The black-necked crane festival
The Annual Black-necked Crane festival is celebrated in the courtyard of Gangtey Gonpa, 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 their daily lives during the winter months.
It is organized to generate awareness and understanding on the importance of conserving the cranes; to strengthen the linkages between conservation, economic welfare and sustainable livelihoods of the community; provide an avenue for the local community to renew their commitment to conservation of the black-necked cranes, and to showcase their cultural heritage and skills.
The festival includes cultural programs such as folk songs and dances (some with black-necked crane themes) and mask dances performed by the local people, crane dances and environmental conservation-themed dramas and songs by the school children. The festival is organized by the Phobjikha Environment Management Committee (PEMC), a local group composed of elected local leaders (with a strong female component), Government representatives, business community representatives, monks and Royal Society for the Protection of Nature (RSPN) representative.
Summary
In an expedition of the protected Phobjikha valley, you will be brought closest to one of the world’s most endangered birds, the Black-necked Cranes (Grus nigricollis), you will also witness how people live in harmony with the birds. You will be thrilled by the sight of the birds greet the people upon their arrival from Tibet and Mongolia, beginning late October. The birds live in Phobjikha until late February.
Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive Paro – Thimphu
Day 02: Thimphu Halt
Day 03: Thimphu- Punakha
Day 04: Punakha – Phobjikha
Day 05: Phobjikha Halt
Day 06: Phobjikha – Thimphu
Day 07: Thimphu – Paro
Day 08: Paro – Tiger’s Nest Excursion
Day 09: Final departure
*Note: Our itinerary are open to change subject to hotels and flight availability.