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$2290

Celebrated annually in the idyllic Phobjikha valley at the onset of the winter season, the Black-Necked Crane Festival is one of the most appealing events for tourists in the country. Every winter these endangered cranes migrate south to the valley from Tibet and fly back in early spring. In pursuit of Bhutan’s commitment to conserve and strengthen the ecological system, the winter habitat for these endangered birds has been identified and protected. The celebration is held to commemorate the arrival of the beautiful birds in their valley. The festival’s goal is to create awareness and motivate communities to protect the ecosystem for these endangered species, as well as to provide economic incentives to locals. The festival generally includes cultural programs such as folk songs, and masked dance performed by locals, students, and monks in the community.

DAY 1: PARO/THIMPHU

Arrive at Paro International Airport (2200 meters above sea level) at any time of the day and transfer to Thimphu.
In Thimphu (2300m), if time permits, take an orientation walk in town, do some shopping, and get settled in.

Accommodations: Hotel Tara Phendeyling (or similar)

DAY 2: THIMPHU

Hike to Chari or Tango Monastery (2850m) in the morning hours.
In the afternoon, visit National Memorial Chorten and drive to Buddha-point to have a clear view of the beautiful Thimphu valley. Then travel to Takin Park to see the national animal of Bhutan.
In the evening, visit the traditional paper factory, followed by a visit to Changzamtog Weaving Centre.

Accommodations: Hotel Tara Phendeyling (or similar)

DAY 3: THIMPHU/PUNĀKHA

Travel towards Punakha.
Enjoy a full day of exploration including a visit to Dochula Druk Wangyel Chorten (108 victory stupas) at Dochula Pass (3150m), Chhimi Lhakhang (temple of fertility), Punakha Dzong (1200m), and Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery.

Accommodations: Zhingkham Resort (or similar)

DAY 4: PUNAKHA /GANGTEY VALLEY 

Travel to Gangtey and visit the monastery of Gantey Goenpa, known to hold some of the most sacred relics in Bhutan.
Hike to beautiful Phubjikha valley (3000m).  There we’ll visit an old temple and make an offering. This evening, stop at the village of kewa (meaning potato in the Dzongkha language) and visit a local family’s farm for a cooking demonstration and home-cooked dinner.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Local Homestay.

DAY 5: GANGTEY FESTIVAL.

Watch Black-Necked Crane Festival.

DAY 6: GANGTEY/PARO

Visit the Black-Necked Crane Centre, one of the most ecologically sensitive areas in Bhutan, in the morning.
Travel to Paro.
Visit Paro Dzong and National Museum and Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples built in the 8th century.

Accommodations: Bhutan Mandala Resort (or similar)

DAY 7: PARO

Hike to tiger nest famously known as Taktsang Monastery (2900M). It will take at least 2 hours to reach the monastery.
Enjoy a cultural program and dinner in pure Bhutanese style in the evening.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Bhutan Mandala Resort (or similar)

DAY 8: Departure
Depart from Paro International Airport