Black Necked Crane Festival in Bhutan 2023

Your second day in Bhutan’s capital city starts with visits to several remarkable sites. In the morning, you will have the opportunity to explore the National Postal Museum, where you can create your own personalized Bhutanese stamps. Following that, you’ll visit the National Memorial Chorten, which was constructed in 1974 to honor the late His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Additionally, you’ll witness the world’s tallest sitting Buddha statue, towering at an impressive 51.5 meters, located at Kuensel Phodrang park. In the afternoon, your journey of cultural immersion continues with visits to Changangkha Lhakhang, the oldest temple in Thimphu valley, built in the 13th century by Lama Phajo Drugom Shigpo. You’ll also explore the Takin Preserve Center, where the national animal of Bhutan, the Takin, is believed to have been created by Drukpa Kuenley, the Divine Madman. Enjoy panoramic views from Sangay Gang Viewpoint and conclude your day with a visit to Dupthop Lhakhang, one of the few surviving nunneries in Bhutan. You’ll have the evening free to explore the town for shopping and photography, and you’ll return to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Your journey continues as you depart for Gangtey, a destination known for its breathtaking beauty. En route, you’ll have the opportunity to visit Dochula Pass, famous for its 108 stupas and commanding views of the Himalayan mountain ranges. Additionally, you’ll explore Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, originally constructed in 1638 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, although it was unfortunately destroyed by fire in 2012, with restoration work nearly completed. Upon reaching Gangtey, you’ll visit Gangtey Gompa Monastery and the Black Necked Crane Information Center. The evening allows you to immerse yourself in the picturesque Phobjikha valley. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at your hotel.

The morning brings anticipation as you drive to Gangtey Gompa to witness the captivating Black Necked Crane Festival of 2023, a mesmerizing half-day event. In the afternoon, your journey continues to Punakha, where you will visit Punakha Dzong, a historical fortress constructed in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. This Dzong also serves as the winter residence of Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot of Bhutan. Your evening stroll takes you across the longest suspension bridge of its kind in Bhutan, spanning the Pho Chu River, offering spectacular views. You will then return to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

The morning adventure begins with a hike to Khamsum Yulley Monastery, followed by a visit to Chimi Lhakhang, a temple built in 1499 to honor Lama Drukpa Kuenley, affectionately known as the Divine Madman of Bhutan. This temple, often referred to as “the Temple of Fertility,” is visited by childless couples from across the country to offer prayers and seek blessings, making it a highlight of honeymoon experiences in Bhutan. In the afternoon, your journey includes visits to Ta Dzong, the national museum of Bhutan, and Rinpung Dzong, constructed in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, serving as the administrative center of Paro district. The evening offers free time for shopping and photography in the town. You’ll return to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

The morning brings a thrilling adventure as you embark on a hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, also known as Paro Taktsang, a sacred site built in 1684 by Gyaltse Tenzin Rabgay. In the afternoon, you will visit Drugyal Dzong, constructed in 1647 by the great Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Your journey continues with a visit to Kichu Lhakhang, a historic temple built in 659 A.D. by the Tibetan King, Srongtsen Gampo. You’ll then return to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

After breakfast, it’s time to say farewell to Bhutan. You will be driven to the airport, marking the end of your remarkable journey and the Black Necked Crane Festival tour.