Black Necked Crane Festival Tour

The annual, Black-Necked Crane Festival is held every year in Phobjikha on 11^th November. The festival was initiated by RSPN (Royal Society for Protection of Nature) since 1998, in an effort to promote community based-sustainable tourism in the valley and to raise awareness among the visitors and local community on the importance of crane conservation. It is also an occasion for local people to socialize, rejoice, and celebrate the arrival of crane in their valley. The festival generally comprises variety of cultural performances like traditional dances and dramas related to cranes and mask dances. The crane dance performed by the children during the festival is the most amusing and entertaining part of the show.

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Day 1: Arrive Paro (Bhutan) by Flight & drive to Thimphu (55km, approx. 1.1/2-hour drive)

• On arrival at Paro International Airport, received by our representative after immigration formalities & baggage collection and then transfer to Bhutan’s capital city, Thimphu. En route photo stop at Tamchog temple viewpoint & Chuzom, the confluence of Paro & Thimphu rivers.
• On arrival in Thimphu check into the hotel.
• Later visit King’s Memorial Stupa.
• Evening an exploratory walk around Thimphu city centre.
• Overnight in Thimphu (Altitude 2,320m).
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Day 2: Thimphu

• Full day exploration of Thimphu valley includes visit to, Folk Heritage Museum, Textile Museum, Institute of Zorig Chusum or Arts & Crafts School, Takin Preserve, Thimphu Post office, Buddha Dordenma and Trashichhoedzong, the beautiful medieval fortress / monastery.
• Overnight in Thimphu (Altitude 2,320m).
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Day 3: Thimphu – Gangtey (Phobjikha) (150km, approx. 5-hour drive)

• After breakfast, drive to Gangtey. En route take a short stop at Dochula pass (3,080m) enjoying stunning mountain views at the backdrop of picturesque Druk Wangyel Chortens (stupa).
• On arrival in Gangtey, check into the hotel.
• Afternoon visit Gangtey monastery and then take a stroll around lovely Gangtey village.
• Overnight in Gangtey (Altitude 3,000m).
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Day 4: Gangtey (Phobjikha) (Black Necked Crane Festival)

• Full day witness Black Necked Crane Festival.
• Also explore Phobjikha valley to spot auspicious Black Necked Cranes.
• Overnight in Gangtey (Altitude 3,000m).
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Day 5: Gangtey - Punakha (85km, approx. 3-hour drive)

• Morning after breakfast, embark on a fascinating walking excursion on Gangtey Nature Trail.
• Also visit Black Necked Crane Information Centre.
• After lunch, drive to Punakha.
• Evening explore Punakha & Wangdue towns and local market.
• Overnight in Punakha (Altitude 1,300m).
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Day 6: Punakha

• After breakfast visit historic Punakha Dzong (fortress cum monastery).
• Then a walking excursion (approx. 2-hour round trip walk) to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Stupa.
• Afternoon visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang (Nunnery) and later a short walking excursion (about 30 min round trip walk) to Chimi Lhakhang or ‘Fertility Temple’.
• Overnight in Punakha (Altitude 1,300m).
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Day 7: Punakha – Paro (125km, approx. 4-hour drive)

• Morning after breakfast, drive to Paro via Dochula pass.
• Afternoon visit to Ta Dzong (National Museum) & Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong) or ‘Fortress on a Heap of Jewels’.
• Evening an exploratory walk around Paro city centre.
• Overnight in Paro (Altitude 2,280m).
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Day 8: Paro

• After breakfast, walking excursion (approx. 5-hour round trip walk) to Taktsang monastery or ‘Tiger Nest’.
• Afternoon visit Kyichu & Dungtse temples.
• Overnight in Paro (Altitude 2,280m).
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Day 9: Depart Paro (Bhutan)

• Morning transfer to Paro International Airport for flight to onward destination.