Black-Necked Crane Festival — 9 Days
A nine-day journey timed to Phobjikha Valley's November crane festival, with a Bumdra overnight trek descending directly to Tiger's Nest.
Every November around 600 endangered black-necked cranes migrate from Tibet to winter in Phobjikha Valley. The Crane Festival marks their arrival with traditional dances at Gangtey Goemba. This itinerary combines the festival with Thimphu, Punakha, remote Haa Valley and an overnight trek to Bumdra Monastery — descending the next morning directly to Tiger's Nest. Festival date: 11 November annually.
Highlights
- Black-Necked Crane Festival at Gangtey Goemba (11 November)
- Bumdra overnight camping trek with Himalayan views
- Descend from Bumdra directly to Tiger's Nest
- Haa Valley via Chele La Pass (3,988m)
- Phajoding Monastery hike above Thimphu
Sample day-by-day itinerary
Your guide may adjust this based on conditions and your preferences.
1 Arrival in Paro — Thimphu
Arrive at Paro International Airport and drive to Thimphu. Visit the Buddha Dordenma statue, National Memorial Chorten and the Kaja Throm weekend market.
2 Phajoding Trek + Thimphu
Trek to Phajoding Monastery (3 hours up). Afternoon: Changangkha Lhakhang, Textile Museum, traditional paper-making factory.
3 Dochula Pass — Punakha
Explore Dochula Pass with its 108 chortens. Visit Punakha Dzong and the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten above the Mo Chhu.
4 Phobjikha Valley — Black-Necked Crane Festival
Drive to Phobjikha Valley for the Black-Necked Crane Festival at Gangtey Goemba. Watch traditional dances celebrating the arrival of cranes from Tibet. Tour the Crane Information Centre.
5 Talo Village — Chimi Lhakhang — Paro
Visit Talo village and Chimi Lhakhang. Drive to Paro. Explore Paro Dzong and National Museum.
6 Chele La Pass — Haa Valley
Drive over Chele La Pass (3,988m) with views of Mount Jumolhari. Descend into the rarely-visited Haa Valley.
7 Bumdra Trek — Camp Overnight
Trek from Sang Choekor Buddhist College to Bumdra Monastery at 3,800m. Camp overnight with panoramic Himalayan views.
8 Bumdra to Tiger's Nest to Paro
Descend the monks' trail from Bumdra directly to Paro Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) — a magical approach most visitors never experience.
9 Departure from Paro
Morning farewell and airport transfer.
Choose your package
Prices are per person. Each package lists exactly what is included.
Private guide, 3-star hotels, camping equipment
$2,570
per person, all-inclusive
- 7 nights 3-star hotel + 1 night mountain camping
- All meals
- Private English-speaking guide
- Festival entry
- Camping equipment
- All permits
- Airport transfers
Upgraded hotels and premium camping setup
$3,650
per person, all-inclusive
- 7 nights 4-star hotel + 1 night premium camping
- All meals
- Private guide
- Festival entry
- Premium camping gear
- All permits
- Airport transfers
Luxury lodges and luxury tented camp
$4,800
per person, all-inclusive
- 7 nights luxury lodge + 1 night luxury tent camp
- All meals
- Expert guide
- Festival access
- Luxury camping equipment
- All permits
- Airport transfers
- Traditional gifts
Included
Only the items listed in your chosen package, including the SDF when shown.
Usually not included
International flights, travel insurance, visa application fee, tips, alcohol, and personal expenses unless listed.
The itinerary shows travel days. Accommodation nights and exact check-in dates are confirmed before payment.
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