Authentic Bhutan

The black-necked crane festival is held every year in Phobjikha on 12 November. The festival was initiated by the Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN) in 1998 as apart of community based-sustainable tourism, where appreciation and corresponding payment by visitors and tourist is will serve as an incentive for strong. The objectives of the festival are:

Fosters awareness and understanding among the local communities and visitors on the importance of the endangered Black-necked cranes. Institute economic incentives (Payment) for the festival to strengthen the linkage between conservation and economic welfare. Provide avenue for the local community to renew their commitment to conservation of the cranes and to showcase their cultural heritage and skills.

Day 1. November 8. (BKK-PBH/Paro)
Arrival to Paro International Airport and receive by the representative of Authentic Bhutan Tour Lunch in Paro Town. After lunch we will do some sightseeing in Paro. Dinner & over night at Paro hotel.

Day 2. November 9. (Paro – Thijmphu)
Drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. The drive will take about 1 hour.On reaching Thimphu we will do the sightseeing like to visiting the temples, dzongs, and museums. Lunch at Thimphu hotel. In the afternoon, we will do the Wanhduetse hike. From this hike we can see the beautiful valley of Thimphu. The hike will take about 1hour 20minutes. In the evening we will see the handicraft shops and stroll around the Thimphu town. Dinner and over night stay at Thimphu.

Day 3. November 10. (Thimphu-Punakha)
Drive Punakha. At Dochula pass (3150m), we can see the beautiful Himalayan mountain ranges in a distance. On reaching Lobesa, we will hike to Chhimi Lhakhang, which is located at a hilltop. The temple is also known the temple of fertility. The hike will take about 25 minutes from the road point. Lunch at Lobesa. After lunch we will drive to Punakha and visit the Punakha dzong- the most beautiful and magnificent dzong in Bhutan.Dinner and over night stay in Punakha.

Day4. November 11. (Punakha – Phobjikha)
After the breakfast, we will drive to Kabesa and hike to Khamsumyule Namgyel chhorten, then drive to Phobjikha. On reaching Wangdue we will visit Wangdue dzong. Lunch at Wangdue. After lunch continue our journey to Phobjikha.Evening stroll around the Phobjikha valley. Dinner and over night stay at Phobjikha.

Day5. November 12. (Phobjikha Halt)
Witness and enjoy the Black-necked Crane festival whole day. Dinner and over night stay at Phobjikha.

Day 6. November 13. (Phobjikha – Paro)
Drive to Paro. The drive will take about 6 hours 30 minutes. Lunch at Dochula Cafteria. Continue the journey to Paro. On reaching Paro, stroll around the Paro twon and do the last shopping and then check in the hotel.Dinner and over night stay in Paro hotel.

Day7. November 14. (Paro – BKK)
Dive to Paro International Airport for departure. Your guide and drive will see off here at the Airport. We wish you a safe and comfortable journey back to your home. We hope to see you some day again in Bhutan.