Eco-tourism is synonymous with Bhutan, for the country is a museum of ecology and its inhabitants.  Trekking routes have been opened recently into communities, turning these into ecological landmarks

Black-necked Crane Tour: Wings of Phobjikha

Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights
Best Season: November to early March (when cranes arrive and remain in Bhutan)
Region: Western & Central Bhutan (Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Phobjikha)
Theme: Birdwatching, Culture, Community Interaction
Accommodation: Farmhouses, Guesthouses, Hotels

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Paro – Transfer to Thimphu

• Activities:

  • Warm reception at Paro Airport.

  • Scenic drive to Thimphu (1.5 hrs).

  • Light sightseeing: National Memorial Chorten, Craft Bazaar.

  • Evening: Traditional Bhutanese dinner with introduction to local customs.

• Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu

Day 2: Thimphu – Punakha via Dochula Pass

• Drive Time: ~3.5 hrs

• Activities:

  • Stop at Dochula Pass (3,100m) for Himalayan views and 108 chortens.

  • Descend into the subtropical Punakha Valley.

  • Visit the majestic Punakha Dzong at the confluence of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers.

  • Walk to Chimi Lhakhang, the fertility temple of the Divine Madman.

• Overnight: Hotel in Punakha

Day 3: Punakha – Phobjikha Valley

• Drive Time: ~3.5 hrs

• Activities:

  • Scenic drive through dense forests and hamlets to Phobjikha.

  • First sighting of Black-necked Cranes in the glacial valley.

  • Visit the Crane Observation Centre for orientation on crane migration, conservation, and biology.

• Overnight: Farmhouse stay in Phobjikha

Day 4: Crane Watching & Nature Walk

• Activities:

  • Early morning birdwatching: Watch cranes dance, call, and feed in the wetlands.

  • Gentle hike along the Gangtey Nature Trail (3.5 km).

  • Visit the Gangtey Goemba (monastery) perched above the valley.

  • Interact with local farmers and students in the nearby school.

• Overnight: Farmhouse stay in Phobjikha

Day 5: Cultural Immersion in Phobjikha

• Activities:

  • Participate in farm activities (optional): cheese-making, potato harvesting (seasonal).

  • Enjoy traditional hot stone bath at the farmhouse.

  • Watch or join a local cultural performance, including Crane Dances (if visiting during the Crane Festival season in November).

  • Home-cooked dinner with local family stories and folklore.

• Overnight: Farmhouse stay

Day 6: Phobjikha – Paro

• Drive Time: ~6 hrs

• Activities:

  • Leisurely drive back to Paro.

  • En route, visit Rinchengang Village for a quick traditional architectural tour.

  • Upon arrival in Paro, relax and enjoy the town’s charming cafes and handicraft shops.

• Overnight: Hotel in Paro

Day 7: Paro – Tiger’s Nest Hike

• Activities:

  • Hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) – Bhutan’s most iconic sacred site.

  • Visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan.

  • Evening: Campfire dinner and farewell cultural session (optional).

• Overnight: Hotel in Paro

Day 8: Departure from Paro

• Activities:

  • Morning airport drop-off with crane-themed souvenir gift.

Tour Highlights

• Black-necked Cranes: Observe up to 600 cranes from close quarters as they winter in Bhutan.

• Cultural immersion: Stay in family-run farmhouses and interact with rural communities.

• Scenic Hikes: Gentle trails amidst pristine nature and historical sites.

• Festive Timing: Optional alignment with the Black-necked Crane Festival in November (cultural dances, crane mask dances, and conservation education).

What to Bring

• Warm clothing (Phobjikha is cold from Nov–Feb)

• Binoculars for birdwatching

• Layered wear for changing altitudes

• Camera and travel journal

• Small gifts (optional) for host families