CRANE FESTIVAL TOUR
The Crane and the Festival journey is a delightful and inspirational bird photography adventure, offering participants an exceptional experience in the picturesque landscapes of Bhutan. With easy trails, a comfortable climate, and convenient access to prime birding locations, this trip is particularly special due to the presence of the globally endangered black-necked crane. The highlight of the journey is the annual one-day Black-necked Crane Festival held at Gangtey Goemba in the stunning Phobjikha Valley. This festival, organized by the Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN) in collaboration with the local community, aims to raise awareness and promote the conservation of these magnificent birds.
The festival is not only a celebration of the black-necked cranes but also an opportunity for tourists and locals alike to engage with and appreciate the importance of preserving this endangered species. The event also allows the local community to reaffirm their commitment to conservation efforts while showcasing their rich cultural heritage and traditional skills. Beyond the festival, bird enthusiasts will have ample opportunities to photograph a diverse array of birds, including the black-necked cranes, as well as to discover new and rare species unique to Bhutan. Each day of the journey promises abundant photographic opportunities, with access to prime birding locations teeming with vibrant colors and rare species seldom seen elsewhere. The combination of the Crane Festival and the exceptional birding experiences makes this trip a memorable adventure for any bird photographer, offering both the thrill of capturing stunning avian images and the satisfaction of contributing to conservation awareness.
Trip Details
The Crane and the Festival trip will drive you through many ideal birding locations of western Bhutan. If you want to get more from your Bhutan photography, it is important to have all your photography equipment and your working knowledge. Make sure you always have your camera ready because we cannot guarantee when the best bird turns in. Preset your camera to any mode that you feel best. Do not forget about your batteries – ensure they are fully charged and that you have a spare one.
Duration
09 Days 08 Nights
Group Size
Minimum 03 Members
Trip Type
Walking, Birding, Photography and Culture Trip
Include
The tour prices cover a multitude of benefits, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience. Included are accommodations in premium hotels, ensuring comfort and luxury throughout your stay. Transportation is provided for the entire itinerary, allowing you to travel with ease and convenience. Meals featuring authentic local cuisine are included, giving you a taste of the region’s culinary delights. Additionally, entrance fees to select sites are covered, eliminating the hassle of purchasing tickets. The expertise of knowledgeable guides is also provided, enhancing your understanding and appreciation of each location you visit. This comprehensive package ensures a worry-free and memorable journey.
- Rate inclusive of all three meals both local and continental healthy cuisine.
- Rate inclusive of all accommodation [three-star hotels with double/twin sharing basis]
- Rate inclusive of air-conditioned tourist standard transportation.
- Rate inclusive of local tour English-speaking licensed guide on all your sightseeing tours.
- Rate inclusive of extensive choices of flexible comprehensive tour itineraries.
- Rate inclusive of Bhutan Government Royalty fees of $ 100 per person per nights.
- Rate inclusive of all entry fees, museum fees and historical attraction fees.
- Rate inclusive of all applicable taxes – BST 10%, Service Charge 10%
- Rate inclusive of one-time visa fee of USD 40.
- Rate inclusive of airport arrival and departure transfer in Bhutan.
- Rate inclusive of arrival refreshments.
- Rate inclusive of one bottle mineral water each a day.
- Rate inclusive of a small farewell gift on the day of departure.
- Rate inclusive of one-time cultural program for group exceedingly above 7 members.
Exclude
Regrettably, certain elements are not encompassed in our Bhutan packages, necessitating clients to cover additional expenses independently. These include international airfare, which clients need to arrange on their own, and travel insurance, which is essential for covering any unforeseen incidents. Personal expenditures such as souvenirs, extra meals, and other incidental costs are also not included. Additionally, entrance fees to specific attractions are not covered, requiring clients to pay these separately. Clients must ensure they are prepared to bear these costs beyond the package provisions to ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.
- Rate does not include incoming & outgoing Bhutan airfares and airport taxes.
- Rate does not include drinks and alcohols and non- alcoholic beverage.
- Rate does not include guides speaking language other than English.
- Rate does not include expenses of personal nature like tipping, laundry, potter, telephone/fax calls, camera/video camera fee at monuments, medical expenses, any insurance etc
- Rate does not include extra expenses or loss due to nature and un-foreseen events beyond the control of our management.
- Rate does not include any service outside Bhutan.
- Rate does not include onetime bank transfer charge of USD 45.
- Rate does not include tipping to guide, driver etc.
ITINERARY OVERVIEW
Journey where sacred and sublime seamlessly intertwine, immersing you in its rich cultural tapestry and breathtaking natural landscapes.
Distance: 65Kms
Time: 01Hrs
Elevation: 2350m
Today at your arrival at Paro International Airport, our local representative will greet you and transfer you to Thimphu, the capital city. Thimphu is home for more than 80,000 population and you will soon notice that it is unlike most capital cities of the world. In Thimphu visit the impressive Memorial Chorten (stupa) built in memory of the third king of Bhutan in 1974. From here take the road to Changangkha Lhakhang built in twelve centuries. From the temple drive to visit the Trashichhoe Dzong, which is your last stop of the day and usually open to the visitors after five pm in the evening. This giant impressive fortress is locally known as the “fortress of the glorious religion”. It houses the throne room of the king and the central monk body.
Distance: 15Kms
Time: 01Hrs
Elevation: 2570m
Early morning you will be led for birding in the northern part of Thimphu. A 45-minute drive from the hotel and you have oak forest where you will encounter bird species in this less crowded area are Common Sandpiper, Sparrow Hawk, Hill Mynah, Grey Wagtail, Yuhina, Spotted Laughingthrush, Fire-capped Tit, Yellow-bellied Flower picker and Red-rumped Swallow etc. You can also wonder around the streamline above Motithang.
Distance: 77Kms
Time: 02Hrs
Elevation: 1350m
We suggest you making an early start since the view of the Himalayan Mountain range from Dochula on a clear day are impressive. You will be birding in the forest east side of Dochula Pass [3115m], you will find Satyr Tragopan, Rufous-breasted bush Robin, Slander-billed Scrimitar Babbler, Greenish Warbler, Great Barbet, Golden-bush Robin, Ashy-throated Warbler, Short-billed Minivet, Maroon Oriole, Crimson-breasted Woodpecker, Whiskered Yuhina, Eurasian Hoopoe, Eurasian-tree Creeper, White-throated Laughingthrush, White-browed Fulvitta and Collard Owlet etc.
Elevation: 1350m
Drive further north of Punakha valley. In north of Punakha and along the Mo-chhu river valley through Tashithang you will encounter with Nepal Fulvitta, Ruddy Shelduck, Brown Dipper, Common Buzzard, Tufted Duck, Common Merganser, Northern Pintail, Ibisbill, Red-crested Pochard, Furruginous Duck, Common Sandpiper, Palla’s Fish Eagle, Eurasian Wigeon, Mallard, Bar-headed Goose, Yellow-vented Warbler, River Lapwing, White-bellied Heron, Kalij Pheasant etc.
Distance: 68Kms
Time: 03Hrs
Elevation: 2800m
Today your journey undoubtedly transports you from 4400ft to 9840ft taking you from the historical architectural splendor to savor the enchanting pristine natural beauty of the enchanting glacier Phobjikha valley the winter roosting home for the endangered Black-necked Crain. En-route you will stop to spot several birds along the trail.
Elevation: 2800m
The annual Black-necked Crane festival is celebrated in Gangtay Goemba monastery. The festival is an occasion for local people to rejoice and celebrate the arrival of the endangered and majestic Black-necked Crane which has become an inseparable part of the daily lives of the people. The festival is also celebrated to generate awareness and understanding on the importance of conservation of the crane and strengthen the linkage between conservation, economic welfare and sustainable livelihood of the community. Several mask dance and cultural dance were performed during the half day festival. Birders can also go around the vast glacier plain to spot crane and other bird species.
Distance: 207Kms
Time: 05Hrs
Elevation: 2250m
Today before you depart to Paro, drive to Punakha and make a short visit to the impressive Punakha Dzong. Punakha serves as the capital of Bhutan until 1955. The Punakha Dzong saddles between the confluence of two rivers Pho Chhu River and Mo Chhu River. It was built by Zhabdrund Ngawang Namgyel in 1637, and was the second largest Dzong built by him. After spending good time in exploring the dzong return back to Khuruthang for lunch. After the lunch, you will be transferred to Paro via following the same route that you came.
Distance: 40Kms
Time: 02Hrs
Elevation: 3720m
Chelela pass lies between Haa and Paro at an altitude of 12,000ft/3720m. The surrounding pass provides bird species including the vibrant Himalayan Monal, the most spectacular bird in the entire Himalayas. Additional birds found are pheasants that may put you in an appearance are Blood Pheasant, Kalij Pheasant, and Satyr Tragopan. Other species found are Darjeeling Woodpecker, Himalayan White-Browed Rosefinch, Red-Headed Bullfinch, Collard And White-Winged Grosebeak, Plain Mountain Finch, Gold-Crested Warbler, Rufous-Breasted Accentor, Long-Tailed Thrush, Spotted Paughingthrush, and Eurasian woodcock etc. Optional program in Paro includes hike to Taktshang Goemba.
After your leisurely breakfast in the hotel drive to Paro airport and depart to your onward destination. Here you bid adieu to your helpful Bhutanese tourist guide and driver and proceed to your onward destination.
BOOK THIS TRIP NOW
If you’re pleased with the itinerary, seize the opportunity and book now to revel in the divine beauty of Bhutan.