Essential Bhutan & Black Necked Crane Festival

Bhutan

Discover Bhutan's highlights and rare black-necked cranes

11 days £3,295 pp (was £3,495 pp) This is the per person group tour price, based on 2 sharing. The price is subject to change with exchange rate and flight cost fluctuations.
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Intro, Dates & Prices

Intro

Embark on a captivating journey through Bhutan, immersing yourself in its vibrant Buddhist culture and picturesque mountain landscapes. Arrive in Paro, either by flight or overland from India, and proceed to the enchanting capital, Thimphu, where a multitude of cultural wonders awaits. Explore the wilderness of Phobjika Valley in Gangtey, and attend the colourful Black-Necked Crane Festival, held in honour of these majestic birds' migration from Tibet. Continue your expedition to the dramatic valleys of Bumthang in central Bhutan, engaging in rural walks and village visits. As you journey eastward, witness the stunning landscapes and cultural richness that characterize this region. Begin your return journey, passing through Trongsa to reach Punakha, home to one of Bhutan's most striking dzongs. Take a memorable stroll through paddy fields to reach the enlightening Temple of Fertility. Conclude your adventure in Paro, where you can visit the ancient Kyichu Lhakang temple dating back to the 7th century. Cap off your exploration with a hike to the iconic Tiger's Nest monastery, creating lasting memories of Bhutan's unparalleled beauty and cultural treasures.

TIP: extend your trip and exit by road into West Bengal in India, or fly out to Nepal and experience the charm of Kathmandu.

**There are no direct flights into Bhutan and the best connections are via India or Nepal. You will require a visa for India or Nepal regardless if you exit the airport as you will still have to clear customs and check-in again.**

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

  • Sacred sites in Paro valley
  • Bhutanese art & culture in museums of Thimphu
  • Rural walks in remote valleys and mountain passes
  • Discover rich Buddhist culture – dzongs, monasteries & welcoming monks
  • Enjoy the Black Necked Crane Festival
  • Explore Bumthang's valleys by foot
  • Visit the Temple of Fertility in Punakha
  • Hike up to the iconic Tiger's Nest monastery

Places Visited

Thimphu - Paro - Gangtey - Dochula Pass - Phobjikha valley - Bumthang - Punakha

What's Included

Bhutan visa
Arrival & departure transfers
Ground transport with driver
Accommodation
Meals on full board basis
Escorted English-speaking guide
Entrance fees to sites & parks

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Itinerary
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Day 1 : Arrival

On arrival in Paro, you will be met by a Travel the Unknown representative and transferred to Thimphu. On arrival in Thimphu check-in to your hotel, before an evening guided walk around Thimphu Main Street and market area.

Return to your hotel for dinner.  

Overnight in City Hotel, Thimphu

Meal plan: Dinner

Thimphu is the capital of Bhutan and its governmental, religious and commercial centre.  It is nestled in the Wang Chuu river valley and is abundant in natural splendour, wildlife and culture.  Thimphu is a very unique city with an unusual mixture of modern developments alongside ancient traditions. With a population of about 100,000 people, it is perhaps the world’s only capital city without traffic lights. In fact, there are no traffic lights in the whole of the country. Here, policemen stand in decorated pavilions in the main intersections and direct traffic using hand gestures in a conscious effort to save their culture from modern influences. Every building is still decorated with Dzong-style features and Buddhism influences every part of daily life. There is a variety of cafes, bars, nightclubs and restaurants, and Thimphu is one of the few places in Bhutan to have ATM machines. Altitude: 2,320m.

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Day 2 : Thimphu

All day sightseeing in one of the world's most alluring and enigmatic capitals. Thimphu's small stature, scenic backdrop, and philosophy of spiritual fulfillment over cash and consumerism makes it a wonderful choice for a day at large discovering another side to urban life.

In the morning head into Thimphu Valley, where we've lined up visits to the Buddha Point, Changangkha Lhakang and the lively weekend market.

In the afternoon, change tack and go to a 500 year-old monastery called Pangri Zampa, the Buddhist monastery of Tashichho Dzong on the west bank of the Wang Chu. End at  the King's Memorial Chorten in the town centre, before returing to your hotel for relax and dine in. 

Overnight in City Hotel, Thimphu

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

The Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang) is located on a hill in Kuenselphodrang Nature Park, overlooking the southern entrance to Thimphu Valley. Sitting atop the hill is one of the largest Buddha statues in the world, standing at a height of 51.5 metres and made of bronze, gilded in gold and studded with semi-precious stones. 100,000 smaller Buddha statues are hidden within the body, while 25,000 sit along the walls of the meditation halls inside the statue's throne. The creation of the statue symbolises the fulfillment of the Buddhist prophecy to bestow blessings and emanate universal peace and happiness to the world.  

The King's Memorial Chorten is commonly called the 'most visible religious landmark in Bhutan'. It is continuously circled by people in clockwise direction who murmur mantras and spin large red prayer wheels, as is custom in all Bhutanese religious structures. This landmark was constructed in honor of Bhutan's third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk ('the father of modern Bhutan'). Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, the monument is dedicated to world peace and prosperity, as well as a memorial to the king. 

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Day 3 : Thimphu - Gangtey

Before setting off for Gangtey, visit the Textile Museum and the Simply Bhutan open-air living museum. Afterwards drive to Gangtey, en-route visiting the heady heights of the Dochla Pass (at an altitude of 3080m). On arrival in Gangtey, check-in to your hotel before an afternoon walk around Gangtey village. Return to your hotel to rest before dining in-house. 

Overnight in Hotel Dewachan, Gangtey

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

The Gangtey valley is one of the most beautiful spots in Bhutan. Finding such a large flat valley without any trees after climbing through thick forest is extremely rare in Bhutan. Altitude: 3,000m.

Dochula Pass is located on the way from Thimphu to Punakha. The pass is a popular location as it offers a stunning 360 degree panoramic view of the Himalayan mountain range. The view is especially scenic on clear, winter days, with snowcapped mountains forming a majestic backdrop to the tranquility of the 108 chortens gracing the mountain pass. Known as the Druk Wangyal Chortens - the construction of these 108 chortens was commissioned by the eldest Queen Mother, Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk. The pass is also popular spiritual destination for both locals and tourists because an important temple is located at the crest of Dochula pass. 

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Day 4 : Black Necked Crane Festival in Gangtey

Spend half a day experiencing the Black-Necked Crane festival at the Gangtey Gompa. The festival celebrates the arrival of the rare black-necked cranes to this region from Tibet. Join the local people at the gompa in the morning to witness the colourful masked dances and festivities. Afterwards, rest of the day is free at leisure to walk around Phobjika valley to see the birds at close quarter. 

Overnight in Hotel Dewachan, Gangtey

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

The Black Necked Crane Festival (Autumn departure only) celebrates the arrival of the endangered birds to Bhutan, where they spend their winters, from the Tibetan Plateau, where they breed. The festival creates awareness of these majestic birds and stresses the importance of their conservation. Celebrations include themed folk songs, masked dances, short plays and singing school children.

​Phobjikha valley is a glacial valley on the western slopes of the Black Mountains.The valley is a designated conservation area and plays host to a flock of endangered black-necked cranes, which migrate here from Tibet each winter. Phobjikha falls under the Wangduephodrang district and lies on the periphery of the Black Mountain National Park. The valley boasts two beautiful meandering rivers, the Nakay Chhu (blackwater) and the Gay Chhu (whitewater). Altitude: 2,900m. 

Gangtey Gompa is the only Nyingmapa monastery on the western side of the Black Mountain’s Gangtey valley and is also the biggest Nyingmapa monastery in Bhutan. It is perched on a small hill that rises from the valley floor. The monastery is surrounded by a large village inhabited by the families of the 140 Gomchens who take care of the monastery. Gangtey was founded in 1613 by Pema Trinley, the grandson of Pema Lingpa, the famous Nyingmapa saint of Bhutan. Pema Lingpa's religious traditions are still taught there. In later years, the monastery was enlarged and rebuilt in the form of a dzong.

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Day 5 : Gangtey - Bumthang

After breakfast we set off to Bumthang, heading up and up until crossing the Pele-la pass at 3300m above sea level. Descend the pass, stopping off for lunch in Trongsa and visit both the Trongsa Dzong and Ta Dzong.

This afternoon, continue your journey onward to Bumthang, ascending yet another high mountain pass, the Yutong-la, at 3400m above sea level.

Breathe again in the beautiful Bumthang Highlands where you'll check in to your resort and look forward to dinner. 

Overnight in Bhutan Mountain Resort , Bumthang

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Pele La Pass is the traditional boundary between the east and the west. The pass is marked by large white chorten prayer flags and there is an abrupt change in vegetation at this point, where mountain forest is replaced by dwarf bamboo. Altitude: 3,300m.

The Trongsa Dzong sits overlooking the Mangdechhu River. It was founded by Yingzin Ngagi Wangchuk, a descendant of Ngawang Chogyal and a revered follower of Kuenkhen Pema Karpo. In 1541, he meditated at the village of Yueli in Trongsa, a few kilometers away from the present Dzong. During the meditation, he saw a lit butter lamp below the  Goenkhang  ridge, which houses the guardian deities Palden Lhamo (Mahakali) and Yeshey Goenpo (Mahakali). Considering the place to be sacred, he built mediation quarters. Once during his meditation in the new quarter, the deity Palden Lhamo appeared and prophesied that this place would play an important role in spreading Buddhist teachings. After this incident, Yingzin Ngagi Wangchuk constructed a small temple and named it Mondrupley. Over the years, his disciples built many smaller meditation centers near the Mondrupley temple, which soon began to resemble a small village. The people of Yueli named this new village Trong-sar (new village).

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Day 6 : Bumthang

Whole day dedicated to explorations in this heavenly highland region. Kick off with a tour of the Bumthang Valley. Actually comprising four distinct valleys - Chumney, Choekhor, Tang and Ura - this seldom-visited gem in the geographical heart of the kingdom simply oozes timeless charm.

Today’s sightseeing includes visit to ancient temples of Jambay Lhakhang, Kurje Lhakhang & Tamshing Lhakhang. Later visit Jakar Dzong, the fortress which also serves as the administrative centre of the district. End on a high note with a special visit to the Bumthang Brewery & Swiss Cheese Factory.

Return to hotel to dine in.                                             

Overnight in Bhutan Mountain Resort , Bumthang

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

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Day 7 : Bumthang - Punakha

Today is a travel day. After breakfast, leave Bumthang on a lengthy but scenic drive to the Punakha Valley. On arrival in the old capital, Punakha, proceed to your hillside hotel. Settle in and enjoy the panoramic beauty of the valley surroundings. Dine in-house. 

Overnight in Four Boutique, Punakha

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

The Punakha valley has a pleasant climate with warm winters and hot summers. Owing to the favourable climatic conditions, rice grows very well in this region and is the main cash crop cultivated here. Altitude: 1,300m.

Located in central Bhutan, Bumthang is considered the spiritual heartland of Bhutan. This district is dotted with many temples and monasteries, among which are some of the oldest Buddhist temples and monasteries. This beautiful valley of buckwheat and apples has a mysterious history as an abode of gods and is one of the richest cultural places in the country.

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Day 8 : Punakha

Explore this heavenly river valley, starting after breakfast at the Punakha Dzong, a 17th century fortress at the confluence of the Pho and Mo Chhu rivers. Next to Chimi Lhakhang, a hilltop monastery founded in 1499. Enjoy lunch followed by a vigorous stroll through the rice and chilli fields running alongside the Mo Chhu, up to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a stupa of superstitious origins that commands a stunning view over the Punakha Valley.

Return to your hotel before dark. Dine in. 

Check in to your Paro hotel. Remainder of the evening at leisure with dinner included.  

Overnight in Four Boutique, Punakha

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

The majestic Punakha Dzong, known as the Palace of Great Happiness, used to serve as Bhutan's religious and administrative centre until the 1950s. The inside courtyards and religious statuary hint at a deep historical and spiritual tradition. It is quite large, 
measuring over 180m long by 70m wide and has a six-story, gold-domed tower. The dzong sits at the junction of the Pho chhu and Mo chhu rivers and was built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, a Tibetan Buddhist lama. Arguably the most beautiful dzong in Bhutan, it was the second to be ever built in the country. Bhutan's most treasured possession, the Rangjung ('Self-Created') Kharsapani image of Chenresig is kept here, but is closed to the public.  

The Chimi Lhakhang temple is commonly known as the Temple of Fertility. It sits on a hillock in the centre of the valley, a site that was blessed by the 'Divine Madman'. This is the maverick saint Drukpa Kuenleyis that was famously obsessed with his 'magic thunderbolt of wisdom'. Therefore it is not unusual to see phalluses (symbol of fertility) painted on the outside of houses! It is widely believed that if couples who do not have children pray at this temple, they are blessed with a child very soon. Besides its fertility blessings, the temple also works to fulfill other religious needs. The trail to the temple leads across rice fields through the tiny settlement of Pana, which means ‘field’. A walk through this village will give you a rare glimpse into the daily life of the Bhutanese.

The Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten was built on a ridge above Punakha valley and took around nine years to build. It is said that the Bhutanese craftsmen consulted Holy Scriptures to construct this 4 storey temple. The temple was built by Her Majesty, the Queen Mother Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck.

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Day 9 : Punakha - Paro

The journey continues this morning to Paro, visiting Simtokha Dzong en-route. On arrival in Paro, check-in to your hotel. This afternoon, visit Ta Dzong, and stroll down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong.

Return to hotel and enjoy dinner. 

Overnight in Hotel Olathang, Paro

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Overlooking Thimphu Valley, the Simtokha Dzong is the oldest dzong to have survived a series of attacks as a completed structure. According to legend, the building was created to subdue a demon that was harassing travelers to the area. When the evil spirit vanished into a nearby rock, the dzong was built upon it to enclose and guard the demon. As a result, the dzong gained its name, literally translating to "atop a demon".

The Ta Dzong was originally built to be a watchtower, but it now houses the National Museum. Its extensive collection includes antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons, armour, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts.

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Day 10 : Paro

Lace up your boots for an excursion to Taktshang Monastery, also known as the Tiger's Nest. Getting there involves sturdy effort, so let us know beforehand if you've any problems with mobility.

After lunch we proceed to the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, followed by a visit to Kyichu Lhakhang in the evening. Overnight in Paro. 

Overnight in Hotel Olathang, Paro

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Also known as the Tiger’s Nest, the Taktshang Monastery is perhaps the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries and is perched precariously on the side of a cliff, 900m above the Paro Valley. It is said that Guru Rinpoche, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism and the Buddha of our time, came here on the back of a tigress to meditate, hence the name. This site has been recognised as a most sacred place and was even visited by the Tibetan Buddhist Lama, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, in 1646. All Bhutanese people visit this monastery at least once in their lifetime. On 19 April 1998, a fire severely damaged the main structure of building, but it has now been restored to its original splendour. 

The hike to the monastery is a 2-2.5 hour strenuous walk uphill. This can be broken down into three stages and a donkey can be used to ride up to two-thirds of the way. The first stage is trekking to the  rocky outcrop across a ravine from the monastery, which takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes. Lunch will be served here later today.  The second stage is walking from the cafeteria to the lookout opposite the monastery, which takes close to one hour. The third stage is climbing down 475 steps in the cliff face to the bottom of the ravine, crossing over a stream and waterfall and climbing up another 300 steps to the entrance of the monastery. You will spend up to an hour here and view the cave where Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal meditated. 

Cameras are not allowed inside the monastery. 

It was in the Ruins of the Drukgyal Dzong that the Bhutanese finally defeated the invading Tibetans and drove them back. The peak of Jumolhari ‘Mountain of the Goddess’ can be seen on a clear day from here (7,329 mts/24,029 ft.).

The Kyichu Lhakhang temple complex consists of three temples. The first was built in 1652 on the site of the Guru Rinpoche's meditation in the 8th century. The second was built on the site of a cave that contains a most holy rock with the imprint of the Guru's body. The third temple was built in the 1990s by Ashi Kesang, the Queen Mother of the royal family. The three temples are surrounded by a wall that is made of 108 chortens (shrines).

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Day 11 : Paro - Departure

At an appropriate time, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home, or maybe onward to new pastures. 

Meal plan: Breakfast

Accommodation

Accommodation

All accommodation subject to availability. Final accommodation choices will be confirmed after booking.

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City Hotel

Thimphu (2 nights)

Situated in Thimphu, City Hotel, Thimphu has a bar, a garden and a terrace. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk and room service, along with free WiFi. 

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Hotel Dewachan

Gangtey (2 nights)

Hotel Dewachan is located the edge of the stunning Black Mountains National Park is the Dewachen built in traditional style. Both the rooms (16 in total) and the cosy restaurant look out across the farm and Phobjikha valley.

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Bhutan Mountain Resort

Bumthang (2 nights)

A beautiful mountain lodge in the Bumthang Highlands equipped with everything you could as for at these giddy heights. Wonderful kitchen serving up an appetising array of dishes, hospitable family-run management, healing baths, warm, dry & comfortable, and all set within nature's own little nirvana. 

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Four Boutique

Punakha (2 nights)

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Hotel Olathang

Paro (2 nights)


Hotel Olathang enjoys a prime position on a hill amidst 28 acres of beautiful blue pine forests. Built over 40 years ago to accommodate the guests at the coronation of the 4th King of Bhutan, the heritage design lends the hotel a unique Bhutanese feel. The hotel features a multi-cuisine restaurant and a spa. Guest rooms are spacious and comfortable, with views over the Paro Valley.


Visit hotel's site
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Reviews

Our trip was the perfect combination of an amazing itinerary, friendly and knowledgeable local guide/driver, lovely accommodation, good food and small group travel which enhanced the travel experience. We were a small group of five and overall it surpassed my expectations. I felt the trip was organised extremely well and I personally enjoyed the whole experience from start to finish and I have also made some very nice friends. I would not hesitate to book with Travel the Unknown again.

Diane , Essential Bhutan & Black Necked Crane Festival

I traveled solo with Travel The Unknown to Bhutan, the trip was very well planned and managed. Accommodation was top class for the region and the local guide and driver made me feel at home at all stages. I enjoyed being introduced to the local people and trying to understand their culture.

Tom Gallery , Tailormade Bhutan

Travel the Unknown and its in-country counterparts in both India and Bhutan were outstanding. The guides were experts on our destinations, friendly and personable, and tried their best to meet all our requests not on the itinerary. Received several calls throughout the trip asking about the tours and if we needed anything. Can't ask for more than that. All hotels and services were excellent I will definitely be traveling with Travel the Unknown again..

Richard Reilly (USA) , Classic Bhutan & Assam Cruise, India & Bhutan

From first to last, Travel the Unknown really excelled themselves. Everything connected with the trip went smoothly from the advice given by the sales department to the support provided by the local staff once in Bhutan. The itinerary which covered the little visited eastern part of the country as well as the better known west, was well planned and included a good mix of the scenic and the cultural. As repeat business is performance related, I will definitely be booking further trips with them!

Marissa Hart , Best of Bhutan
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