Black Necked Crane Festival

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Trip Facts

  • Destination:Bhutan
  • Trip Grade:Easy
  • Total Duration:11 Days
  • Best Time: November
  • Group Size:1-40 People

Trip Overview

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 of their daily lives during the winter months.

The annual black-necked crane festival is organized to generate awareness and understanding on the importance of conserving the endangered Black‐necked 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 program usually starts by 9:30 am and lasts till late afternoon.

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. The festival has become a part of the local culture in Phobjikha valley ever since it was first initiated by the RSPN in 1998.

 

Detail Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Paro – Thimphu.
Day 2: Thimphu.
Day 3: Thimphu – Punakha.
Day 4: Punakha – Gangtey / Phobjikha.
Day 5: Gangtey / Phobjikha.
Day 6: Gangtey / Phobjikha – Bumthang.
Day 7: Bumthang.
Day 8: Bumthang – Punakha.
Day 9: Punakha – Paro.
Day 10: Paro.
Day 11: Depart Paro.

Cost Includes

  • Airport pickup and drop.
  • It is private tour, will be accompanied by your personal guide and your driver with vehicle.
  • Camping Equipment and Haulage for Trekking Tours
  • Bottled mineral Water throughout your tour.
  • Accommodation in twin Sharing in 3 Star Hotel.(4 & 5 star may require an additional premium).
  • All meals (buffet system /include evening tea/snacks per pax each day).
  • All hotel tax & service charges.
  • Bhutan visa processing fee.
  • All inland travel permits.
  • Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB) Royalties and taxes.
  • Inland transfers by private car: SUV Vehicles (Toyota Prado / Hyundai Tucson / Hyundai Santa Fe / Toyota Sedans), Toyota Hiace, Toyota Coaster, Hyundai H1 – based on group strength.
  • Local sightseeing with entrance fees where applicable.
  • Services of an English speaking local guide.

Cost Excludes

  • Druk air flights [Please note that the cost of any domestic airfare for the guide must be paid by the clients/agents].
  • Travel insurance
  • Refreshment, any alcoholic/nonalcoholic beverages and any other personal expenses
  • Gratuities to guide, driver, trekking staff, etc
  • Other expenses of personal nature

Additional Info

Nestled in the inner Himalayas at about 3000 meters above sea level, Phobjikha is a wide alpine wetland valley that is considered the largest and the most significant wetland in the country. It is often cited for the harmonious co‐existence of its inhabitants with nature and the valley also holds great cultural significance. The valley is the most significant wintering ground of the rare and endangered Black‐necked cranes in Bhutan and has been protected since time immemorial by the local people’s traditional respect for all living beings. Every year, over 300 of the estimated 500 cranes that migrate to Bhutan spend their winter months in this valley. Additionally, the highly revered Gangtey Monastery that overlooks the wetlands surrounded by subsistence farms and natural forest areas makes Phobjikha a stunningly beautiful and sacred valley. Today, this glacial valley is an attraction not just to tourists but also pilgrims.

Besides being the home to the cranes, Phobjikha is also the livelihood base for about 5000 subsistence farmers who have aspirations for economic development. Since the early 1990s, the Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN), Bhutan’s only environmental NGO initiated an integrated conservation and development program with the sole objective of establishing a strong linkage between environmental conservation and economic welfare of the local people. This approach was instituted because the RSPN felt that an unguided pursuit for economic development by the local community could not only severely undermine the ecological significance of the area but may also adversely affect the local livelihoods.

The Annual Black-necked Crane festival is an integral part of the Ecotourism (now Community based-sustainable tourism) initiative to promote local economic welfare through nature-based tourism programs.

The success of the festival and its continuity depends entirely upon the support and contributions of the visitors and well-wishers of conservation. Continued appreciation and corresponding support are essential in maintaining strong linkages between conservation and economic welfare of the local people. By viewing and participating in the festival you reward the community for their continued conservation stewardship. Funds mobilized through the Black-necked crane festival and other activities of the committee are deposited in a community-owned bank account and managed by the committee for activities of common benefit to the community.

Majestic Himalayas, magnificent fortress and vibrant biodiversity greeted me the very moment i landed on the Bhutanese soil. My trip to Bhutan is a casket of memories that i will cherish in my life. My tour of Bhutan was supplemented with utmost hospitality and case by my agent.they took intensive care to arrange my lodging and my guide made sure to make me comfortable and worthwhile in an alien world.
Although Bhutan is progressing in her developmental tasks,the kind of love for their environment and culture was what took me aback.I visited different places like Thimphu, Paro and Punakha and everywhere I went, I was entertained by the beauty of the nature;green trees and tall mountains are always there by one's side to reassure that love of mother nature is always there for us.And one can feel that love,every time one breathes in,I could feel it.
There was something totally different in the air,I don't know how to describe it but it was rejuvenating. I was also enthralled to see the unique tradition and culture of Bhutan and I really liked their arts and crafts.I never knew there were so many subtle meanings behind every piece of art. To the eyes that are accustomed in seeing sky scrapers and metros.A visit to this country will make one realize what one is missing amidst head on civilization.
I will always be grateful to my agent,World Tour Plan and my guide for making my trip more than just a mere visit but a rich experience to cherish forever.It is a gift that I want to present my family with a next visit to this land of happiness.

Ethan,
Singapore

The tour has included most of the important landmarks to know about Bhutan and its culture in short period of time. I enjoyed my solo trip in Bhutan. My tour guide Chencho has excellent knowledge about Buddhism, the monasteries and the history of Bhutan. He was also very accommodating and responsible guide. The driver, Benzay kept the car clean and was also very pleasant and funny.

Aaron,
United States of America

Fantastic tour and exceptional guide and driver. Very knowledgeable and friendly. Both went out of their way to ensure our happiness and safety. When we got snowed in at Bumthang they did everything in the power to ensure we got back to Paro to meet our international connections.

Ronan,
Canada

I was planning a week trip to Bhutan and it was indeed blessing in disguise to come across this travel company "World Tour Plan". Upon reaching there i was received by the guide Chencho . The driver was helpful and his driving skills was smooth. i appreciate the knowledge,communication skills and insights of the guide,Chencho. the tour was well planned and the hospitality of the the people there was so wonderful and welcoming.
The scenic beauty of the country is immeasurably breathtaking. My trip to Bhutan planned by this company was a great start of the year.I would highly recommend World Tour Plan .Do avail their tour services you wont be disappointment !

Diego,
United Kingdom

Excellent tour with World Tour Plan! I had a fruitful holidays (11 days 10 nights). for the agency, the application procedure was really smooth with prompt replies. they are willing to discuss the itinerary to suit your needs for the tour guide named Chencho, he is responsible, knowledgeable and experienced, always put safety the first priority. After the tour, I could know more about Bhutan in different ways cultural and religious aspects - the Last Shangri La, and had a memorable time of course. this tour is highly recommended, particularly the tour guide Chencho.

Marco,
United States
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