Black-Necked Crane Festival Tour (11 Days)
Celebrate the unique Black-Necked Crane Festival in Bhutan's Phobjikha Valley, home to the rare Black-Necked Cranes. This festival, started by the local community, is a tribute to these elegant birds and features dances, cultural performances, and local handicrafts. Alongside the festival, explore sacred sites in Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Bumthang, and Gangtey for an unforgettable journey into Bhutan’s rich heritage.
Overview
- Day 1: Arrive Paro – Thimphu
- Day 2: Thimphu
- Day 3: Thimphu – Punakha
- Day 4: Punakha – Gangtey / Phobjikha
- Day 5: Gangtey / Phobjikha
- Day 6: Gangtey / Phobjikha – Bumthang
- Day 7: Bumthang
- Day 8: Bumthang – Punakha
- Day 9: Punakha – Paro
- Day 10: Paro
- Day 11: Depart Paro
Day 1: Arrive Paro – Thimphu
Enjoy a breathtaking flight into Paro with views of the Himalayan peaks. Visit the Ta Dzong Museum and Rimpong Dzong before driving to Thimphu along the scenic Pachu River. Overnight in Thimphu.
Included Activities:
- Ta Dzong Museum: A repository of Bhutanese artefacts and relics.
- Rimpong Dzong: A historic fortress with cultural significance.
Day 2: Thimphu
Discover Thimphu’s landmarks, including the National Memorial Chorten, Changangkha Temple, and Zilukha Nunnery. Visit the Takin Preserve to see Bhutan’s national animal. Overnight in Thimphu.
Included Activities:
- National Memorial Chorten: A stupa dedicated to peace and prosperity.
- Changangkha Temple: An ancient temple overlooking the valley.
- Takin Preserve: Home to the Takin, a unique species found only in Bhutan.
Day 3: Thimphu – Punakha
Drive over Dochu-La Pass to Punakha, stopping to admire the 108 chortens and Himalayan views. Visit Punakha Dzong and Chimi Lhakhang, a fertility temple. Overnight in Punakha.
Included Activities:
- Dochu-La Pass: A scenic mountain pass with memorial chortens.
- Punakha Dzong: Bhutan’s architectural masterpiece.
- Chimi Lhakhang: A temple dedicated to the Divine Madman.
Day 4: Punakha – Gangtey / Phobjikha
Travel to the picturesque Phobjikha Valley, known for its wintering Black-Necked Cranes. Explore Gangtey Goempa Monastery and take in the valley’s serene beauty. Overnight in Phobjikha.
Included Activities:
- Gangtey Goempa Monastery: A historic Nyingmapa monastery.
- Phobjikha Valley: A pristine glacial valley and crane habitat.
Day 5: Gangtey / Phobjikha
Attend the Black-Necked Crane Festival, featuring traditional dances, local crafts, and opportunities to observe the majestic cranes in their natural habitat. Overnight in Phobjikha.
Included Activities:
- Black-Necked Crane Festival: A vibrant community celebration honouring the cranes.
- Nature Trails: Scenic walks in the valley.
Day 6: Gangtey / Phobjikha – Bumthang
Drive to Bumthang, stopping at Trongsa Dzong and Chendebji Chorten. Explore Bumthang’s stunning landscapes and historical sites. Overnight in Bumthang.
Included Activities:
- Trongsa Dzong: A historic fortress and ancestral seat of Bhutan’s monarchy.
- Chendebji Chorten: A unique stupa with four painted eyes.
Day 7: Bumthang
Visit sacred sites in Bumthang, including Kurjey Lhakhang, Jambay Lhakhang, and Tamshing Lhakhang. Explore the village of Jakar and its surroundings. Overnight in Bumthang.
Included Activities:
- Kurjey Lhakhang: A sacred site where Guru Rimpoche meditated.
- Jambay Lhakhang: One of Bhutan’s oldest temples.
- Tamshing Lhakhang: Known for its ancient murals and artefacts.
Day 8: Bumthang – Punakha
Return to Punakha, stopping for lunch en route. Enjoy the scenic drive and cultural experiences along the way. Overnight in Punakha.
Day 9: Punakha – Paro
Visit Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten in Punakha before returning to Paro via Thimphu. Spend the evening at leisure in Paro. Overnight in Paro.
Included Activities:
- Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten: A hilltop stupa with panoramic views.
Day 10: Paro
Hike to the iconic Taktsang Monastery and visit the reconstructed Drukgyel Dzong. Enjoy the rest of the day exploring Paro’s cultural treasures. Overnight in Paro.
Included Activities:
- Taktsang Monastery: Bhutan’s iconic cliffside monastery.
- Drukgyel Dzong: A historic fortress with stunning views.
Day 11: Depart Paro
Transfer to Paro International Airport for your departure. Tashi Delek!