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Black-Necked Crane Festival & Phobjikha
7 Days / 6 Nights

Black-Necked Crane Festival & Phobjikha

Celebrate the cranes’ return each November

7 days Easy Max 3,120 m Paro · Thimphu · Punakha · Phobjikha & Gangtey
Overview

Celebrate the cranes’ return each November

The Black-Necked Crane Festival is a joyful community celebration in the courtyard of Gangtey Goenpa, with crane dances performed by schoolchildren, folk songs and masked dances. It raises awareness of the conservation of these birds, which roost in the marshes of Phobjikha each winter.

Combine the festival with crane-watching walks, Punakha and the Tiger’s Nest.

Duration7 Days / 6 Nights
Best seasonNovember (festival on 11 Nov)
GroupPrivate: 1–12 guests
Start / EndParo → Paro

Journey highlights

  • Black-Necked Crane Festival at Gangtey Goenpa
  • Crane-watching from the hides
  • Gangtey Nature Trail
  • Punakha Dzong
  • Tiger’s Nest hike
Day by day

Itinerary

Day1

Arrive Paro – Thimphu

Arrival and drive to Thimphu.

Overnight: Thimphu Meals: L, D Drive: 1 hr
Day2

Thimphu – Punakha

Morning in Thimphu, then over Dochula to Punakha.

Overnight: Punakha Meals: B, L, D Drive: 3 hrs
Day3

Punakha – Phobjikha

Punakha Dzong, then drive to Phobjikha. Evening crane-watching.

Overnight: Phobjikha Meals: B, L, D Drive: 3 hrs
Day4

Black-Necked Crane Festival

A full day at the festival in the courtyard of Gangtey Goenpa.

Overnight: Phobjikha Meals: B, L, D
Day5

Phobjikha – Paro

Gangtey Nature Trail at dawn, then drive to Paro.

Overnight: Paro Meals: B, L, D Drive: 6 hrs
Day6

Tiger’s Nest

Hike to Taktsang Monastery; farewell dinner.

Overnight: Paro Meals: B, L, D
Day7

Depart Paro

Transfer to the airport.

Meals: B

B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner. Itineraries may be adjusted for weather, festival dates and road conditions.

Good to know

What’s included

Included

  • Bhutan visa processing (US$40 visa fee included)
  • Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of US$100 per night
  • Licensed English-speaking Bhutanese guide throughout
  • Private air-conditioned vehicle with experienced driver
  • 3-star government-certified hotels on twin-sharing basis
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner), tea & bottled water
  • Entrance fees to monuments and museums on the itinerary
  • Airport transfers in Paro

Not included

  • International flights to and from Paro (we can book Drukair / Bhutan Airlines)
  • Travel insurance (mandatory)
  • Single-room supplement
  • 4- and 5-star hotel upgrades (available on request)
  • Alcoholic drinks, laundry, phone calls & personal expenses
  • Tips for guide and driver
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