Cranes of Phobjikha
Winter in the glacial Phobjikha valley, where endangered black-necked cranes arrive from the Tibetan plateau.
Every winter, black-necked cranes gather in the Phobjikha valley to feed on the marshy valley floor and roost at dusk. Two full days in the valley give you time for dawn departures, dusk returns and the quiet farm life in between.
Winter also brings the clearest mountain views of the year to Dochula.
Highlights
- Cranes at first and last light
- The Black-Necked Crane Visitor Centre
- Winter views from Dochula
- Farmhouse life in Phobjikha
Day by day
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Day 1
Arrive in Paro · drive to Thimphu
Meet your guide and drive to the capital.
Thimphu · Photo: Christopher J. Fynn, CC BY-SA 3.0 -
Day 2
Thimphu to Punakha
Winter panoramas from Dochula, then Punakha Dzong.
Dochula · Photo: David Broad, CC BY 3.0 -
Day 3
Punakha to Gangtey
Arrive in Phobjikha in time to photograph the cranes returning to roost.
Black-necked crane · Photo: Phuentsho, CC BY-SA 4.0 -
Day 4
Phobjikha
Photograph the cranes at first light from the viewing area near the visitor centre; afternoon at Gangtey Goenpa.
Phobjikha valley · Photo: Prof. Mortel, CC BY 2.0 -
Day 5
Phobjikha
Valley walks, farm life and a final dusk session with the cranes.
Gangtey Goenpa · Photo: Prof. Mortel, CC BY 2.0 -
Day 6
Gangtey to Paro
A long, scenic drive back west.
Paro valley · Photo: Christopher J. Fynn, CC BY-SA 4.0 -
Day 7
Depart
Transfer to Paro airport for your onward flight.
Paro International Airport · Photo: Vinayaraj, CC BY-SA 4.0
Included on this journey
More journeys
Spring Light: Dzongs & Jacaranda
Punakha Dzong framed in lilac jacaranda, rhododendrons on the passes and soft spring light, with time built in for every frame.
Peaks, Passes & Dzongs
Autumn's crystal skies for the great Himalayan panoramas and the monumental dzongs of the west and centre.
Village Life & Portraits
Slow, human photography: farmhouse kitchens, harvest in the paddies, archery matches and the faces of rural Bhutan.
Make it yours.
Tell us your dates and wishes, and we'll tailor this journey around you.
- Private & tailor-made
- Licensed by Bhutan’s Department of Tourism
- Every enquiry answered personally