Phobjikha Crane Valley & Western Bhutan 8 Days

A nature-focused journey to Phobjikha Valley to see the rare black-necked cranes that winter here from late October to mid-February, paired with the cultural highlights of Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha.

About this trip

Phobjikha is a glacial U-shaped valley at 3,000 m where around 600 black-necked cranes (Grus nigricollis) spend the winter, having flown south from the Tibetan plateau. The cranes arrive in late October and leave by mid-February; outside that window the valley is still beautiful but the birds are gone. We pair two nights in Phobjikha with the standard western circuit. Mid-range hotels, gentle pace, suitable for travelers of any fitness. Best between November and early February for cranes plus stable weather. November 11 is the annual Black-Necked Crane Festival at Gangtey Goempa, well worth timing for.

Highlights

→Black-necked cranes in Phobjikha (Oct 25 to Feb 15 only)
→Optional Black-Necked Crane Festival (Nov 11) at Gangtey Goempa
→Gangtey Goempa, the only Nyingma monastery in western Bhutan
→Royal Society for Protection of Nature Crane Information Centre
→Tiger's Nest Monastery hike
→Gangtey Nature Trail (4 km, suitable for all)

Day by day

Included

✓Licensed English-speaking Bhutanese guide
✓All accommodation (twin-share, tier as noted per day)
✓All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
✓Private transport with experienced driver
✓All monument and museum entry fees
✓Bhutan visa processing
✓Bottled drinking water during transit
✓Crane Information Centre entry

Not included

✗International flights to/from Paro
✗Sustainable Development Fee (USD 100/person/night, paid separately)
✗5% GST on tour cost (from Jan 1, 2026)
✗Travel insurance
✗Personal expenses, tips, and gratuities