November 11, 2026 Black-Necked Crane Festival
General Information
Start/End: Paro/Paro; Paro/Phuentsholing; Phuentsholing/Phuentsholing; etc.
Tour Route: Thimphu - Paro - Punakha - Wangdue - Gasa - Phuentsholing [depends on your entry and exit preferences]
The Journey, Your Way: Tell us your specific requirements. We can work together.
What’s Included
Museum, Monuments entrance fee, Sightseeing & all applicable taxes
Accommodation
Experienced English Speaking Tour Guide licensed by the Tourism Council of Bhutan
Private Transport within Bhutan as per itinerary
1 Bottle water per day during the tour
All meals.
Cost Structure
Our pricing of the best 06-day Black-Necked Crane Festival Journey plan is transparent and inclusive, of accommodation in 3 star hotel, all meals, guides, transport, and the Sustainable Development Fee.
| Group Size | Indian Nationals (Nu.) | Other Nationals (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Single | 60,000.00 – 65,000.00 | 1,950.00 |
| 2 people | 45,000.00 – 55,000.00 | 1,600.00 |
| 3–4 people | 40,000.00 – 48,000.00 | 1,400.00 |
Please Note: Prices are indicative and are primarily based on your preferred accommodation category. Final quotations may also vary depending on travel dates, group size, vehicle type, and any customised experiences requested. We also offer flexible itineraries, allowing you to shorten your stay to focus on the Laya Festival or extend your journey to discover more of Bhutan's cultural and natural attractions.
Black-Necked Crane Festival – Phobjikha Special
5 Nights | 6 Days
Fixed Departure | 9–14 November 2026
Festival Date | 11 November 2026
Experience one of Bhutan's most distinctive seasonal events as the Phobjikha Valley welcomes the annual arrival of the endangered Black-necked Cranes. This fixed-departure journey combines the Black-Necked Crane Festival with Bhutan's cultural highlights, including Thimphu, Punakha and Paro.
Travel through scenic mountain passes, visit historic fortress monasteries and explore the tranquil Phobjikha Valley before joining local communities in celebrating the Black-Necked Crane Festival. Through traditional performances, cultural displays and conservation activities, the festival offers a unique opportunity to experience Bhutan's deep connection between nature, culture and community.
Designed for travellers seeking a relaxed and meaningful journey, this itinerary combines Bhutan's iconic landmarks with one of its most celebrated conservation events during the beautiful autumn season.
Day 1: Arrival in Paro – Transfer to Thimphu
Welcome to Bhutan
Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be greeted by your guide and begin the scenic drive to Thimphu, Bhutan's capital city. En route, enjoy views of traditional villages, forested mountains and the Wang Chhu River. In the afternoon, visit the Memorial Chorten, Buddha Dordenma and Tashichho Dzong before settling into your hotel.
Overnight: Thimphu
Day 2: Thimphu – Punakha
Across the Dochula Pass
After breakfast, depart for Punakha via the scenic Dochula Pass (3,100 metres), where 108 memorial chortens stand against the backdrop of the eastern Himalayas. Descend into the Punakha Valley to visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, followed by a walk across one of Bhutan's longest suspension bridges. Enjoy the peaceful riverside scenery before checking into your hotel.
Overnight: Punakha
Day 3: Punakha – Phobjikha
Into the Valley of the Black-necked Cranes
Travel through forests and mountain roads to the beautiful Phobjikha Valley, one of Bhutan's most important wintering grounds for the endangered Black-necked Crane. Visit the historic Gangtey Goenpa Monastery before exploring the Black-necked Crane Information Centre to learn about the conservation of these remarkable birds and their migration to Bhutan. Spend the evening enjoying the tranquil surroundings of the valley.
Overnight: Phobjikha
Day 4: Black-necked Crane Festival
A Celebration of Nature and Culture
Spend the day attending the Black-necked Crane Festival at Gangtey Goenpa. Held annually to celebrate the arrival of the cranes, the festival brings together local communities, students and visitors through traditional mask dances, folk performances, crane-themed cultural dances and conservation activities. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere while taking in the spectacular scenery of the Phobjikha Valley.
Overnight: Phobjikha
Day 5: Phobjikha – Paro
Through Bhutan's Scenic Heartland
After breakfast, leave the Phobjikha Valley and drive back towards Paro, passing once again through the scenic Dochula Pass and central valleys. Upon arrival in Paro, visit Rinpung Dzong and enjoy some free time to explore the town, shop for local handicrafts or simply relax before your final day in Bhutan.
Overnight: Paro
Day 6: Tiger's Nest Monastery – Departure
A Memorable Farewell
Begin the day with a hike to the iconic Tiger's Nest Monastery (Taktsang), Bhutan's most sacred pilgrimage site, dramatically perched on a cliff overlooking the Paro Valley. After descending, enjoy a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath to relax before your onward journey. Depending on your flight schedule, transfer to Paro International Airport for your departure, taking with you unforgettable memories of Bhutan's landscapes, culture and the Black-necked Crane Festival.
Tour Ends