Festival Journeys · Cultural Tours · Easy
Paro Tshechu Festival Journey
- Paro
- Thimphu
- Punakha
- Phobjikha
- Paro
Spring in western Bhutan, timed around the masked dances of the Paro Tshechu and the dawn unveiling of the great thongdrel.
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Nature & Wildlife · Festival Journeys
Cranes & Winter Valleys
Late autumn in western Bhutan, with two nights in Phobjikha to watch black-necked cranes — timed for the Crane Festival if you wish.
- Duration
- 8 days · 7 nights
- Route
- Paro → Thimphu → Punakha → Phobjikha …
- Activity level
- Easy
- Best time
- Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
- From
- Price on requestQuoted for your dates and style
Overview
Each autumn, black-necked cranes fly over the Himalaya from the Tibetan plateau to spend the winter in a handful of Bhutanese valleys. Phobjikha is the most important of them, and watching hundreds of these elegant, rare birds lift off from the wetland at dawn is one of the great wildlife experiences of the region.
This journey gives you two nights in the valley, with the option to time your trip for the Black-necked Crane Festival in November.
- Paro
- Thimphu
- Punakha
- Phobjikha
- Paro
Highlights
- Two nights in Phobjikha among the wintering cranes
- The Black-necked Crane Festival at Gangtey Goemba (11 November)
- Clear Himalayan views from Dochula
- Birding in the forests of the passes
- Golden light on Punakha Dzong
Day by day
- Day01
Arrival, on to Thimphu Paro → Thimphu
Welcome at Paro and drive to Thimphu.
- National Memorial Chorten
- Day02
Thimphu Thimphu
Buddha Dordenma, the takin preserve and Tashichho Dzong.
- Buddha Dordenma
- Takin Preserve
- Tashichho Dzong
- Day03
Dochula and Punakha Thimphu → Punakha
Early start for Himalayan views at Dochula, and a birding walk in the forest before descending to Punakha.
- Dochula sunrise
- Forest birding
- Punakha Dzong
- Day04
To Phobjikha Punakha → Phobjikha
Drive to Phobjikha and visit the Black-necked Crane Information Centre. First sightings of the cranes in the wetland.
- Crane Information Centre
- Crane watching
- Day05
The cranes of Phobjikha Phobjikha
Watch the cranes leave their roost at dawn. Walk the Gangtey Nature Trail and visit the monastery. If you are here on 11 November, join the Crane Festival in the monastery courtyard.
- Dawn crane watching
- Gangtey Nature Trail
- Crane Festival (11 Nov)
- Day06
Return to Paro Phobjikha → Paro
Drive back west to Paro.
- Scenic drive
- Day07
The Tiger's Nest Paro
Hike to Taktsang in the crisp, clear air of late autumn.
- Tiger's Nest hike
- Day08
Departure Paro
Transfer to Paro airport.
- Airport transfer
Staying, eating, travelling
- Accommodation
- 3-star hotels as standard; a warm lodge in Phobjikha with wood stoves.
- Meals
- All meals included.
- Transport
- Private vehicle and driver.
- Your guide
- Licensed guide; naturalist guide available on request.
What is included
Included
- Bhutan visa processing and visa fee
- Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) for each night in Bhutan
- Accommodation as listed
- All meals in Bhutan
- Private guide, driver and vehicle
- Entrance fees
Not included
- International flights
- Travel insurance (required)
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Tips
When to go & what you need
Best time to travel
Late October to February, when the cranes are in residence. The Crane Festival is held on 11 November each year.
- January — recommended
- February — recommended
- March
- April
- May
- June
- July
- August
- September
- October
- November — recommended
- December — recommended
Before you travel
- Passport valid for at least six months from arrival
- Travel insurance
- Warm clothing — Phobjikha is cold in winter
Along the way
Places on this route
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