(11th Sept – 13th September 2024)
Wangdue Phodrang is one of the largest Dzongkhags (districts) in the country. As the district covers 4,308 sq km and ranges from 800-5800 m in altitude it has extremely varied climatic conditions ranging from Sub-Tropical forests in the south to cool and snowy regions in the north.
One of the most notable sites in the district is Phobjikha Valley. This valley is the habitat of rare and endangered Black Necked Cranes that roost there during their annual migrations. The residents of the valley have garnered much acclaim for their conservation efforts to preserve the habitat of these beautiful birds. Every year the Black Necked Crane Festival is held in Phobjikha in order to protect and spread awareness of the cranes. The Festival includes songs, traditional dances and scared mask dances.Moreover, the school children also portrays play based on their beliefs and culture. This event is one of the most unique and popular festivals in the country.
TRAVEL ITINERARY
7 Nights/ 8 Days
Day 1: Paro sightseeing
Arrival in the Airport. The representative from Bhutan Everest Tours and Treks will greet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel. If time permit, you can visit Rinphung Dzong and Ta Dzong (the National Museum). Dinner and overnight stay in hotel in Paro.
Day 2: Paro to Thimphu.
After breakfast, take a hike towards Taktsang. Also known as the Tiger’s Nest. It is the most visited tourist destination in Bhutan. In the evening, drive towards Thimphu. Dinner and overnight stay in hotel in Thimphu.
Day 3: Thimphu sightseeing.
After breakfast, visit Kuensel Phodrang, where the largest statue of sitting Buddha is located overlooking the capital city of Thimphu. It will give you a panoramic view of the entire stretch of the city. Visit the Takin preservation center in Mothithang, on the way to Mothithang visit Changangkha Lhakhang. After lunch, visit Thimphu Memorial chorten and Centenary Park. Check into the hotel and rest for the day. Before dinner you are also welcome to explore some of the most famous tourist cafes around Thimphu and enjoy an evening show in the clock tower performed by local artists and singers.
Day 4: Thimphu to Punakha.
After an early breakfast, drive towards Punakha. Halt in Dochula pass for photography. Lunch will be served in Lobesa (Metsina), visit Royal Botanical Park in LamPelri. Upon arrival to Punakha, visit Chimi Lhakhang and the Punakha Dzong. Dinner and overnight at a hotel in Punakha.
Day 5: Wangduephodrang (festival day 1) to Phobjikha.
After breakfast, drive towards Wangduephodrang Dzong and attend the festival. After lunch drive towards Phobjikha valley. Dinner and overnight stay in hotel in Phobjikha.
Day 6: Phobjikha sightseeing.
After breakfast, visit Gangtey Lhakhang. You can also take up photography while you view the beautiful crane valley. Explore the valley of cranes and make once in a lifetime memory in the beautiful valley. Dinner and overnight stay in hotel in Phobjikha.
Day 7: Phobjikha to Thimphu
After an early breakfast, start your journey towards Thimphu. After lunch in Thimphu you can visit BBs Tower, Craft Bazaar where craftsmen and artisans from across the country display and sell their handicrafts and National Textile Museum. Dinner and overnight stay in hotel in Thimphu.
Day 8: After breakfast, drive towards the airport for your onward flight