EVARA TRAVEL • NATURE & FESTIVAL JOURNEY

8 Days Black-Necked
Crane Festival Tour

Celebrate Bhutan’s revered black-necked cranes through community performances, conservation stories and an unforgettable journey into the peaceful Phobjikha Valley.

ENQUIRE ABOUT THIS TOUR →
DURATION 8 Days / 7 Nights
DESTINATIONS Western Bhutan
TOUR STYLE Nature & Festival
FESTIVAL Black-Necked Crane
THE JOURNEY

A Celebration of Nature and Community

The 8 Days Black-Necked Crane Festival Tour brings you into Phobjikha, a protected glacial valley and the winter habitat of Bhutan’s revered black-necked cranes.

Join local residents, schoolchildren and conservation groups for traditional performances, crane-inspired dances and activities celebrating the relationship between the community and its natural environment.

The journey also includes Thimphu, Punakha, Paro and the memorable forest hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery.

A meaningful private journey combining wildlife conservation, local culture and Bhutan’s peaceful Himalayan landscapes.
Phobjikha Valley landscape in Bhutan
YOUR ROUTE Paro → Thimphu → Punakha → Phobjikha → Paro
JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS

Wildlife, Culture and Valley Traditions

Celebrate Bhutan’s rare black-necked cranes while exploring sacred landmarks, villages and protected natural landscapes.

01

Crane Festival

Attend community performances, environmental activities and celebrations dedicated to black-necked cranes.

02

Black-Necked Cranes

Learn about the cranes, their seasonal migration and the conservation work protecting their habitat.

03

Phobjikha Valley

Explore a beautiful glacial valley surrounded by forests, open meadows and traditional villages.

04

Gangtey Monastery

Visit the sacred monastery overlooking Phobjikha and learn about the valley’s spiritual heritage.

05

Punakha Valley

Discover Bhutan’s celebrated riverside dzong, rural settlements and subtropical valley scenery.

06

Tiger’s Nest Monastery

Complete the journey with Bhutan’s iconic forest hike to sacred Taktsang Monastery above Paro.

DAY-BY-DAY JOURNEY

Your Crane Festival Itinerary

Festival activities and wildlife experiences may be adjusted according to the confirmed programme, weather, road conditions and crane movements.

JOURNEY ROUTE Paro → Thimphu → Punakha → Phobjikha → Paro
DAY 01 Arrival in Paro and Transfer to Thimphu +
Meet your Evara Travel guide at Paro International Airport and travel through the river valley to Thimphu. Enjoy a relaxed orientation walk after settling into your hotel.
DAY 02 Discover Thimphu +
Visit the Buddha Dordenma, Memorial Chorten and selected centres for Bhutanese arts and crafts. Explore local markets and important cultural landmarks.
DAY 03 Thimphu to Punakha via Dochula +
Cross Dochula Pass and visit its 108 memorial chortens. Continue into Punakha Valley to visit Chimi Lhakhang and explore the surrounding rural communities.
DAY 04 Punakha to Phobjikha Valley +
Visit Punakha Dzong before travelling into the mountains toward Phobjikha. Arrive in the peaceful glacial valley and explore Gangtey Monastery or a nearby village.
DAY 05 Black-Necked Crane Festival +
Attend the Black-Necked Crane Festival and enjoy traditional songs, masked dances, crane-inspired performances and conservation activities presented by the local community.
DAY 06 Phobjikha Nature Trail and Return to Paro +
Enjoy a gentle walk through forests, open meadows and traditional settlements. Visit a designated observation area before beginning the scenic journey back to Paro.
DAY 07 Tiger’s Nest Monastery Hike +
Hike through pine forest to Taktsang Monastery, dramatically positioned on a cliff above Paro Valley. Finish with an optional hot-stone bath or relaxed farewell evening.
DAY 08 Departure from Paro +
Transfer to Paro International Airport with assistance from your guide and depart Bhutan with memories of its wildlife, communities and protected mountain landscapes.
TOUR DETAILS

What Your Journey Includes

Your final quotation will clearly confirm every included service and applicable fee.

01

Included

  • Selected accommodation
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Licensed Bhutanese guide
  • Private vehicle and professional driver
  • Airport transfers
  • Listed sightseeing and activities
  • Applicable monument entrance fees
  • Drinking water during sightseeing
  • Visa-processing assistance
  • Evara Travel support
02

Not Included

  • International flights
  • Travel and medical insurance
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Personal shopping and expenses
  • Laundry and room services
  • Tips for guides and drivers
  • Optional hot-stone bath
  • Hotel or room upgrades
  • Unlisted services
PLEASE NOTE

Visa charges and Bhutan’s Sustainable Development Fee will be displayed separately in your confirmed quotation.

GOOD TO KNOW

Your Crane Festival Experience

01

Festival Date

The festival is generally held in November, but its date and programme should be confirmed before booking travel.

02

Wildlife Sightings

The cranes are wild migratory birds. Their location, numbers and visibility cannot be guaranteed.

03

Responsible Viewing

Visitors should maintain distance, keep noise low and follow guidance in protected habitat areas.

04

Cold Weather

Phobjikha can be cold in the morning and evening. Warm layered clothing and weatherproof footwear are recommended.

05

Festival Etiquette

Dress respectfully, avoid interrupting performances and follow instructions from your guide and local organisers.

06

Early Reservations

Phobjikha has limited accommodation. Advance booking is recommended during the festival period.