Blacked - Necked Crane Festival Journey

Day 1 | Arrival in  Paro & Drive to Thimphu Valley

Paro - Thimphu Valley

  • Arrival in Bhutan. Upon landing at Paro International Airport, meet with our representative who will guide you throughout your stay.

  • Transfer to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan, and check in to your hotel.

  • Explore the Thimphu Valley, home to the seat of Bhutan’s Royal Government and Central Monastic Body.
    Observe the unique Takin, Bhutan’s national animal.
    Visit the Zilukha Nunnery to learn about the lifestyle of nuns residing in the monastery.
    Take a stroll through the Centenary Farmer Market, the busiest market in Thimphu, where fresh Bhutanese produce is available.

  • Leisure in Thimphu City.

  • Dinner at the hotel.
    Overnight: Thimphu

  • Meals: Dinner
    Accommodation: Pedling Hotel & Spa (3★) or Similar

Day 2 | Thimphu Valley 

Thimphu – Full Day Exploration

  • After breakfast at the hotel, explore more of Thimphu and its cultural highlights.

  • Begin with a visit to the National Institute for Zorig Chusum, where you can appreciate the unique traditional arts and crafts that hold deep symbolic meaning in Bhutanese culture.

  • Continue to Buddha Dordenma, one of the largest sitting Buddha statues in the world, and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Thimphu City.

  • Next, visit Jungshi Paper Factory to try your hand at making traditional Bhutanese paper using ancient methods.

  • Lunch will be served at Simply Bhutan Restaurant.

  • In the afternoon, join the local elderly people in circumambulating the National Memorial Chorten, one of Thimphu’s most visible religious structures. Follow this with a short hike along Wangditse Nature Trail for an admirable view of the Thimphu Valley.

  • End the day with a visit to Tashi Chhoe Dzong, also known as the “Fortress of the Glorious Religion,” housing the throne room and offices of His Majesty the King of Bhutan.

  • Spend some leisure time in Thimphu City before returning to the hotel.

  • Dinner at the hotel and overnight stay.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Accommodation: Pedling Hotel & Spa (3*) or Similar

Day 3 | Drive to Phobjikha Valley

Thimphu - Phobjikha

  • After an early breakfast at the hotel, drive towards the majestic Phobjikha Valley, known for its stunning landscapes and serene beauty.

  • Stop at Dochula Pass to capture a breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view of the Himalayan mountain ranges.

  • Descend from Dochula Pass and take a short hike to Chimi Lhakhang, the temple dedicated to the ‘Divine Madman,’ adorned with iconic phallic symbols.

  • Lunch will be served at Hotel Lobesa.

  • Continue your drive through Phobjikha Valley, the winter home of the endangered Black-necked crane, and one of Bhutan’s most prestigious and picturesque locations.

  • Check in at the hotel and enjoy leisure time before dinner.

  • Dinner at the hotel and overnight stay.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Accommodation: Hotel Dewachen (3*) or Similar

Day 4 | Black - Necked Crane Festival

Phobjikha Valley

  • After breakfast at the hotel, attend the annual Black-Necked Crane Festival celebrated in the courtyard of Gangtey Goenpa in Phobjikha Valley.

  • The festival aims to create awareness about the conservation of the endangered Black-Necked Cranes. Enjoy a vibrant display of cultural programs including folk songs and dances, mask dances, crane-themed performances, and environmental conservation dramas presented by local schools.

  • Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.

  • Revisit the festival to experience more of its unique cultural performances.

  • Take a leisurely walk along the Gangtey Nature Trail, crossing streams, rhododendron gardens, and quaint villages, while observing the natural habitat of the Black-Necked Cranes.

  • Visit the Black-Necked Crane Information Center to learn interesting facts through videos, brochures, and diagrammatic presentations.

  • Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Accommodation: Hotel Dewachen (3*) or Similar

Day 5 | Drive to Paro Valley

Punakha - Paro

  • After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Paro Valley via Punakha Valley, enjoying the scenic landscapes along the way.

  • Visit Pungthang Dewachen Phodrang – Palace of Great Happiness, the winter residence of Bhutan’s Central Monastic Body, and explore its impressive courtyard.

  • Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.

  • Continue the journey to Paro Valley, one of Bhutan’s most picturesque regions, famous for its fertile rice fields and crystal-clear rivers meandering through the valley.

  • Spend some leisure time exploring Paro Town before checking in at the hotel.

  • Dinner at the hotel and overnight stay in Paro.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Accommodation: Dewachen Resort (3*) or Similar

Day 6 | Paro - Tiger's Nest Hike 

Paro

  • After an early breakfast at the hotel, drive to the Tiger’s Nest Base/ Parking Lot. Begin your hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), Bhutan’s most revered pilgrimage site perched dramatically on a cliff 900 meters above the Paro Valley.

  • Lunch will be served at Taktsang Cafeteria.

  • In the afternoon, experience Bhutanese traditional archery, the national sport, and indulge in the local wellness practice combining a hot stone bath with healing khempa herbs.

  • Dinner will be served at a local farmhouse, followed by an overnight stay in Paro.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Accommodation: Dewachen Resort (3*) or Similar

Day 7 | Depart Paro

Paro

  • After breakfast at the hotel, our representative will transfer you to Paro International Airport for your onward flight. We look forward to welcoming you again to this beautiful Land of Happiness.

  • Meals: Breakfast

Tashi Delek!

Rates

Please keep in mind that this tour can be tailormade by speaking to one of our Travel Specialists

1 JAN - 28 FEB 2025

USD 11,690

1 JAN - 28 FEB 2025

USD 11,690

1 JAN - 28 FEB 2025

USD 11,690

1 JAN - 28 FEB 2025

USD 11,690

Package Details

Our Bhutan tour packages are thoughtfully designed to offer travelers an authentic and comfortable journey through the Kingdom of Bhutan. Each itinerary combines breathtaking landscapes, cultural heritage sites, and unique Bhutanese traditions, ensuring a memorable and enriching travel experience.

  • Our packages are designed to provide a comfortable and seamless travel experience throughout your journey in Bhutan.

    • Private guided tour throughout the trip

    • Bhutan visa arrangement

    • Accommodation in Government-approved 3-star hotels

    • All meals included (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)

    • Professional licensed Bhutanese tour guide

    • Private transportation (SUV or tourist bus depending on group size)

    • Experienced private driver

    • Complimentary mineral bottled water during travel

    • Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of USD $100 per person per night

    • All government taxes and service charges

    • Entry fees and route permits for all monuments and attractions

    • Bank wire transfer fee of USD $40 (one-time transaction)

  • The following items are not included in the package price:

    • International flights to and from Bhutan (can be arranged upon request)

    • Accommodation outside Bhutan

    • Personal expenses such as shopping, laundry, phone calls, etc.

    • Tips and gratuities for the guide and driver

    • Alcoholic beverages and additional drinks

    • Travel insurance (highly recommended for all travelers)

    • All travel arrangements are subject to availability at the time of booking.

    • A valid passport with at least 6 months validity is required to enter Bhutan.

    • Full payment must be made prior to the issuance of the Bhutan visa and confirmation of the tour.

    • Cancellation and refund policies will apply according to Bhutan tourism regulations.

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