08 Days
- 08 Days | 07 Nights
- Two or more
Every November, the Phobjikha Valley comes alive with the arrival of the revered black-necked cranes from the Tibetan Plateau. To celebrate their arrival, Bhutan hosts the Black-Necked Crane Festival at Gangtey Gompa. This one-day event honors the endangered cranes through cultural dances, folk songs, conservation-themed performances, and crane-inspired mask dances.
This journey combines the cultural vibrancy of Bhutan’s festivals with breathtaking landscapes, from Punakha Dzong and Dochula Pass to the serene valleys of Gangtey and Paro. Alongside festival celebrations, you will also visit iconic landmarks such as the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Tashichho Dzong, and ancient temples, ensuring a perfect blend of cultural, natural, and spiritual experiences.
- Attend the Black-Necked Crane Festival in Gangtey with crane dances, folk songs, and conservation performances.
- Witness the rare black-necked cranes in their natural winter habitat.
- Enjoy sweeping Himalayan views from Dochula Pass.
- Visit Bhutan’s most sacred sites: Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Punakha Dzong, and Kyichu Lhakhang.
- Explore Phobjikha Valley, a glacial wonderland and birdwatcher’s paradise.
- Immerse in local culture with visits to traditional villages and markets.
Itinerary
Arrive at Paro with stunning aerial views of the Himalayas, including Jumolhari and Jichu Drake peaks. After arrival, visit Paro Dzong, cross the traditional cantilever bridge, and explore the National Museum (Ta Dzong). Later, continue your journey to Thimphu, Bhutan’s charming capital. Overnight in Thimphu.
We will have time to explore the capital today and visit one of the largest Buddha bronze statues in the world. Plan on visiting the following local sites; The Memorial Chorten, Painting School, National Library, Paper Factory and the zoo to see the National animal (Takin). Overnight in Thimphu.
Drive over Dochula Pass (3,100m), where on clear days the Himalayan panorama is spectacular. Descend into the warm Punakha valley. Visit Punakha Dzong (Palace of Great Happiness), Suspension bridge and take a scenic walk to Chimi Lhakhang, the fertility temple dedicated to the Divine Madman. Overnight in Punakha.
Travel through forests and mountain passes to Gangtey. Visit the historic Gangtey Gompa, the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan. From here, enjoy panoramic views of Phobjikha Valley, a glacial valley and the winter home of the endangered black-necked cranes. Overnight in Gangtey.
Attend the Black-Necked Crane Festival at Gangtey Monastery. The day is filled with cultural programs including masked dances, folk performances, crane-themed dances, and environmental skits by school children. After the celebrations, enjoy nature hike around the valley. Overnight in Gangtey.
In the morning, stroll through Phobjikha Valley and learn about conservation efforts at the RSPN Centre. Drive back to Paro with scenic stops at Rinchengang village (Wangdue), before known for stone craftsmanship. Overnight in Paro.
After breakfast, you will hike to the magnificent Taktshang Monastery at 3100m. after exploring the monastery, you enjoy a lunch at the Taktshang cafeteria. After lunch you will walk further down to the valley where your transport will be waiting to transfer you back to the town. Explore the Paro town. Overnight in Paro.
Drive back to Paro International Airport. Farewell and departure with unforgettable memories. Have a pleasant flight back home.
Tour Inclusive and Exclusives
Inclusive
- Sustainable Development Fee & visa fee
- Transport by private vehicle
- Government approved 3-star hotels
- English speaking guide
- Bottled water in vehicle
- Permits, entrance fees, & sightseeing
- Sleeping tents, sleeping mats & pillows
- Dinning tents, kitchen tent & toilet tent
- Tables, chairs, utensils, hot water bags
- Trekking chef & assistants
- Horses to carry trek equipments
- Food supplies
Exclusive
- International airfare to/from Bhutan.
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Personal trekking gear (sleeping bags, trekking boots, down jackets, etc.).
- Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, or personal snacks.
- Tips for guides, cooks, and trekking staff (at your discretion).
- Extra nights in hotels due to late arrival/early departure or unforeseen circumstances.
- Any expenses arising from unexpected events such as flight delays, weather conditions, or medical emergencies.
Himalayan Trekking Adventures
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