Overview
The Black-Necked Crane Season package takes you into the wide, treeless glacial Phobjikha Valley, a highly protected conservation zone.
This tour is timed perfectly to observe the arrival of the rare and sacred Thrung Thrung Karmo (Black-Necked Cranes) migrating from the Tibetan Plateau. The itinerary includes specialized trail tracking with rangers, a visit to the Crane Festival (if traveling in early November), and cozy, premium lodge stays with traditional wood-burning stoves (bukharis).
Trip Highlights
- Three nights in the Phobjikha Valley, the wintering ground of the Black-Necked Crane.
- Spotting scopes at the RSPN Crane Conservation Center to watch crane families in the wetlands.
- The pine-fringed Gangtey Nature Trail with open views of the roosting grounds.
- The Crane Festival, if you travel in early November.
- Gangtey Monastery, conservation rangers and afternoon tea in a village home.
- Chimi Lhakhang, Punakha Dzong, a heritage weaving studio and Tiger’s Nest.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Land in Paro and drive 1.5 hours to the capital city, Thimphu, along the river highway. Check into your luxury boutique hotel. Spend the evening exploring the local bookstores, craft galleries, and artisan stalls in town.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Thimphu
Visit Buddha Point for morning landscapes. Tour the National Memorial Chorten and walk the nature trails at the Motithang Takin Preserve to view the national animal. Take a private twilight tour of Tashichho Dzong.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Thimphu
Drive 4.5 hours east, crossing Dochula Pass and diving deep past Pele La Pass into the wide-open marshlands of Phobjikha Valley. Check into your premium valley lodge, light up your traditional bukhari fireplace, and enjoy an evening organic farm dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Phobjikha
Spend your morning at the RSPN Crane Conservation Center, using high-powered spotting scopes to view the crane family units feeding in the wetlands. In the afternoon, hike the scenic, pine-fringed Gangtey Nature Trail (2.5 hours) for open views of the roosting grounds.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Phobjikha
Visit the historic 17th-century Gangtey Monastery on the ridge. Meet with local conservation rangers to learn about how the valley balances organic potato farming with preserving the cranes’ winter habitat. Visit a local village home for a private afternoon tea.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Phobjikha
Backtrack west, dropping out of the cold highlands into the warm subtropical valley of Punakha. Visit Chimi Lhakhang temple by walking through flat rice fields, and cross the long Punakha Suspension Bridge.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Punakha
Tour the architectural masterpiece Punakha Dzong at the junction of the rivers. Board your luxury vehicle for the 4.5-hour drive back to Paro Valley. Visit a private heritage weaving studio in town upon arrival.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Paro
Complete the classic mountain pilgrimage hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest). Reward your body after the descent with a premium hot stone bath session, infusing heated river stones and wild mugwort leaves into a wooden tub.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Paro
Final morning transfer to Paro International Airport.
Meals: Breakfast
Inclusions & Exclusions
What’s Included
- Private Transport & Guide: All ground transportation in a private vehicle with an English-speaking licensed guide.
- Accommodation: Twin/double-sharing rooms in 3-star tourist-standard hotels.
- Meals: All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) as per itinerary.
- Sustainable Development Fee: The daily SDF is included.
- Hydration: Bottled water during transfers and sightseeing.
- Government Dues: Government royalty and applicable taxes.
What’s Not Included
- Airfare: International/regional airfare to and from Paro.
- Visa Fee: Bhutan visa processing fee (arranged in advance by Gu-Mar as part of permit clearance).
- Personal Expenses: Laundry, telephone, beverages and tips.
- Insurance: Travel insurance.
- Pony Hire: Pony hire for the Tiger’s Nest hike (optional, paid on-site).
- Other Services: Any services not mentioned under Inclusions.
Good to Know
- Licensed Operator: All non-Indian, non-Bangladeshi and non-Maldivian nationals must travel through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator such as Gu-Mar; we process visa clearance and the SDF on your behalf before arrival.
- Hotel Upgrades: Hotel categories can be upgraded to 4-star or boutique/heritage properties under our Deluxe or Luxurious collections.
- Flexible Sequencing: Itinerary sequencing may shift slightly depending on flight timings, road conditions or festival dates — your guide will confirm the final day-by-day plan on arrival.