Black - Necked Crane Festival Tour

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Thimphu, Paro, Punakha, Phobjikha Valley

Tour snapshot

Duration:
8 days
Tour Type:
Festival Tours
Language(s):
English
Highlight:
Top-rated experience

Overview

Experience the spiritual bond between Bhutanese culture and the endangered Black-Necked Crane. Enjoy mask dances and community festivities at Gangtey Gonpa this November 11th.

Included Services
Hotel, Meals, Transport, Guide
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
Description

Every winter, the graceful Black-necked Cranes migrate from Tibet to the stunning glacial valley of Phobjikha in Bhutan, where they have become the heart and soul of the local community and landscape. The Black-necked Crane Festival is a vibrant community celebration honoring these majestic birds and the deep connection between nature and culture in this region. This tour offers an immersive experience into Bhutan's breathtaking Himalayan scenery, rich Buddhist heritage, and traditional rural life. From the bustling capital of Thimphu to serene valleys and historic dzongs, travellers witness spectacular landscapes and Bhutanese architecture while joining locals in celebrating the cranes' arrival. The journey culminates with a hike to the iconic Tiger's Nest Monastery, making this a perfect blend of nature, culture, and spirituality.

What's Included

Inclusions

✓ Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
✓ VISA Fee
✓ Accommodation
✓ All meals
✓ Transport
✓ All internal taxes & charges
✓ Licensed Bhutanese Tour Guide
✓ Tourist Sim Card 
✓Bhutanese costume experiences
✓Bottled water in the car

Exclusions

✗ Flight tickets
✗ Insurance
✗ Drinks and Beverages
✗ Tips for the guide and driver
✗ Internet and Phone bills
✗ Other bills of personal nature

Additional information

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Departs at specified time from main station
  • Some sites may close at short notice
  • Itinerary may change based on conditions

Itinerary

1
Day 1 : (08 November, Sunday): Arrive Paro international airport.
Activities planned for Day 1

During the journey, one will experience breath-taking view of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks including the sacred Jumolhari and Mount Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by your guide and take you to Thimphu which is 54 km from Paro Airport and about 45 minutes drive. Later in the afternoon visit the King's Memorial Chorten (built in memory of the third King of Bhutan); Changgangkha Monastery; visit the mini zoo where you will see national animal of Bhutan Takin, and the majestic Tashichhodzong. Overnight hotel in Thimphu.

2
Day 2 : (09 November, Monday): Thimphu.
Activities planned for Day 2

After breakfast, visit Buddha statue, and is presumed to be the largest Bronze statue in the world. The three storied high throne of the statue will consists of temples on each floor. Traditional paper factory, visit Post officewere you can personalize your stamp, visit weaving centre, Semtokha Dzong. Evening: Stroll through the town. Overnight hotel in Thimphu.

3
Day 3 : (10 November, Tuesday): Thimphu-Gangtey/Phobjekha
Activities planned for Day 3

After breakfast this morning, enjoy the scenic drive to Gangtey with a stop for tea at Dochu La (3,100 meters), where on a clear day you can get spectacular views of the Eastern Himalayas. From the pass, drive downhill through the forests of rhododendron, fir and hemlock. You will visit Gangtey Goenpa, the largest Nyingma monastery in Bhutan. Gyalse Pema Thinlay built a small temple in 1613, which was later built into larger Goenpa by the 2nd reincarnation Tenzin Legpai Dhendup. After monastery , you will be hiking on Gangtey Natural Trail which is 1 hour 30minutes approximately. Phobjikha is one of the most beautiful glacial valleys in the Bhutan. It is a winter roosting place for the black neck crane. You will be hiking through pine forest and small bamboo plants. You can see the Phobjikha valley so beautiful from this hike. It is one of the best hikes for the nature lovers. Overnight hotel in Phobjikha.

4
Day 4 : ( 11 November, Wednesday ): Phobjika-Punakha,( Black-Necked Crane Festival)
Activities planned for Day 4

Today you will Witness the Black-necked crane festival with locals in the morning. In the afternoon, you will drive to Punakha. Overnight hotel in Punakha.

5
Day 5 : ( 12 November, Thursday): Punakha
Activities planned for Day 5

After breakfast you will be driving to Khamsum Yuelley Namgayl chorten. Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten stands out on a beautiful ridge above the Punakha valley. It was built by Her Majesty the Queen Mother, Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck. It took 9 years to build and Holy Scriptures rather than engineering manuals were consulted to construct this 4-storey temple. It is a fine example of Bhutanese architecture and artistic traditions. This temple has been dedicated for the well-being of the kingdom, its people and all sentient beings. From the parking it is another 45 minutes uphill walk through the rice fields and the return portion downhill takes around 30 minutes. Best view of the Punakha Valley is seen from the top of the temple. . After Lunch you will visit the Punakha Dzong, which is stunningly situated in between the male and female rivers like an anchored ship. Aftern Punakha Dzong you will visit Chimi Lhakhang, which is a fertility temple. . Overnight hotel in Punakha.

6
Day 6 : (13 November , Friday): Punakha-Paro
Activities planned for Day 6

After early breakfast Drive to Paro with a stop at Dochula for lunch . After lunch proceed towards Paro. You will visit Paro Dzong. It was built in 17th century and now houses government offices and religious institutions. Then you will visit Kichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the country built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in 8th century. Overnight hotel in Paro.

7
Day 7 : (14 November, Saturday): Hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery
Activities planned for Day 7

In the morning you will hike to Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan's most famous monastery situated at 3180meters. Guru Rinpoche (spiritual master) is said to have flown on the back of a tigress from Singye Dzong in Lhuntse to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. The Moanstery is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley. Lunch will be served at the Cafeteria. Explore the monastery and hike back to the valley in the afternoon. Overnight hotel in Paro.

8
Day 8 : (15 November, Sunday): Departure
Activities planned for Day 8

Drive to the airport for departure. Our representative will bid you farewell.

From Nu. 1,860.00/person

Date

Number of travelers

2 adults - 0 childeren
Adults
2
Children
Ages 0 - 17
0
94% of travelers recommend this experience
Tour Operator
Bhutan Holiday Trips
Verified Local Operator
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Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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