Overview
Dates: November 6–15, 2025
Join us on an unforgettable autumn journey through western Bhutan, culminating in the enchanting Black-Necked Crane Festival in the pristine Phobjikha Valley. Timed with the arrival of these revered birds from Tibet, the festival celebrates conservation, culture, and community through mask dances, local performances, and spiritual rituals at the 17th-century Gangtey Goempa. Along the way, you’ll explore ancient fortresses, mountain monasteries, alpine passes, and traditional villages. From the vibrant valleys of Paro and Punakha to the remote serenity of Gangtey, this itinerary offers a perfect blend of nature, culture, and celebration.
Trip Highlights
- Attend the Black-Necked Crane Festival at Gangtey Goempa on November 11
- Explore ancient dzongs and temples in Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha
- Hike to Bhutan’s legendary Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest)
- Cross panoramic high mountain passes like Dochula and Chelela
- Discover Phobjikha, the winter home of the endangered black-necked cranes
- Visit traditional villages, sacred chortens, and beautiful river valleys
Itinerary
Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you'll be welcomed by your guide and transferred to your hotel. After settling in, begin your Bhutanese journey with a visit to Ta Dzong, an old watchtower now housing the National Museum. Walk down to Rinpung Dzong, an impressive 17th-century fortress-monastery, and cross the traditional cantilever bridge of Nyame Zampa. Time permitting, stop by Dungtse Lhakhang, a unique chorten-shaped temple filled with ancient murals. Spend the evening at leisure, adjusting to the altitude and soaking in the serene surroundings of Paro.
Overnight in Paro.
Today begins with a scenic drive over Chelela Pass (3,988m), the highest motorable pass in Bhutan, offering breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and prayer-flag-lined ridges. Descend into the hidden valley of Haa to visit the sacred Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple) and Lhakhang Nagpo (Black Temple), followed by a short visit to Wangchulo Dzong. After lunch, continue your journey to Thimphu, the capital city, nestled in a broad river valley flanked by forested mountains. Arrive in time for a relaxed evening stroll around the city or a café stop before dinner.
Overnight in Thimphu.
Spend the day exploring the cultural and spiritual heart of Bhutan. Begin at the Memorial Chorten, a revered landmark where locals gather for daily prayers. Visit Changangkha Lhakhang, one of Thimphu’s oldest temples, perched on a ridge with panoramic views of the city. Continue to Buddha Dordenma, a massive gilded statue overlooking the valley, and stop by the nearby Zilukha Nunnery. In the afternoon, explore the Folk Heritage Museum and National Institute for Zorig Chusum (Arts & Crafts School) to gain insight into Bhutanese traditions. End the day with a view of Tashichho Dzong from outside, the fortress housing the king’s offices and monastic body.
Overnight in Thimphu.
Depart Thimphu and climb to Dochula Pass (3,050m), where 108 chortens stand in memory of Bhutanese soldiers. On clear days, you’ll glimpse the snow-capped Himalayan peaks. Descend into the fertile Punakha Valley and stop for a short hike through rice paddies to Chimi Lhakhang, the fertility temple dedicated to Drukpa Kunley, Bhutan’s Divine Madman. Later, visit Punakha Dzong, majestically located at the confluence of two rivers, and admire its exquisite woodwork and murals. If time permits, enjoy an optional hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten for sweeping views of the valley.
Overnight in Punakha.
Today’s drive winds through forests and traditional villages to reach the Phobjikha Valley, a glacial bowl and important habitat for the endangered black-necked cranes. On arrival, visit the Crane Information Centre to learn about local conservation efforts and then take a serene walk along the Gangtey Nature Trail, passing pine groves, potato fields, and traditional farmhouses. In the late afternoon, visit Gangtey Goempa, the spiritual heart of the valley and one of the oldest Nyingma monasteries in Bhutan. The peaceful atmosphere of Phobjikha makes it an ideal place to unwind before tomorrow’s festivities.
Overnight in Phobjikha.
Immerse yourself in the colorful celebration of the Black-Necked Crane Festival at the courtyard of Gangtey Goempa. This annual event coincides with the arrival of the majestic cranes from Tibet and is a vibrant expression of local culture and environmental stewardship. Enjoy masked dances, folk songs, and playful crane-themed skits performed by schoolchildren. The atmosphere is festive yet deeply reverent, with the surrounding valley providing a stunning natural backdrop. In the afternoon, you may visit nearby villages, interact with locals, or take another stroll along the quiet trails.
Overnight at Phobjikha
Bid farewell to Phobjikha and retrace your way westward. En route to Paro, stop at Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress in Bhutan, built in 1629. Continue to Paro and enjoy a relaxed evening exploring the town, visiting local handicraft shops, or resting up for tomorrow’s hike.
Overnight in Paro
After breakfast, embark on a rewarding hike to Taktsang Monastery, Bhutan’s most iconic landmark, dramatically perched on a cliffside 900 meters above the Paro Valley. This sacred site is believed to be where Guru Padmasambhava meditated in the 8th century. Pause at the halfway viewpoint for tea and stunning photographs before continuing to the monastery. After the descent, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples, and, if time allows, explore the reconstructed Drukgyal Dzong. For an optional cultural experience, enjoy a hot stone bath or visit a local farmhouse.
Overnight in Paro
Today is yours to enjoy at a slower pace. Take a short hike to Dzongdrakha Monastery, often referred to as the “Mini Taktsang,” or spend time browsing Paro’s boutique shops for traditional crafts, prayer flags, or Bhutanese textiles. You may also visit less-frequented sites like Ugyen Pelri Palace grounds or Pema Choling Shedra. End the day with a farewell dinner and reflection on the journey’s highlights.
After breakfast, your guide will escort you to Paro International Airport for your onward flight. As you take off above the green valleys and snow-capped peaks, carry with you the memory of Bhutan’s quiet beauty, sacred traditions, and the rare cranes that grace its skies each autumn.
Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- Accommodation at 3-star hotels/resorts (upgrade options available for an additional fee)
- Licensed English-speaking tour guide (limited other language guides available upon request for an additional fee)
- Three meals a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- Entry fees to museums, monasteries, and cultural sites
- All government taxes and service charges
- Driver and road transport for the entire tour
- Bhutan Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) – USD $100 per person per night (valid until December 2027)
- Bhutan visa fee (USD $40 per person)
Cost Excludes
- Flight fares
- Travel insurance (must be arranged by the traveler)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Personal expenses (e.g., shopping, souvenirs)
- Tips for guides and drivers
- Optional activities or excursions not mentioned in the itinerary
- Single room supplement charges (if applicable)
- Cost for any services or activities not mentioned in the "Cost Includes"
FAQs
All our tour packages include accommodation, meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), a licensed English-speaking guide, transport within Bhutan, entry fees to museums and monasteries, and all government taxes and service charges. For some packages, additional activities or upgrades may be available at extra costs.
Our packages do not include visa fees, international flights, travel insurance, alcohol, personal expenses, and any activities or services not mentioned in the itinerary.
Visa applications for Bhutan are processed through licensed tour operators. Once you book your tour, we will assist you with the visa application process. The visa will be granted once your payment is processed.
Yes, you can upgrade your accommodation for an additional fee. We offer a range of accommodations, including 3-star hotels and resorts. Please contact us for more details on accommodation upgrades.
We offer customizable options for most of our tours. If you have specific requests or would like to tailor your itinerary, please contact us, and we will work with you to create a personalized experience.
he hikes included in our tours, such as the hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, are moderate in difficulty. They require a reasonable level of fitness, but our guides are experienced and can pace the hike to suit the group’s comfort level. If you have concerns, please consult with us before booking.
Travel insurance is not mandatory for our tours; however, we strongly recommend that all guests arrange their own comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage. Please note that we do not provide travel insurance services.
We arrange flights to and from Paro International Airport. For flights beyond Paro, either before or after your tour, guests are responsible for making their own arrangements.
There are no age restrictions for our tours; however, at least one adult must be part of the group. While we welcome travelers of all ages, certain activities may have updated guidelines or recommendations. We advise checking with us regarding specific activities to ensure suitability for all participants.
Yes, visiting Bhutan during its vibrant festivals is highly recommended. You can explore our festival packages on our website or contact us directly for more information on festival dates and arrangements.
While Bhutan is gradually expanding its acceptance of credit and debit cards, cash is still recommended for smaller establishments and rural areas where card payments may not be feasible. Having some local currency (Ngultrum) on hand will ensure convenience for such transactions.
Bhutan has strict regulations regarding tobacco use and sales. The Tobacco Control Act of Bhutan 2010 prohibits the cultivation, manufacture, sale, and distribution of tobacco products within the country. However, individuals are allowed to import tobacco products for personal consumption, subject to payment of taxes and duties. It’s important to declare any tobacco products upon arrival and retain proof of payment for applicable taxes and duties. Smoking is prohibited in public places, including commercial centers, recreational areas, institutions, public transportation, and other designated non-smoking areas. Designated smoking areas are available in certain establishments. Please note that expenses related to tobacco consumption are not covered under our tour packages.
Meals will be traditional Bhutanese dishes, as well as international cuisine. If you have dietary restrictions or preferences, please inform us in advance so we can accommodate your needs.
Travel times vary depending on the destinations. On average, it can take between 3 to 6 hours by car for intercity transfers. Our tours are designed to ensure comfort during travel, with breaks along the way for scenic stops and refreshments.
Payments for tours are typically made through wire transfers. Once you book your tour, we will send you the payment details. Bookings are confirmed once the payment is received.
Wi-Fi is available in most hotels and accommodations, though it may be limited or slower in more remote areas. We recommend preparing for limited connectivity in certain regions.
We recommend comfortable clothing for sightseeing and hiking, sturdy shoes for walks, a hat and sunscreen for sun protection, and light layers for varying temperatures. A camera to capture the stunning landscapes is also a must!
Cancellations must be made in writing via email. Refunds will be processed based on the following schedule:
- 30 days or more before arrival: No charges.
- 21-29 days before arrival: 10% of the total tariff.
- 16-20 days before arrival: 15% of the total tariff.
- 15 days or less before arrival: No refund.
- After arrival in Bhutan: 100% of the total tariff.
No refunds will be provided for no-shows or unused services.
Yes, rescheduling is possible based on availability. Requests must be made at least 30 days before arrival to avoid cancellation fees. Additional charges may apply.
To cancel, please email us at info@phuentshok.com with your booking details. Cancellations are processed based on the date we receive your written request.
Eligible refunds are processed within 7-14 business days after confirmation. Refunds will be issued via the same method used for payment. It can take up to 30 days before you can see the amount in your bank account.
