The Black-Necked Crane Festival is organised to raise awareness and promote understanding about the criticality of conserving the endangered Black-Necked Cranes. This captivating festival features a variety of cultural programs. It also includes engaging folk songs and dances, some of which revolve around the theme of black-necked cranes.
Every year on November 11th, Gangtey Valley hosts the Crane Festival. The courtyard of Gangtey Goenpa in Phobjikha Valley celebrates the annual Black-Necked Crane festival. The festival is an occasion for the locals to rejoice and celebrate the arrival of this endangered bird. The majestic bird becomes an inseparable part of their daily lives during winter. The organisers hold the annual Festival to raise awareness and understanding of the importance of conserving the endangered black-necked cranes.
The program includes folk songs and dances (some with black-necked crane themes), mask dances performed by the local people. Crane dances, environmental conservation-themed dramas, and songs by school children. Also, check out another festival in Bhutan where you can combine your tour.
Black-Necked Crane Festival Information
- Duration: 5 Nights and 6 Days
- Altitude: Maximum 2850m while crossing Dochula Pass.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Season and Dates: Autumn season from 11th November 2026
- Festival: One of the unique and amazing festivals of the rare Bird.
- Main Destination: Thimphu, Paro, Punakha, and Phobjikha.
- Major Highlight: Mask Dance, dance by locals and Bird protection session.
- Venue: Phobjikha Valley
Trip Outline of Crane Festival
- Day 01: Arrive at Paro and drive to Thimphu. Distance 60KM | Driving Time 1 Hour | Altitude 2400M.
- Day 02: Thimphu to Punakha via Dochula Pass. Distance 72.8KM | Driving Time 2 Hours 5 Minutes | Altitude 1200M.
- Day 03: Punakha to Phobjikha and attend the Black-Necked Crane Festival. Distance 78.3 KM | Driving Time 2 Hours 26 Minutes | Altitude 3000M.
- Day 04: Phojikha to Paro. Distance 171KM | Driving Time 4 Hours 35 Minutes | Altitude 2300M.
- Day 05: Tiger Nest Hike. Distance 15 KM | Walking Time 4 Hours | Altitude 3120M.
- Day 06: Drop to Airport and departure. Altitude 2300M.
Crane Festival Tour Information
- Booking Process: Always book through a registered tour company
- Visa: A Bhutan Visa is a must for all travellers except for Indian and Bangladeshi nationals
- Crane Festival Tour Cost: Starts from USD 1590 Per Person
- Documents Required: A passport and a photo are required for a Bhutan Visa
- Festival Attire: Descent cloth or will provide you with traditional attire.
Why Book the Black-Necked Crane Festival Tour with Us?
- Department of Tourism have authorised us to handle the tour.
- Highly recommended by TripAdvisor.
- 24/7 Customer service.
- No hidden cost.
- Quality over quantity.
Black Necked Crane Festival Overview
The Crane Festival Trip Facts
Places of Attraction: Besides the festival, you can also visit places like Zorig Chusum the 13th Arts and Craft School, explore the 7 Days Bhutan Tour and experience the remote Tashigang Festival
Similar Tours and Trekking
Black Necked Crane Festival Highlights
- Enjoy the Black Necked Crane Festival in the beautiful valley of Phobjikha.
- Enjoy the Mountain flights.
- Discover the century-old tradition and Culture of Bhutan.
- Visit the historical Dzongs and monasteries.



















































