Black Necked Crane Festival

Festival Date: November 11, 2025

Bhutan Festival

Black Necked Crane Festival - 09 Days

Bhutan Festival

The annual Black-Necked Crane Festival takes place in the courtyard of Gangtey Gonpa, nestled in the scenic Phobjikha Valley, marking the arrival of these endangered and majestic birds. Held on November 11th, the festival coincides with the birthday of the fourth King Jigme Singye Wangchuk. This vibrant event features mesmerizing mask dances, traditional crane dances, and various cultural performances that uplift and celebrate Bhutanese heritage.

The festival serves a dual purpose: to raise awareness about conserving the endangered Black-Necked Cranes and to foster community spirit among local villagers who gather to enjoy the festivities with their families and friends. It's a time when the valley comes alive with cultural vibrancy and environmental stewardship, making it a significant cultural event in Bhutan.

Tour Costing:

1 Pax: $2860 per person
2 Pax: $2380 per person
3 Pax and More: $2220 per person

Note: The above tour cost is inclusive of the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of US$100 per day (per adult, with concessionary rates for children). A non-refundable, one-time visa application fee of US$40 is also payable.

Entrance fees for monuments and festivals visits to be paid separately.

Included:

Accommodation (usually 3-star hotels, can upgrade at additional cost)
All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
Transport within Bhutan including airport transfers.
Sustainable development fee (SDF).
Bhutan visa fee.
English speaking guide.
Sightseeing.
Bottled water.

Not Included:

International airfare to/from Bhutan.
Entrance fees for museums and monuments.
Insurance premiums.
Payments for service provided on a personal basis.
Cost for any services not mentioned in the “Cost Include head”.
Cost incurred due to mishaps, strikes, political unrest etc.
Personal expenses (souvenirs, tips, additional beverages, etc.)

Detailed Itinerary

Meet and greet at the Paro Airport and drive to Thimphu.

On the way, a short stop to view Tamchog monastery built in 1420 by Thang Tong Gyalpo. He built 108 bridges across Tibet and Bhutan, out of which 8 were built in Bhutan.

In the evening, visit Tashichho dzong, seat of the national government and the central monastic body.

Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

In the Morning, visit to:

National postal museum where you can print your pictures on the official Bhutanese stamps.
National memorial chorten (1974) built in honor of Late His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.
Tallest statue of sitting Buddha in the world (51.5 m) at Kuensel Phodrang park.

In the afternoon, visit to:

Changangkha lhakhang, the oldest temple in Thimphu valley built in the 13th century by Lama Phajo Drugom Shigpo.
Takin preserve center (Takin is the national animal of Bhutan). The Bhutanese believe that Takin is created by Drukpa Kuenley, the divine madman of Bhutan.
Sangay gang view point from where you can see the beautiful view of Thimphu valley below.
Dupthop lhakhang one of the few surviving nunneries in Bhutan.

In the evening, free to stroll in the town for shopping and photography.

Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

In the Morning, drive to Punakha. On the way, visit to:

Dochula pass with its 108 stupas and the beautiful Himalayan mountain ranges. The annual Druk Wangyel festival is held here on the 13th December.
Chimi lhakhang built in 1499 to honor Lama Drukpa Kuenley, the divine madman of Bhutan. The temple is also called “the temple of fertility”. He traveled throughout Bhutan and Tibet using songs and humor to spread his teachings of salvation through sex. The childless couples from across the country visit this temple to offer prayers and to seek blessings. This temple is also the highlight of honeymoon in Bhutan.

In the afternoon, visit Punakha dzong built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal which is also the winter residence of Je Khenpo, the chief abbot of Bhutan.

In the evening, walk the suspension bridge across Pho chu river, the longest of its kind in Bhutan.

Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

In the Morning, hike to Khamsum Yulley Monastery. Then drive to the beautiful Gangtey valley.

On the way, visit the Wangdue Phodrang dzong built in 1638 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.

While in Gangtey, visit Gangtey Gompa monastery. Then visit the black necked crane information center.

In the evening, explore the beautiful Phobjikha valley.

Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

In the morning, drive to Gangtey Gompa and witness the spectacular black necked crane festival 2025 (Full day).

In the evening, explore the beautiful Phobjikha valley.

Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

In the morning, drive to Thimphu. Lunch at the Dochula cafeteria.

Hike to Lungchutse temple. A beautiful hike with a very good view of Gasa dzong and Mt. Masagang and other mountains.

Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

In the Morning, drive to the Cheli la pass. It separates Paro from Haa valley and has the highest motorable road in Bhutan at 3810 m. You can enjoy the beautiful views of Himalayas including Mt. Jomolhari.

On the way back, visit to Kila Gompa nunnery.

In the afternoon, visit to the Ta dzong, the national museum of Bhutan. Then visit Rinpung dzong built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the administrative centre of Paro district.

In the evening, free to stroll in the town for shopping and photography.

Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

In the morning, hike to Tiger’s nest monastery (Paro Taktsang) built in 1684 by Gyaltse Tenzin Rabgay.

In the afternoon, visit Drugyal dzong built in 1647 by the great Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Then visit Kichu lhakhang built in 659 A.D by the Tibetan King, Srongtsen Gampo.

Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

A representative of our company and the tour guide will see you off at the exit gate. Wishing you a safe and pleasant journey. See you next time!