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9 Days 8 Nights
Daily Tour
Unlimited
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Journeying through Bhutan on the Black-Necked Crane Festival tour reveals a fascinating mix of nature, tradition, and highland charm. Over nine days, you’ll weave through the cultural corners of Thimphu, continue to the lush valleys of Punakha and Gangtey, and arrive in Phobjikha just in time to enjoy the spirited celebrations of the Black-Necked Crane Festival. Between scenic mountain drives and visits to ancient monasteries, the adventure culminates with the unforgettable hike to Tiger’s Nest in Paro. Blending festival energy with sweeping Himalayan landscapes, this tour offers a vivid and lasting encounter with Bhutan’s soul.
After landing at Paro International Airport, you’ll be met by your guide and driven to Thimphu. The one-hour ride introduces you to Bhutan’s peaceful landscapes. Once in the capital, spend the afternoon discovering highlights like the towering Buddha Dordenma, the serene Memorial Chorten, and the impressive Tashichho Dzong. Settle in for the evening and ease into the altitude.
Dedicate your day to exploring Bhutan’s cultural heart. Step into the Folk Heritage Museum for a glimpse of traditional village life, then visit the Institute for Zorig Chusum to watch students practice Bhutan’s treasured arts. Meet the takin, Bhutan’s national animal, at the Motithang Preserve, and browse local handicrafts at the Craft Bazaar before enjoying a free evening to roam the city.
Leave Thimphu behind as you travel toward Punakha. The drive takes you across the scenic Dochula Pass, where Himalayan peaks frame the horizon. In Punakha, wander through the magnificent Punakha Dzong, set between two rivers, and make your way to Chimi Lhakhang, a pilgrimage site linked to the Divine Madman. Spend a peaceful night surrounded by Punakha’s gentle valley landscapes.
Continue your journey to Gangtey, passing through the historic region of Wangdue Phodrang. As the road ascends, the scenery shifts into the open, wide-spreading beauty of the Phobjikha Valley. Visit the centuries-old Gangtey Monastery and take in the tranquil wetlands that attract the black-necked cranes each winter.
Spend this special day at the annual Black-Necked Crane Festival. Watch cultural performances, crane-themed dances, and community celebrations dedicated to the arrival of these rare birds. Explore the valley’s nature trails, observe the cranes in their natural habitat, and immerse yourself in the region’s vibrant traditions.
Travel back to Paro and visit Bhutan’s National Museum and Kitchu one of the oldest temples. In the evening, wander Paro’s charming streets or unwind at your hotel.
Begin your ascent to the legendary Taktsang Monastery, or Tiger’s Nest. The hike takes several hours, passing through forests and viewpoints that open to dramatic cliffside vistas. Reaching the monastery is a spiritual and visual highlight of the trip. After descending, return to Paro for a restful evening and farewell dinner.
Day excursions to Chelela pass the highest motorable pass in Bhutan. From the pass, you can enjoy sweeping panoramas of the snow-capped Himalayas, including Mount Jomolhari on a clear day. The dramatic ridgelines and open skies make it one of the country’s most scenic lookout points.
Enjoy a quiet morning before being transferred to the airport for your departure, carrying unforgettable memories of Bhutan’s culture, landscapes, and festivals. Thank You.
You can apply online for a visa here, or if you’re travelling with a tour operator, they may apply on your behalf. Read more about the visa here. Visitors from Bangladesh and the Maldives requiring a visa can apply either online before travelling or in person upon arrival in Bhutan.
A correctly input visa application can take up to five days to process.
The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is a daily levy paid by visitors to support Bhutan’s development. Since the kingdom first opened its doors in 1974, guests have played a critical role in our country’s growth. The SDF is collected by the national exchequer and funds are allocated to various projects that create long-term, sustainable opportunities for the Bhutanese people, through free healthcare, education and training, upskilling the tourism and hospitality industry, improved infrastructure, environmental preservation and conservation, cultural preservation programmes and initiatives that support local businesses and economies. The SDF is also a vital means of maintaining the exceptional forest cover and carbon-neutrality for which our small nation is world-renowned and globally critical. The SDF also helps us to ensure that we can continue to offer guests tranquillity and an intimate experience. A correctly input visa application can take up to five days to process.
The SDF is USD 100 per night for adults from all countries except for India. Children aged between 6 years and who have not yet turned 12 are eligible to pay USD 50 per night. Children who have not yet turned 6 years old do not have to pay any SDF. The SDF for Indian nationals (showing a valid Indian passport or Voter ID card) is Nu. 1,200 (or the equivalent amount in Indian rupees) per person, per night. Children aged between 6 years and who have not yet turned 12 are eligible to pay Nu./INR 600 per night. Children who have not yet turned 6 years old do not have to pay any SDF.
