BLACK NECKED CRANE FESTIVAL

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OFFBEAT ADVENTURE BHUTAN
Duration
7N/8D
Starting Point
Bagdogra Airport
Ending Point
Bagdogra Airport
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Experience the Magic of Bhutan: Black Necked Crane Festival

Be part of one of Bhutan’s most treasured cultural celebrations — the Black Necked Crane Festival, held in the breathtaking Phobjikha Valley.

Witness colourful traditional mask dances, folk performances, local artisan displays, and community celebrations dedicated to the revered Black-Necked Cranes that migrate to Bhutan every winter. This special festival offers a rare opportunity to experience Bhutanese culture, heritage, and traditions in a deeply meaningful way.

Over 4000+ travelers have already explored Bhutan with us, helping TripKarado earn a 4.9 Google rating. Their trust inspires us to create journeys that feel personal, seamless, and truly memorable.

Your unforgettable journey to the Kingdom of Happiness begins here.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

Stays & Meals

Enjoy a comfortable 7-night stay in certified 3-star hotels, with daily breakfast and dinner included throughout the journey.

Warm Welcome Experience

Begin your Bhutan trip with a special welcome cake and traditional Bhutanese wine, followed by an interactive ice-breaking session to help everyone connect. After dinner, enjoy a lively Karaoke Night and fun group bonding at Samsara Club.

Explore Phobjikha Valley

Discover the peaceful beauty of Phobjikha Valley, one of Bhutan’s most scenic and untouched landscapes. Walk along the famous Gangtey Nature Trail and enjoy the calm charm of the Himalayan wilderness.

Clubbing in Bhutan – Day 1

Join the optional Friday/Saturday Disco Night at Lions Club, Phuentsholing. Participation is completely optional, and the entry fee is payable directly by each traveler.

Entry Fee: ₹300/- per person

Complimentary Perks

Travelers will receive a local SIM card and daily drinking water for added comfort and convenience throughout the trip.

Tiger’s Nest Hike

Complete Bhutan’s most iconic trek and receive your Certificate of Achievement as a memorable reward.

Optional Paro Helicopter Ride

You may choose to experience a scenic helicopter ride over Paro Valley, one of Bhutan’s most breathtaking aerial experiences.

Cost: ₹12,500 per ride for six members, shared among participants.

Tour Plan

Day 1

Bagdogra → Phuentsholing

Duration
150.8 km
Distance
4–5 Hours


Your Bhutan adventure begins as soon as you arrive at Bagdogra Airport. From here, we’ll drive towards Jaigaon, the final Indian town before crossing into Bhutan.

After completing the immigration formalities at the Pedestrian Terminal, our team will assist you with a smooth entry into Phuentsholing, your first destination in the Kingdom of Bhutan.

Once you’ve checked into your hotel, take some time to unwind. If you wish, you can enjoy a leisurely walk to Zangtopelri Lhakhang, a peaceful Buddhist temple located in the heart of the town.

In the evening, we’ll welcome you with a celebratory cake and traditional Bhutanese wine. This will be followed by an interactive introduction session, giving everyone an opportunity to get acquainted before beginning the journey together.

Later, those interested can join the group for an optional Disco Night at Lions Club, Phuentsholing.

Entry Fee: ₹300/- per person (payable directly at the venue).

Overnight Stay: Phuentsholing

Meals Included: Dinner

Recommended Café

Visit Kizom Café, one of the town’s most popular places to relax and unwind.

Day 2

Scenic Himalayan Drive → Thimphu

Duration
145 km
Distance
5–6 Hours


After breakfast, get ready for one of the most scenic drives of your Bhutan journey as we travel towards Thimphu, Bhutan’s charming capital city.

Once immigration formalities are completed, we’ll continue through picturesque mountain roads with several memorable stops along the way.

Gedu Stupa

Pause at the peaceful Eight Dharma Kaya Stupa, a beautiful hilltop location offering magnificent mountain views and a calm atmosphere.

Lunch Break

Enjoy a relaxing lunch while surrounded by Bhutan’s peaceful countryside before continuing your drive.

Wangkha Waterfalls

Take a refreshing break at the beautiful Wangkha Waterfalls, a perfect place to stretch your legs and capture some wonderful photographs.

Chuzom

Visit the spectacular confluence where the Paro and Thimphu Rivers meet, beautifully marked by traditional Bhutanese chortens.

Arrival in Thimphu

After reaching the capital city, spend some free time exploring the lively Clock Tower Square and nearby streets at your own pace.

Overnight Stay: Thimphu

Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

Evening Recommendation

If you’d like to experience Thimphu after sunset, you may visit Avenue 28 Club, located within walking distance of the hotel. Enjoy live music, great company, and a relaxed evening with fellow travelers.

Day 3

Thimphu Cultural Discovery



Travel: Local Sightseeing Around Thimphu

After breakfast, spend the day exploring the cultural and historical attractions of Bhutan’s vibrant capital city.

National Memorial Chorten

Drive past the iconic National Memorial Chorten, one of Thimphu’s most visited and respected landmarks.

Takin Preservation Centre

Visit the conservation centre dedicated to Bhutan’s national animal—the unique Takin, a rare Himalayan species found only in this region.

Simply Bhutan

Experience Bhutanese traditions firsthand at Simply Bhutan, a living museum where you can explore authentic architecture, local cuisine, handicrafts, archery, and cultural performances.

Buddha Dordenma

Continue to the magnificent Buddha Dordenma, one of the world’s tallest seated Buddha statues. Located atop Kuensel Phodrang Hill, it offers breathtaking panoramic views of the entire Thimphu Valley.

Thangthong Dewachen Nunnery

Visit this peaceful hilltop monastery managed by Buddhist nuns, offering a unique opportunity to learn about Bhutan’s female monastic community.

Changyul Park

Spend some time at Changyul Park, a peaceful public park where locals gather for walks, casual games, and everyday social interactions, providing a glimpse into local life.

Authentic Craft Bazaar

Browse beautifully handcrafted Bhutanese products created by skilled artisans from across the country, making it an excellent place to shop for souvenirs.

Overnight Stay: Thimphu

Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 4

Thimphu → Phobjikha Valley

Duration
129.6 km
Distance
3 Hrs 38mins


After breakfast, check out from your hotel and begin today’s picturesque drive towards the beautiful Phobjikha Valley, one of Bhutan’s most breathtaking high-altitude valleys.

Dochula Pass (3,988 m)

Our journey begins with a stop at the spectacular Dochula Pass, home to the famous 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens. On a clear day, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Bhutan’s snow-covered Himalayan peaks.

Spend some time exploring the area, taking photographs, and soaking in the peaceful mountain atmosphere before continuing the drive.

Scenic Drive Through the Himalayas

As we descend towards Phobjikha, enjoy one of Bhutan’s most beautiful road journeys, passing through dense pine forests, charming villages, rolling hills, and scenic mountain landscapes.

Arrival at Phobjikha Valley

Welcome to the stunning Phobjikha Valley, a glacial valley celebrated for its untouched beauty, tranquil surroundings, and traditional Bhutanese villages.

Gangtey Nature Trail

Later, enjoy a leisurely walk along the famous Gangtey Nature Trail, one of Bhutan’s most scenic walking routes. Surrounded by pine forests, open meadows, and panoramic valley views, it’s the perfect place to appreciate the peaceful charm of Phobjikha.

Overnight Stay: Phobjikha

Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 5

Phobjikha Valley → Punakha

Duration
78kms
Distance
2 Hrs 30mins


Wake up amidst the peaceful surroundings of Phobjikha Valley and get ready to experience one of Bhutan’s most unique cultural celebrations.

Today you’ll attend the Black Necked Crane Festival, held every year at GangteyMonastery to honour the arrival of the endangered Black-Necked Cranes that migrate to Phobjikha during winter.

The festival showcases vibrant cultural performances, traditional mask dances, folk music, educational programs, and community celebrations dedicated to conserving these graceful birds and protecting Bhutan’s natural heritage.

Gangtey Monastery

Spend some time exploring the beautiful Gangtey Monastery, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most important monasteries, offering spectacular views across the valley.

Black Necked Crane Information Centre

Visit the Black Necked Crane Information Centre, where you’ll learn about the migration patterns, conservation initiatives, and ecological importance of these magnificent birds through informative exhibits and observation points.

Scenic Drive to Punakha

After the festival celebrations, begin your drive towards Punakha, enjoying another scenic Himalayan journey before checking into your hotel.

Overnight Stay: Punakha

Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 6

Scenic Escape – Punakha → Paro

Duration
114.8 km
Distance
3 Hours


After a satisfying breakfast, pack your luggage and get ready for a beautiful journey from Punakha to Paro.

Punakha Dzong

Visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, also known as the “Palace of Great Happiness.” Considered one of Bhutan’s most picturesque ancient fortresses, it is connected to the mainland by an arched wooden bridge and holds many precious relics from the time when Punakha served as the royal capital.

Paro Airport Viewpoint

Next, visit the Paro Airport Viewpoint, where you can enjoy panoramic views of one of the world’s most scenic airports, beautifully nestled among green hills and the surrounding valley.

If all group members choose the helicopter ride, this viewpoint stop may be skipped.

Rinpung Dzong View

Before entering Paro town, we’ll stop for photographs at the beautiful Rinpung Dzongviewpoint. This is one of the highlights of the day and a perfect place to capture memorable photos in traditional Bhutanese attire.

Paro Local Market

After reaching Paro, spend some time exploring the local market and shopping for souvenirs, handicrafts, and other Bhutanese items.

Finally, check into your hotel and relax for the night.

Overnight Stay: Paro

Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

Optional Paro Helicopter Ride

If six members are interested, you may opt for a scenic helicopter ride over Paro Valley, one of the most breathtaking experiences in Bhutan.

Cost: ₹12,500/- per ride, shared among participants.

Day 7

The Iconic Tiger's Nest Hike

Duration
6.4 km
Distance
6–7 Hours


Today is one of the most memorable days of your Bhutan journey. After breakfast, we begin the legendary hike to Taktsang Monastery, popularly known as the Tiger’s Nest, Bhutan’s most sacred and iconic landmark.

Perched dramatically on a cliff nearly 3,000 feet above the Paro Valley, Tiger’s Nest is among the most breathtaking sights in the Himalayas. The trail passes through pine forests, fluttering prayer flags, and beautiful mountain viewpoints, making every step of the hike rewarding.

Reaching the monastery is more than completing a trek. It is a spiritual, emotional, and personal achievement that stays with you long after the journey ends.

Tiger’s Nest Completion Certificate

To celebrate your accomplishment, you’ll receive a Tiger’s Nest Hike Completion Certificate after completing the trek.

Relaxation Time

Traditional Bhutanese Hot Stone Bath

After the hike, you may choose to experience a traditional Bhutanese Hot Stone Bath, an age-old therapy believed to reduce muscle fatigue and promote deep relaxation.

Evening at Leisure

Spend the evening exploring the local Paro Market for souvenirs and handicrafts, or simply relax at your hotel after a fulfilling day.

Overnight Stay: Paro

Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 8

Departure – Until We Meet Again

Duration
306.3 km
Distance
8 Hours


The final leg of your Bhutan journey begins early in the morning, with departure scheduled at 5:30 AM. A packed breakfast will be provided so you can enjoy it comfortably during the drive.

Your driver will take you to Phuentsholing, where you will change to your onward vehicle for the transfer to Bagdogra Airport (IXB).

If you prefer a direct hotel drop instead of airport drop-off, it can be arranged at an additional cost depending on your hotel location. Please inform us in advance if you require this service.

As you return, carry with you the peace, beauty, and warmth of Bhutan. May the memories of misty valleys, sacred monasteries, colourful festivals, and heartfelt moments remain with you forever.

Transfer: Paro → Phuentsholing → Bagdogra Airport (IXB)

Meals Included: Packed Breakfast

Please book your departure flight from Bagdogra Airport after 6:00 PM onwards to ensure a smooth and stress-free transfer.

Inclusion & Exclusion

  • This package is exclusively for Indian nationals.
  • SDF ₹7,200 is included in the package cost.
  • A certified Bhutanese tour guide will accompany the group throughout the journey.
  • Stay includes 1N Phuentsholing, 2N Thimphu, 2N Paro, 1N Punakha, and 1N Phobjikha.
  • Daily breakfast and dinner are included at all stay locations.
  • Complimentary SIM card with ₹100 talktime and 1GB data per person.
  • Bagdogra Airport (IXB) pickup and drop by Innova / Tempo Traveller.
  • In-Bhutan transportation by Toyota Hiace / Coaster.
  • Driver charges, tolls, taxes, parking, and driver allowance are covered.
  • 2 bottles of 500 ml water per person per day.
  • Taxes are inclusive of 5% GST & 5% TCS. Refer to Page 3 for TCS redemption details.
  • Airfare or train fare to and from Bagdogra (IXB).
  • Lunch, beverages, or any meals/drinks not mentioned in inclusions.
  • Extra vehicle usage beyond the fixed itinerary.
  • Vehicle timing: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Point-to-point sightseeing only, not on disposal basis.
  • Optional activities such as helicopter ride, hot stone bath, rafting, and bike rides, payable directly.
  • Entry fees for monasteries, museums, monuments, or parks.
  • Unscheduled transfers or transportation not listed in the itinerary.
  • Force majeure expenses due to flight delays/cancellations, weather disruptions, accidents, medical emergencies, riots, strikes, or natural calamities, to be borne directly by the traveler.
  • Anything not mentioned in the What’s Included section.

Documents Required

Adults (18 Years & Above)

Travelers must carry either an original Government-issued Voter ID Card or a valid Indian Passport with at least six months validity from the return date.

Children (Below 18 Years)

Children must carry either a Passport or a Birth Certificate. All details should be printed in English and not in any regional language.

Important Notes

  • Aadhaar Card is not accepted as a valid travel document for Bhutan, for both adults and children.
  • Only original Government-issued Voter ID Cards are accepted for Bhutan entry. Any Voter ID that is inactive, damaged, invalid, or not verifiable on the Election Commission website will not be accepted by Bhutan immigration.
  • Photocopies, printouts, or scanned copies of documents are not accepted. Travelers must carry the original Passport or Voter ID at the border.

Read Cancellation Policy

Condition Refund / Adjustment
Booking Amount Non-refundable
Cancellation ≥ 7 days before departure Advance amount can be adjusted against a future batch.
Cancellation < 7 days before departure No refund or adjustment will be provided.
No-show on departure day
(As per the scheduled reporting time)
100% forfeiture of the booking amount.
Force Majeure / Unavoidable Circumstances
Natural disasters, heavy rain, snowfall, landslides, earthquakes, strikes, government restrictions, or similar unavoidable situations.
Booking amount will remain non-refundable.

Hotel & Others

Luxury Premium Hotels / Resort certified by Tourism Council of Bhutan.

Location Hotel
Phuentsholing Hotel Tara Phendeyling or equivalent
Thimphu Bhutan Boutique Residency or equivalent
Punakha Hotel Zangto Pelri or equivalent
Paro Star Residency or equivalent
Phobjikha Namgayling Cottages or equivalent

 

All hotels are certified 3-star properties approved by the Tourism Council of Bhutan.

The hotels listed above are subject to availability at the time of booking. If any property is unavailable, accommodation will be arranged in another hotel of a similar category with comparable facilities and comfort.

Every hotel included in this itinerary has been carefully selected for its cleanliness, hospitality, comfort, and service standards, ensuring a pleasant stay throughout your Bhutan journey.

Guests can enjoy buffet meals featuring both Bhutanese and Indian cuisine. Travelers who wish to explore authentic local restaurants instead of standard tourist meals are welcome to do so, and our guide will gladly recommend suitable dining options. Any meals taken outside the package will be at the traveler’s own expense.

The room photographs shown in this brochure are only for reference. The actual room allotted during your stay may vary while maintaining the same hotel category and quality standards.

Booking Policy

TRIP AMOUNT 5% GST 2% TCS Total (Inclusive of Taxes) BOOKING AMOUNT
Rs. 35,999/- Rs. 1,800/- Rs. 756/- Rs. 38,555/- Rs. 10,000/-

 

To confirm your seat for our group tour, please follow the simple booking process below:

1. Advance Payment

Secure your reservation with an advance payment of ₹10,000 per person.

2. Pay on Arrival

With our convenient Pay on Arrival option, you can pay the remaining balance of ₹28,555once you reach your hotel in Phuentsholing.

3. Booking Confirmation

After completing your booking, you will receive a trip confirmation email from contact@tripkarado.com and will be added to the official WhatsApp group created for your batch.

4. Balance Payment

The remaining balance can be settled upon arrival at your hotel in Phuentsholing for a more convenient and stress-free booking experience.

5. PAN Card Requirement

PAN card details are required for processing TCS – Tax Collected at Source.

6. TCS Information

TCS is not an additional tax. It can be claimed back while filing your Income Tax Return, as per government rules applicable to international trips.

7. Single Occupancy

A single occupancy room is available at an additional cost of ₹12,000 + taxes.

8. Credit Card Payments

Credit card payments are accepted for your convenience. Please note that a 2.6% transaction fee will apply to all credit card payments.

BANK DETAILS

GSTIN: 19BQTPB4212R1Z9
Account Name: Tripkarado
Account Number: 7573002100003961
IFSC: PUNB0757300
Bank: Punjab National Bank
Account Type: Current Account

Pickup & Drop Details

Transfer Schedule & Locations

Pickup & Drop Location: Bagdogra Airport – IXB

  • Distance: Bagdogra Airport to Phuentsholing is approximately 150.8 km and takes around 4 hours by road.
  • Airport Pickup: The scheduled group pickup will take place between 02:00 PM and 03:00 PM at Bagdogra Airport.
  • Airport Drop: Airport drop is scheduled at 04:00 PM. Please book your return flight after 6:00 PM onwards. You may also choose to stay near Bagdogra Airport at your own expense and take your flight the next day.

Important Notice

  • Train Travelers – NJP Station
  • For guests arriving or departing from New Jalpaiguri Railway Station, pickup and drop will be arranged from Tinbatti More, located approximately 3.7 km from NJP Station.
  • Our team member will assist with transfer coordination.
  • Any pickup or drop outside the scheduled time will require a separate vehicle at an additional cost.

FAQ's

The journey starts and concludes at Bagdogra Airport (IXB). Group pickup is scheduled between 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM, while the return drop is planned around 4:00 PM. We recommend booking your onward flight after 6:00 PM.

This is a 7 Nights / 8 Days Bhutan group tour covering Phuentsholing, Thimphu, Phobjikha, Punakha, and Paro, along with the spectacular Black Necked Crane Festival.

Each departure is limited to 17 travelers, allowing us to offer a comfortable, well-organized, and enjoyable group travel experience.

Accommodation is arranged in Tourism Council-approved 3-star hotels, selected for their cleanliness, hospitality, comfort, and convenient locations.

Yes. Couples are accommodated in a private double-sharing room throughout the tour.

Solo travelers are paired with another traveler of the same gender on a twin-sharing basis.

The package includes daily breakfast and dinner. Lunch is excluded, giving travelers the flexibility to explore Bhutan’s local cafés and restaurants.

The package includes daily breakfast and dinner. Lunch is intentionally excluded, allowing travelers to explore Bhutan’s local cafés and restaurants during the day.

No. Indian nationals can enter Bhutan without a visa by carrying either a valid Indian Passport or an original Government-issued Voter ID Card.

The itinerary includes the Black Necked Crane Festival, Phobjikha Valley, GangteyNature Trail, Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Punakha Dzong, Dochula Pass, Buddha Dordenma, and the cultural attractions of Thimphu and Paro.

Yes. The hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery is part of the itinerary, and every traveler who completes the trek will receive a Tiger’s Nest Completion Certificate.

Your seat can be reserved by paying an advance of ₹10,000 per person. The remaining balance can be paid after reaching your hotel in Phuentsholing.

Absolutely. Bhutan is considered one of the safest countries for travelers, and joining a professionally managed group makes the experience even more secure and enjoyable.

Do's & Don'ts

DO
Do’s
A prayer wheel contains a scroll of mantras at its core, called a “Life Tree.” The wheel is always spin clockwise,
Photography Guidelines: Always ask for permission first and only
take photos after receiving it. Additionally, refrain from photographing police personnel and refrain from taking pictures inside temples and monasteries.
Dress Code: When visiting religious sites, please wear appropriate attire. Men should wear long pants, while women should opt for long skirts or dresses that cover their shoulders.
Waste Disposal: Please do not litter. The Bhutanese view their natural environment as a sacred gift, so it’s important to respect it.
Wildlife Guidlines: Don’t disturb or feed wild animals.
Zebra Crossings: Use zebra crossings when crossing roads; failure to do so may result in fines, Use pedestrian walkways when walking.
DON’T
Don’ts
Respect cultural: Avoid touching or pointing feet at religious objects.
Don’t Smoke in Public: Smoking in the public areas is strictly prohibited and liable to be fined. Spitting on the wall and other places is discourage.
Don’t Disturb Wildlife: Keep a safe distance and avoid loud noises or sudden movements around animals.
No Drones: Visitors can’t fly drones. Approval only for goverment use.
Avoid politically sensitive issues: It is wise to bear this in mind when conversing with local people. Avoid politically sensitive issues.
Bargaining: Shops typically have fixed prices for all items, and bargaining is not common.

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