CRANE AND THE FESTIVAL
The Crane Festival and photography journey in Bhutan offers an exciting and inspiring experience for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers. Featuring gentle walking paths, a pleasant climate, and easy access to prime bird-watching locations, this journey is designed to provide excellent opportunities to capture the majestic black-necked crane in its natural habitat.
A true highlight of the trip is the annual Black-necked Crane Festival at Gangtey Goemba in the Phobjikha Valley. Organized by the Royal Society for the Protection of Nature (RSPN) in partnership with the local community, the festival raises awareness about the conservation of the endangered black-necked crane while celebrating Bhutanese cultural traditions. This one-day event not only emphasizes conservation but also showcases local heritage through vibrant cultural performances. For photographers, it is the perfect opportunity to capture both the cranes and Bhutanese traditions in one frame.
Be Prepared
The Crane Festival journey takes you across western Bhutan’s prime bird-watching spots. To make the most of your photography experience, ensure your gear is well-prepared. Always keep your camera ready, as bird sightings can be sudden and unpredictable. Familiarize yourself with your settings, fully charge your batteries, and carry spares to avoid missing the perfect shot.
Expert Local Guides
Our passionate and knowledgeable guides are dedicated to enriching your Crane Festival experience. They provide insights into bird behavior, photography tips, and ensure you capture those rare, once-in-a-lifetime images. Their expertise and warm hospitality make your journey both educational and unforgettable.
Ethical Photography Practices
The Crane Festival in Bhutan is not just about photography—it’s about responsible travel. We encourage participants to respect Bhutan’s environment, wildlife, and cultural traditions. Practicing ethical photography ensures that your journey benefits both you and the local communities, while also supporting sustainable tourism.
Patience is Key
Wildlife and bird photography at the Crane Festival requires patience and persistence. Encounters with cranes and other rare species are rare and special, often demanding long periods of observation. Remember, success in wildlife photography is about 98% patience, 1% luck, and 1% skill.
Customizable Itineraries
If you wish to extend your experience beyond the Crane Festival, we offer tailor-made itineraries. You can customize your Bhutan photography journey to include additional birding hotspots, cultural landmarks, or trekking adventures.
Diverse Birdlife
While the Crane Festival highlights the elegant black-necked cranes, Bhutan’s forests are home to a rich variety of bird species. On your journey, you may encounter Himalayan Greenfinch, Great Barbet, Fire-breasted Flowerpecker, Blue-throated Barbet, Black-throated Sunbird, Blood Pheasant, Satyr Tragopan, Long-tailed Minivet, Golden-throated Barbet, Hen Harrier, Red-billed Chough, Himalayan Griffon Vulture, and many more.
The Crane Festival and journey combine bird photography, conservation awareness, and cultural immersion—an extraordinary experience that captures the spirit of Bhutan.
9-Day Bhutan Birding & Crane Festival Tour Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Paro – Transfer to Thimphu (65Kms, 1Hr, 2350m)
Distance: 65Kms | Time: 01Hr | Elevation: 2350m
Arrive at Paro International Airport, where you will be warmly welcomed by your local representative. Drive to Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu, home to over 80,000 residents. Visits include:Memorial Chorten (1974), built in honor of the third king.
Changangkha Lhakhang, a 12th-century temple.
Trashichhoe Dzong, a fortress of great religious and cultural significance (open to visitors after 5 PM).
Day 02: Birding in Dodena, Thimphu (15Kms, 1Hr, 2570m)
Distance: 15Kms | Time: 01Hr | Elevation: 2570m
Begin early morning birding in the oak forests of northern Thimphu. Spot diverse species including Common Sandpiper, Sparrow Hawk, and Red-rumped Swallow. Continue exploring the surrounding Motithang area for more sightings.
Day 03: Thimphu to Punakha (77Kms, 2Hrs, 1350m)
Distance: 77Kms | Time: 02Hrs | Elevation: 1350m
Depart early to enjoy panoramic Himalayan views from Dochula Pass. Birding east of the pass offers sightings of Satyr Tragopan, Crimson-breasted Woodpecker, and other rare species. Continue to Punakha, the ancient capital.
Day 04: Birding in Punakha (1350m)
Elevation: 1350m
Explore birding sites north of Punakha Valley along the Mo Chhu River. Look out for Nepal Fulvitta, Ruddy Shelduck, Bar-headed Goose, and other migratory water birds.
Day 05: Punakha to Phobjikha (68Kms, 3Hrs, 2800m)
Distance: 68Kms | Time: 03Hrs | Elevation: 2800m
Travel to the scenic Phobjikha Valley, a winter home for the revered Black-necked Crane. En route, enjoy bird-spotting opportunities and transition from cultural landmarks to the valley’s pristine natural beauty.
Day 06: Crane Festival in Phobjikha (2800m)
Elevation: 2800m
Immerse yourself in the annual Crane Festival at Gangtey Goemba Monastery. This vibrant event celebrates the arrival of black-necked cranes through cultural performances, songs, and dances that highlight the importance of crane conservation. The day also offers excellent opportunities for bird photography in the valley.
Day 07: Phobjikha to Paro (207Kms, 5Hrs, 2250m)
Distance: 207Kms | Time: 05Hrs | Elevation: 2250m
Stop at Punakha Dzong, a masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture and former capital, before enjoying lunch in Khuruthang. Continue your scenic drive back to Paro.
Day 08: Birding in Chelela Pass, Paro (40Kms, 2Hrs, 3720m)
Distance: 40Kms | Time: 02Hrs | Elevation: 3720m
Head to Chelela Pass, one of Bhutan’s highest motorable passes, for sightings of the spectacular Himalayan Monal and other pheasants. Optional hike to the iconic Taktshang Goemba (Tiger’s Nest Monastery) in Paro for those seeking a cultural highlight.
Day 09: Departure from Paro
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before transferring to Paro International Airport. Bid farewell to your Bhutanese guide and driver as you depart with memories of the Crane Festival and birding journey in Bhutan.
Your Everyday Benefits
Our all-inclusive Bhutan tour packages cover the essentials for a comfortable and memorable journey.
✅ Meals – Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner (local & continental healthy cuisine).
✅ Accommodation – Three-star hotels with double/twin sharing basis.
✅ Transportation – Air-conditioned, tourist-standard vehicles.
✅ Guided Tours – Licensed English-speaking local guide throughout sightseeing.
✅ Flexible Itineraries – Wide range of comprehensive tour options.
✅ Government Royalty – USD 100 per person, per night.
✅ Entry Fees – Museums, monuments, and historical attractions included.
✅ Taxes – All applicable taxes (BST 10% + Service Charge 10%).
✅ Visa Assistance – One-time visa fee of USD 40 included.
✅ Airport Transfers – Arrival and departure transfers in Bhutan.
Complimentary Services
Arrival refreshment.
One bottled mineral water per person, per day.
A farewell gift upon departure.
One-time cultural program for groups of 7+ members.
Package Excludes
International flights to/from Bhutan and related airport taxes.
Alcoholic & non-alcoholic beverages.
Guides speaking languages other than English.
Personal expenses (tipping, laundry, porter service, phone/fax calls, camera fees, medical costs, insurance, etc.).
Extra costs or losses due to natural calamities or unforeseen events.
Services outside Bhutan.
One-time bank transfer fee of USD 45.
Tipping for guides, drivers, etc.
$2280/-
Valid for
GROUP ABOVE 03 MEMBERS
