
  • The cancellation after 30 days but before 15 days will lead to 25% cancellation of the total amount.
  • The cancellation after 15 days to 7 Days will lead to 50% cancellation of the total amount.
  • The cancellation 7 Days will lead to 100% cancellation of the total amount.
  • Since we are inter-dependent with the Hotels so above cancellation charges might vary with few Hotel’s Cancellation charges.
  1. Refund Policy:
  • In case if eligible for any refund occurring due to cancellation or any other reasons, the same will be processed within 7-14 working/ business days in the mode deemed suitable or appropriate at the discretion of both the parties.
  1. Postponement Policy: 
  • Postponement of the tour will be allowed once and will be Valid for 6 Months.
  • If the trip is postponed and not cancelled, there will not be any refund under any circumstances irrespective of any reason/cause after postponement of the trip.
  • This rescheduling is allowed only once, hence choose your new dates wisely and inform us at least 30 Days in advance from your new dates. Further, reschedules may or may not have some additional charges and that will be communicated in real-time. Execution of the rescheduled trip will depend upon the availability of all the inclusions as per the original itinerary. We advise you to discuss well in advance before making any flight or train booking.
  • The inclusions as per the original itinerary may or may not remain same, all depends upon the availability at the time of rescheduled dates.
  • The total package cost may or may not change at the time of rescheduled dates. The increase or decrease in the prices will depend upon the current prices of all the inclusions at the time of new booking.
  • Any force majeure situation, addition/amendment in the package may or may not attract additional charges, the additional charges shall be borne by the traveler.
  • Payment Schedule will be at AD Tours & Travels discretion and has the right to forfeit the payment for not receiving payment on time.
  • Change of Destination is not allowed under any circumstances. Still the final decision will be taken on the basis of situation.

Booking policy:

  • For booking this package, you need to provide verbal consent on the acceptance of the offered package including all the inclusions and exclusions as mentioned in the quote. Such acceptance will be received on the quote as a whole including each and every minute details as a part of it.
  • On the receipt of the same, the concerned trip advisor in contact with you will raise the invoice specifying the number of installments, installment amount and their due dates as agreed.
  • On the receipt of the 1st installment, the booking will stand confirmed untill and unless any changes are made thereafter.
  • The Visa/Permit, hotel and flight bookings will be thereafter initiated and the vouchers for the respective services will be updated for you within 3-4 working/ business days. Though the cab details will be updated 1-2 days piror before the trip.

Payment Policy:

  • The payment will be received as per the agreed number of installments, amount and due dates.
  • On non-receipt of the payment of the 1st installment as scheduled until and unless any prior notice, the booking remains unconfirmed. In such cases, no booking procedures will be initiated at our end.
  • Special Notice has to be put forth in a proper manner in case of any delays in making the payment of any installment so that a next due date can be planned for you.

Package Summary



8Days/7 Nights

Bhutan

Festival Tours

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