Black Necked Crane Festival in Bhutan 2024

• Day 1. Arrive Paro – Thimphu sightseeing (54 km, 1 hour drive).:
• Day 2. Thimphu sightseeing:
• Day 3. Thimphu – Punakha sightseeing (76 Km, 2 hours drive):
• Day 4. Punakha – Wangdue Phodrang – Gangtey (75 km, 2 hours):
• Day 5. Gangtey – Witness the black-necked crane festival 2024:
• Day 6. Gangtey – Thimphu sightseeing (128 km, 6 hours):
• Day 7. Thimphu – Paro sightseeing (54 km, 1 hour drive):
• Day 8. Paro sightseeing – Hike to the Tiger’s nest monastery:
• Day 9. Paro – Departure (End of tour – Black necked crane festival in Bhutan)

Black-necked Crane Festival 2024 – Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Paro – Thimphu Sightseeing (54 km, 1-hour drive)

Upon arrival at Paro Airport, embark on a scenic drive to Thimphu. En route, pause to admire the Tamchog Monastery, constructed in 1420 by Thang Tong Gyalpo, renowned for building 108 bridges across Tibet and Bhutan, with 8 in Bhutan. In the evening, explore the majestic Tashichho Dzong, housing the national government and monastic body.

Day 2: Thimphu Sightseeing

Begin the day with visits to the National Postal Museum and the National Memorial Chorten, dedicated to Late His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Marvel at the towering statue of Buddha at Kuensel Phodrang park. Later, explore Changangkha Lhakhang, Takin Preserve Center, Sangay Gang View Point, and Dupthop Lhakhang. Enjoy leisure time for shopping and photography in the evening.

Day 3: Thimphu – Punakha Sightseeing (76 km, 2 hours drive)

Travel to Punakha, pausing at Dochula Pass to admire its 108 stupas and the Himalayan panorama. Visit Chimi Lhakhang, known as the “Temple of Fertility.” Explore Punakha Dzong, followed by a stroll across the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan spanning the Pho Chu River.

Day 4: Punakha – Wangdue Phodrang – Gangtey (75 km, 2 hours)

Embark on a hike to Khamsum Yulley Monastery before proceeding to the picturesque Gangtey Valley. En route, visit Wangdue Phodrang Dzong. In Gangtey, explore Gangtey Gompa monastery and the Black-necked Crane Information Center. Enjoy the serene ambiance of Phobjikha valley.

Day 5: Gangtey – Witness the Black-necked Crane Festival

Attend the captivating Black-necked Crane Festival at Gangtey Gompa, showcasing traditional dances and cultural performances. Spend the evening exploring Phobjikha valley.

Day 6: Gangtey – Thimphu Sightseeing (128 km, 6 hours)

Return to Thimphu with a lunch stop at Dochula cafeteria. Embark on a scenic hike to Lungchutse temple, offering panoramic views of Gasa dzong and Mt. Masagang.

Day 7: Thimphu – Paro Sightseeing (54 km, 1-hour drive)

Drive to Cheli La Pass for stunning Himalayan vistas. En route, visit Kila Gompa nunnery. Explore Ta Dzong, now the national museum, and Rinpung Dzong, Paro’s administrative center. Enjoy leisure time in Paro town.

Day 8: Paro Sightseeing – Hike to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery

Embark on an invigorating hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, perched on a cliff. Visit Drugyal Dzong and Kichu Lhakhang in the afternoon.

Day 9: Paro – Departure (End of Tour – Black-necked Crane Festival in Bhutan)

After breakfast, bid farewell as you transfer to Paro Airport for your onward journey, concluding the memorable Black-necked Crane Festival tour.