9 Day Black-Necked Crane Festival

Touch down in Paro Airport where your guide will warmly await your arrival. The day is kept light to help you acclimatise as you drive to Thimphu, check into your hotel and enjoy your first taste of Bhutanese cuisine. 

Visit Buddha Dordenma at Kuensel Phodrang to admire the towering 169-foot bronze statue and panoramic views of Thimphu Valley. Continue to the National Memorial Chorten, built in honour of the Third King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. End the day at the bustling Kaja Throm, where villagers gather every weekend to sell fresh produce.

Begin the morning with a trek to Phajoding Monastery—around three hours uphill and two hours downhill. Time permitting, continue further to Thuje Dra for sweeping views of Thimphu and surrounding rhododendron forests. Phajoding, founded in 1224 by Phajo Drugom Zhigpo, is among the world’s most endangered cultural monuments according to the World Monuments Fund. 

Return to Thimphu in the late afternoon and visit Changangkha Lhakhang, a 12th-century temple overlooking the valley. Explore the Textile Museum to learn about the artistry of Bhutanese weaving, followed by the Traditional Paper-making Factory.

Drive to Dochula Pass, marked by 108 chortens commissioned by Her Majesty the Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over Indian militants. Enjoy a gentle nature hike through rhododendron, magnolia and juniper forests to the Royal Botanical Park. Continue to Punakha Dzong, a spectacular 17th-century fortress situated at the confluence of two rivers and the winter residence of the central monastic body. Afterwards, visit Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten—a unique architectural masterpiece built by Her Majesty the Queen Mother Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck.

Travel into the broad glacial valley of Phobjikha, the winter home of around 600 black-necked cranes that migrate from the Tibetan Plateau. Overlooking the valley is Gangtey Goempa, a 17th-century monastery that plays a central role in local life. Join the community in celebrating the Black-Necked Crane Festival, complete with lively cultural performances and environmental awareness activities. 

Later, enjoy a gentle nature walk across the valley floor and visit the Black-Necked Crane Information Centre to observe the birds through spotting scopes, explore its educational exhibits or simply enjoy the cosy library and handicraft shop.

Visit Talo Village, perched on a hillside with sweeping views over Punakha. Continue to Chimi Lhakhang, a short and picturesque walk through terraced fields to the temple dedicated to the Divine Madman, known as a place of blessings for fertility. Drive back to Paro and visit Paro Dzong, an impressive 15th-century fortress, followed by Ta Dzong, once a watchtower and now home to Bhutan’s National Museum.

Make your way to Chele La Pass (3,988m), one of Bhutan’s highest motorable passes, offering stunning views of both Paro and Haa Valleys. Continue to Haa for a leisurely exploration and a visit to Katsho Lhakhang. Return to Paro for the night.

Drive to Sang Choekor Buddhist College to begin your trek. After meeting the ponies, ascend through cool forests to reach Chhoe Chhoe Tse Lhakhang before pushing on to the high meadow below Bumdra Monastery (“Cave of a Thousand Prayers”). The panoramic views of the snow-capped Himalayas are unmatched. After lunch, explore the monastery or hike to a nearby peak before settling into camp for the night.

After breakfast, descend through ancient forests along the monks’ trail, eventually reaching Sangtopelri, where you’ll catch your first dramatic aerial glimpse of Tiger’s Nest. Continue across the mountainside to reach the starting point of the iconic Taktsang Monastery hike. Trek down to the gorge, cross the bridge and climb up to the monastery itself—a spiritual and architectural marvel perched on a cliff. After your visit, descend back to the base and drive to Paro, stopping to admire the view of Taktsang from across the valley.

Bid farewell to the Land of the Thunder Dragon as you head to Paro Airport for your flight. Leave with memories of sacred valleys, vibrant festivals and the warmth of Bhutanese hospitality. We look forward to welcoming you back again. Tashi Delek!