Black Necked Crane Festival in Bhutan
The Black-Necked Crane Festival 2025 in Bhutan is a joyous occasion that celebrates the arrival of these majestic and endangered birds in the Phobjikha Valley. The festival aims to raise awareness about the importance of conserving the black-necked cranes and their fragile habitat.
The event features vibrant cultural programs, including traditional folk songs and dances performed by the local community. One of the highlights is the unique crane dance, where performers imitate the graceful movements of the birds. Additionally, school children participate in environmental-themed dramas and songs, emphasizing the need for conservation efforts.
The festival is a blend of tradition and conservation, making it an educational and entertaining experience for both locals and visitors.
Black Necked Crane Festival in Bhutan
Highlights of the trip:
- Witness the Black necked crane festival 2025.
- Meet local People.
- Scenic landscapes.
- Ancient temples, monasteries and dzongs.
- Witness archery matches.
- Bhutanese villages and farmhouse.
Sketch itinerary:
- Day 1. Arrive Paro – Thimphu sightseeing (54 km, 1 hour drive).:
- Day 2. Thimphu sightseeing:
- Day 3. Thimphu – Punakha sightseeing (76 Km, 2 hours drive):
- Day 4. Punakha – Wangdue Phodrang – Gangtey (75 km, 2 hours):
- Day 5. Gangtey – Witness the black-necked crane festival 2025:
- Day 6. Gangtey – Thimphu sightseeing (128 km, 6 hours):
- Day 7. Thimphu – Paro sightseeing (54 km, 1 hour drive):
- Day 8. Paro sightseeing – Hike to the Tiger’s nest monastery:
- Day 9. Paro – Departure.
Black necked Crane Festival Tour cost:
The cost given below is inclusive of sustainable development fee (SDF) of US $ 100 per person per night and Bhutan visa fee US $ 40 per person.
Entrance fees for monuments and festivals visits to be paid separately.
- Solo travel: US $ 2530.
- 2 pax: US $ 2150 per person.
- 3 pax or more: US $ 1855 per person.
Nature of trip: Privately guided travel in Bhutan.
Black necked Crane Festival tour - Detail itinerary.
Day 1. Arrive Paro – Thimphu sightseeing | 54 Km | Drive: 1 hour | Altitude: 2334 m.
Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our guide and driver, who will accompany you on the scenic drive to Thimphu. Along the way, visit the historic Tamchog Monastery, built by the legendary iron bridge builder Thangtong Gyalpo.
In the afternoon, explore the Buddha Dordenma Statue, the tallest Buddha statue in the world at 51.5 meters, followed by visits to the sacred Changangkha Lhakhang and the Takin Preserve Center, home to Bhutan’s national animal.
In the evening, enjoy stunning views of Thimphu from the Sangaygang Viewpoint, visit the tranquil Dupthop Lhakhang Nunnery, and conclude with a tour of the majestic Tashichho Dzong, the royal secretariat and summer residence of the Je Khenpo. End your day with a delightful dinner and an overnight stay at your hotel.
Day 2. Thimphu sightseeing.
In the morning, start your day in Thimphu with a visit to the National Postal Museum, where you can learn about Bhutan’s unique philatelic history. Continue to the Painting School (Zorig Chusum Institute) to witness traditional Bhutanese art being taught and practiced. Explore the lively Craft Bazaar, showcasing authentic local handicrafts, and enjoy some free time strolling through the town, perfect for photography.
Afterward, drive to Paro and begin your afternoon with a visit to the Ta Dzong, Bhutan’s National Museum, followed by the impressive Rinpung Dzong, a historic fortress and monastery. End the afternoon with a visit to a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse, offering a glimpse into the rural lifestyle and culture. In the evening, enjoy free time exploring Paro town, ideal for shopping and photography. Conclude the day with dinner and an overnight stay at your hotel.
Day 3. Thimphu – Punakha sightseeing | 76 Km | Drive: 2 ½ hours | Altitude: 1242 m.
In the morning, drive to Punakha. On the way, visit:
- Dochula Pass (3140 m), home to 108 stupas. If the weather permits, enjoy a stunning view of the Himalayan mountain ranges. The Druk Wangyel Festival is held here every 13th December.
- Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the Temple of Fertility, built in 1499 by Lama Drukpa Kuenley (The Divine Madman). This temple, famous for its association with fertility, attracts childless couples seeking blessings. It is a key stop for those visiting Bhutan for honeymoon tours.
In the afternoon, visit:
- Punakha Dzong, a grand structure built in 1637 by Shabdrung Rinpoche, which serves as the winter residence for the Je Khenpo and the monk body.
- Take a walk across the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan, spanning the Pho Chu River.
Dinner and overnight in a hotel.
Day 4. Punakha – Gangtey sightseeing | 75 km | Drive: 2 hours | Altitude: 3000 m.
In the morning, hike to the Khamsum Yulley Monastery, a beautiful structure built by Her Majesty Queen Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck. Afterward, drive to Gangtey, and on the way, stop to view the Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, a majestic fortress built in 1638 by Shabdrung Rinpoche, which was tragically destroyed by fire in 2012.
In the afternoon, visit:
- Gangtey Gompa Monastery, built in 1613 by Gyaltse Pema Thinley, the grandson and mind reincarnation of Pema Lingpa.
- The Crane Information Center, where you can learn about the rare black-necked cranes that migrate to the area.
In the evening, explore the scenic Phobjikha Valley, which serves as the roosting ground for these magnificent cranes during winter.
Dinner and overnight in a hotel.
Day 5. Gangtey – Witness the black necked crane festival
In the morning, drive to Gangtey Gompa and witness the spectacular Black-Necked Crane Festival 2025. Held at the courtyard of Gangtey Monastery, this vibrant festival celebrates the arrival of the endangered cranes with traditional mask dances, folk performances, and crane-inspired dances performed by local school children. The festival also highlights the importance of conservation and the deep spiritual connection between the Bhutanese people and these majestic birds.
In the evening, explore the serene Phobjikha Valley, the winter roosting ground of the black-necked cranes. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery of this glacial valley, known for its pristine landscapes and unique biodiversity.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 6. Gangtey - Thimphu sightseeing | 143 Km | Drive: 4 hours.
After breakfast, drive to Thimphu. Along the way, make a short stop at the picturesque Dochula Pass, where you can enjoy stunning views of the Himalayan mountain ranges and the 108 stupas.
In the afternoon, witness the exciting archery matches at Changlimithang Stadium, where Bhutan’s national sport is played with great passion. It’s a thrilling experience to see the skilled archers compete.
Later, enjoy some free time to stroll through Thimphu town. You can explore the local markets for unique souvenirs, do some photography, and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of Bhutan’s capital city.
Dinner and overnight at your hotel.
Day 7. Thimphu – Paro sightseeing | 54 Km | Drive: 1 hour.
In the morning, witness the Thimphu Festival 2025 (Half day), where you’ll experience vibrant cultural performances and traditional mask dances.
Afterward, drive to Paro. In the afternoon, visit:
- Ta Dzong, an ancient watch tower built in 1649, which now houses the National Museum of Bhutan.
- Rinpung Dzong, built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The name “Rinpung” translates to “The heap of jewels.” This dzong now serves as the administrative center for Paro district.
In the evening, enjoy some free time to stroll around Paro town for shopping and photography.
Dinner and overnight in your hotel.
Day 8. Paro sightseeing – Hike to the Tiger’s nest monastery | Walk: 2 hours | Altitude: 2200 m.
In the morning, embark on a memorable hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang), perched dramatically on a cliff at 3,120 meters. The hike, a two-hour ascent, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, making it one of Bhutan’s most cherished experiences.
In the afternoon, visit Drugyel Dzong, also known as the “Fortress of Victory,” which holds significant historical importance, and the sacred Kichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples.
In the evening, enjoy free time exploring Paro town, perfect for shopping and photography. Conclude the day with a delicious dinner and an overnight stay at your hotel.
Day 9. Paro – Departure.
After breakfast, bid farewell to the enchanting kingdom of Bhutan as you drive to Paro International Airport. Your guide and driver will assist you with departure formalities, ensuring a smooth and memorable end to your journey. Safe travels!
Tour cost includes
- All meals [breakfast / lunch / dinner].
- Accommodation [twin / double sharing basis]. Single room supplement is extra.
- All transportation within the country including airport transfers.
- Sustainable development fee (SDF).
- Bhutan visa fee.
- English speaking local guide.
- Sightseeing.
- Bottled water.
Tour Cost Excludes
- Entrance fees for museums and monuments.
- Domestic/International flight (Drukair / Bhutan Airlines fares).
- Insurance premiums.
- Payments for service provided on a personal basis.
- Cost incurred due to mishaps, strikes, political unrest etc.
- Cost for any services not mentioned in the “Cost Include head”.
- Personal expenses such as laundry, soft drinks, etc...
- Tips for guide and driver.
Contact Us:
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