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BLACK NECKED CRANE FESTIVAL TOURS

 

Every winter, the vast outstretched  valley of Phobjikha in central  Bhutan awaits the return of its feathered residents – the endangered

Blacked Necked Cranes. The cranes locally known as Thrung Thrung Karmowill arrive in late October from Tibet and Ladakh and stay

through mid-March every year, forming an intimate part of the winter scenery in the valley. The locals know them well, revered them

as a heavenly bird (lhab-bja) and integrated them into the local culture, tradition, and beliefs. The lhab-bja appears in many

Bhutanese’s folklores, songs, dances and historical references.

The  black-necked crane festival is an annual event  initiated by the local communities with assistance  from the Royal Society for

the Protection of Nature. It aims to raise awareness among the farmers and encourage low impact tourism and Eco-tours.

It’s a great way to boost local income and provide funds for the conservation programme.

In this unique dance festival, masked children, women and monks imitate the courtship dance of the sacred crane birds, jumping,

flapping, bowing or tossing grass. It’s a joyful event attended by many locals and a few tourists and includes music and song

alongside traditional displays of archery, the national sport.

 

 

                                                     

 

 

This 8-day trip  will not only allow you a chance to participate in the meaningful Black Necked Crane Festive to gain a better

understanding of the cranes and the conservation efforts, but also provide the opportunity to experience Bhutan in winter.

Day 1                     Arrive at Paro. Sightseeing, Overnight at a hotel in Paro.

                                                                               
Day 2                     Depart for Thimphu in the Morning, Sightseeing and cultural visit. Overnight in Thimphu

Day 3                     Proceed to Phobjikha valley where the festival takes place. Camping at Phobjikha.

                         
Day 4                     Witness and take part in the festival. Overnight at a hotel in Phobjikha.

Day 5                     Depart for Punakha. Sightseeing and cultural visit in Wangdue and Punakha. Overnight in Punakha.

Day 6                     Proceed to Thimphu. Sightseeing and cultural visit. Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 7                     Proceed to Thimphu. Excursion to Taktshang, (Tiger’s nest). Overnight in Paro.

Day 8                     Depart from Paro.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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