Black-necked Crane Festival Tour

Duration
7 Days / 6 Nights
Difficulty
Easy
Best Season
November 11 (Fixed date)
Group Size
2 - 12 People

Tour Overview

Celebrate the arrival of the endangered Black-necked Cranes at the annual festival in Phobjikha Valley, held every November 11th. These majestic birds migrate from Tibet to spend winter in this pristine glacial valley, and Bhutanese celebrate their arrival with a unique festival of dance, music, and conservation awareness.

This 7-day tour combines the heartwarming Crane Festival with visits to Bhutan’s major cultural sites. Watch children perform the famous Crane Dance, learn about conservation efforts, and hopefully spot these graceful birds in their winter home.

Black-necked Crane Festival
Crane Dance by local children
Spot endangered cranes in wild
Gangtey Nature Trail hike
Phobjikha Valley homestay
Punakha Dzong visit
Tiger's Nest Monastery

Day-by-Day Itinerary

1

Arrival in Paro

Welcome to Bhutan

Arrive in Paro and transfer to Thimphu for overnight.

  • Flight into Paro
  • Drive to Thimphu
  • Visit Memorial Chorten
  • Thimphu exploration
  • Welcome dinner
  • Briefing on crane festival
2

Thimphu to Phobjikha

Journey to crane valley

Drive to Phobjikha Valley, crossing Dochula Pass and descending into this beautiful glacial valley.

  • Cross Dochula Pass
  • Photo stop at 108 chortens
  • Visit Gangtey Monastery
  • Descend into Phobjikha Valley
  • Check into farmstay/hotel
  • Evening crane spotting
  • Briefing for tomorrow's festival
3

Black-necked Crane Festival

Celebrate the sacred birds

The main event - the Black-necked Crane Festival with traditional dances, songs, and conservation activities.

  • Early morning crane watching at dawn
  • Walk to festival grounds
  • Opening ceremonies
  • Famous Crane Dance by children
  • Traditional music and performances
  • Conservation awareness programs
  • Local food stalls
  • Afternoon performances
  • Evening return to accommodation
4

Phobjikha Valley Exploration

Nature trails and crane watching

Spend another day in the valley, hiking nature trails and watching the cranes in their natural habitat.

  • Early morning crane observation
  • Hike Gangtey Nature Trail
  • Visit Crane Information Center
  • Learn about conservation efforts
  • Birdwatching excursion
  • Traditional lunch at farmhouse
  • Afternoon at leisure
  • Sunset crane watching
  • Farewell dinner in valley
5

Phobjikha to Punakha

Journey to ancient capital

Leave the valley and travel to Punakha to visit the magnificent dzong.

  • Morning departure from Phobjikha
  • Scenic drive to Punakha
  • Visit Punakha Dzong
  • Walk across suspension bridge
  • Hike to Chimi Lhakhang
  • Overnight Punakha
6

Tiger's Nest Monastery

Iconic monastery hike

Travel to Paro for the highlight hike to Tiger's Nest.

  • Drive to Paro
  • Begin Tiger's Nest hike
  • Climb through forest
  • Explore monastery
  • Descend
  • Celebration dinner
7

Departure

Farewell

Depart Paro with memories of the graceful cranes.

  • Breakfast
  • Shopping
  • Airport transfer
  • Departure