Bhutan: The Black Necked Crane Festival
Saturday 04 – Wednesday 15 November 2023
Bhutan: The Black Necked Crane Festival Saturday 04 - Wednesday 15 November 2023
Explore the culture and heritage of the Himalayan Kingdom through its famous Black necked crane festival nestled in the stunning green Gangtey valley. The land of the thunder dragon, Bhutan, is perched high in the Himalayas and is the world's last remaining Buddhist Kingdom. It is a unique country not only culturally but even environmentally being the only carbon negative country in the world. Scenery, wildlife, food, music, culture, people, art, architecture, and heritage. Bhutan ticks all the boxes and its captivating beauty.
12 days from £3,770.00 per person
Day 1 : To Delhi
Fly to Delhi. International flights are not included, please contact us for quote.
Day 2 : New Delhi
Arrive Delhi in the morning. Meeting, assistance on arrival and transfer to Hotel Oberoi Maidens for overnight stay. In the afternoon take rickshaw ride through old Delhi and a guided tour of the Red Fort. Overnight at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel. B
Day 3 : To Thimpu
Transfer from hotel to airport for your flight to Paro with Druk Air. Experience the descent into Paro, one of the most spectacular views of the beautiful, serene Himalayan Mountain ranges – this rare perspective of viewing the mountains from above. You will be met by our representative, and transferred to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. Check in to Kisa Hotel or similar. Thimphu, a unique city with an unusual mix of modern and ancient tradition and culture. Take an exploratory walk around Thimphu’s Main Street and market area. Visit the Authentic Craft Bazar and browse through some of Bhutan’s fine traditional arts. Overnight in Thimphu (Altitude 2300m) B, D
Day 4 : Thimpu
Sightseeing of Thimpur Valley. Start with a visit to the Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang) with a panoramic view of the Thimphu valley. Next visit the National Library, housing an extensive collection of priceless Buddhist manuscripts. Stop by the institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School) where students undergo training courses in Bhutanese traditional arts and crafts. Later, visit Textile Museum, which provides an insight into one of the most distinct art forms in Bhutan. Proceed to visit Pangri Zampa Institute for Buddhist Astrology, built in 16th century and one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan. Later visit Thimphu Kaja Throm for a walk around the farmers market. Overnight in Thimphu (Altitude 2300m) B, L, D
Day 5 : To Punakha
Today we head toward Punakha across the Do Chula pass (3080m). The pass offers the most spectacular view over the high peaks of the eastern Himalayas on a clear day. Take in the magnifient views and clear fresh air, stretch your legs whilst walking around the Druk Wangyel stupas. Continue onto to Punakha visiting Wanduephoradand Dzong (built in 1638). Hike up through fields of chilies and cabbages to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a stunning monument built by the Queens and consecrated in 1999.
Overnight in Punakha Dragon’s Nest Resort or similar (Altitude 1400m).
B, L, D
Day 6 : Punakha
After breakfast proceed for a gentle walk through the rice paddies to the fertility temple of Chimi Lhakhang. This was built by Drukpa Kunley (known as ‘The Divine Madman’), who was renowned for his eccentric behaviour and is revered as a fertility god.
In the afternoon we depart for the Gangtey/Phobjikha Valley, passing through an oak and rhododendron woodland. Phobjikha is one of Bhutan’s few glacial valleys and the preferred home of black necked cranes migrating from the Central Asian Plateau. Explore the green protected Valley.
Overnight stay in Gangtey (Altitude 2900mm)
Day 7 : To Gangtey
After breakfast head towards Gangtey, En-route stop at Drenchengang village, it is located on the other side of the famous Wangduephodrang Dzong. Be engulfed in the Bhutanese culture and its rural way of life.
The road to Gangtey Valley passes through an oak and rhododendron woodland. Also known as Phobjikha, Gangtey is one of Bhutan’s few glacial valleys and the preferred home of black necked cranes migrating from the Central Asian Plateau. Explore the green protected Valley.
Overnight stay in Gangtey (Altitude 2800m)
B, L, D
Day 8 : Gangtey - Black Neck Crane Festival
After breakfast, witness Gangtey Black Necked Crane Festival, The annual Black-Necked Crane festival is celebrated at the courtyard of Gangtey Goenpa in Phobjikha valley. The festival is an occasion for the locals to rejoice and celebrate the arrival of this endangered and majestic bird which becomes an inseparable part in their daily lives during the winter months. The Black-Necked Crane festival dance, developed locally and performed by schoolchildren, is frequently the festival’s centerpiece. As part of the Integrated Conservation and Development Program, the Royal Society for the Protection of Nature, a national NGO, organized the festival (ICDP). In the afternoon take the beautiful Gangtey Nature trail; a beautiful Nature walk along the Black Neck crane roosting area with the view of the lower Phobjikha valley.
Overnight stay in Gangtey. (Altitude 2800m)
B, L, D
Day 9 : To Paro
Drive back towards Wangdue and Punakha, ascending towards the dramatic Wang Chhu and Paro Chhu river valleys, before crossing through Paro Town towards the north end of the valley.
Explore the Ta Dzong, originally built as Watchtower, which now houses National Museum and Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong), meaning (“fortress of the heap of jewels”), which has a long and fascinating history. Walk along the traditional cantilever bridge over Paro River.
Overnight stay in Paro The Village Lodge or Similar (Altitude 2300m)
B, L, D
Day 10 : Paro
The long-awaited excursion to Taktshang, Bhutan’s landmark, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’.
Visit Kyichu Lhakang – the ancient temple built to subdue demons. Explore Paro town, last chance to pick up souvenirs.
Overnight stay in Paro. (Altitude 2300m)
B, L, D
Day 11 : To Delhi
Transfer from hotel to airport for your flight to Delhi with Druk Air. Meeting, assistance on arrival in Delhi and transfer to Hotel Oberoi Maidens. Overnight stay in Delhi. B
Day 12 : To London
International departure.
Looking to extend your holiday in India? Contact our consultants today for your options
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Itinerary map
Prices
| Price per person (Double/Twin share) |
|---|
| £3,770.00 |
- International flights from Delhi-Paro-Delhi.
- Accommodation in charming hertiage hotels with ensuite facilities.
- Meals: Delhi on breakfast basis. Full Board in Bhutan.
- All transfers and sightseeing as per the itinerary
- Accompanying English speaking guide
- Governmental royalty and taxes
- Entrance fees
- Bhutan Visa Fee
- International flights to and from Delhi
- Visa for India
- Travel Insurance
- Any expense of a personal nature
- Tips & Gratuities
*Travel Insurance
It is essential to have adequate insurance in place before your departure. This should be appropriate for your age, health and destination you are visiting.
• Make sure it includes comprehensive medical and repatriation cover.
• Make sure it provides cover for your whole trip (whether one day or over a year).
• Make sure it covers you for all activities.
• Disclose pre-existing medical conditions.
• Take your policy number and the 24-hour emergency contact numbers with you.
If you have any doubts about your cover, check with your insurer. Please note Covid-19 cover is now available.
For a competitive quotation please click here
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