[ Black-necked cranes in Phobjikha Valley ]
The valley of cranes
Walk beneath Gangtey Monastery and learn why Phobjikha protects Bhutan’s winter visitors.
A Bhutan Beckons journey
The Crane & the Tiger
Seven days through Bhutan’s western valleys, sacred paths, and living heritage.
7 days · Culture · Nature · Wildlife
Plan this journeyThe story
From a wintering valley to a monastery in the clouds.
This is the fullest of our air-arrival journeys: an unhurried passage from Thimphu’s living traditions to Punakha’s rivers and the wide quiet of Phobjikha.
The route balances temples, village paths, forest walks, and Bhutan’s defining ascent to Taktsang, with time to understand why each place matters.
Experience highlights
What stays with you.
The defining moments of this journey, chosen for depth rather than spectacle.
[ Punakha Dzong between the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu ]
Between two rivers
Enter Punakha Dzong at the meeting of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu, then cross the valley on foot.
[ Taktsang Monastery above the Paro Valley ]
The final ascent
Climb through pine forest to Taktsang, allowing the mountain to set the day’s pace.
- 01
The road to the capital
Location · Paro · Thimphu
Arrive in Paro, pause at Tachogang, and meet Thimphu through Buddha Dordenma, Memorial Chorten, the takin preserve, and a short forest walk.
- 02
Craft, market, and monastery
Location · Thimphu
Walk to Cheri Monastery, then return for the Centenary Market, traditional arts, textiles, and Tashichho Dzong.
- 03
Across Dochula
Location · Punakha
Cross the 108 chortens at Dochula, visit Chimi Lhakhang, and arrive at Punakha Dzong and its long suspension bridge.
- 04
Where the cranes return
Location · Phobjikha
Spend the day around Gangtey Monastery, the valley nature trail, and the Black-necked Crane Education Centre before returning to Punakha.
- 05
A hilltop prayer
Location · Punakha · Paro
Climb to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, then travel west for Rinpung Dzong and the National Museum in Paro.
- 06
The tiger’s path
Location · Paro
Hike to Taktsang Monastery with time to pause at the midway viewpoint, followed by Kyichu Lhakhang if the day allows.
- 07
One last valley morning
Location · Paro
A calm breakfast and private transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward journey.
The details
What’s included.
Included
- Carefully selected accommodation along the route
- Private transportation throughout Bhutan
- English-speaking local guide
- Planned sightseeing and guided walks
- Bhutan travel arrangements
- Local assistance from arrival to departure
Not included
- Flights or transfers to the journey’s starting point
- Travel insurance
- Personal purchases and gratuities
- Optional activities outside the planned journey
Where you’ll stay
Places with a sense of place.
Properties are selected for warmth, location, and the way they belong to their landscape. Final choices follow your preferred travel style.
[ A thoughtfully selected stay in Thimphu ]
Thimphu stay
Thimphu
A comfortable capital base close to the city’s markets, crafts, and evening walks.
[ A thoughtfully selected stay in Punakha ]
Punakha stay
Punakha
A warm-valley retreat within reach of the dzong, river paths, and the road to Phobjikha.
[ A thoughtfully selected stay in Paro ]
Paro stay
Paro
A restful final stay with easy access to the Taktsang trail and the airport.
Gallery
The Kingdom through your eyes.
Good to know
Practical, when you need it.
Best time to travelYear-round; October–March for black-necked cranes in Phobjikha
Year-round; October–March for black-necked cranes in Phobjikha. We will confirm the details for your dates when we shape your journey.
DifficultyModerate, with several guided walks and the Taktsang ascent
Moderate, with several guided walks and the Taktsang ascent. We will confirm the details for your dates when we shape your journey.
Recommended forFirst visits, wildlife, culture, and varied landscapes
First visits, wildlife, culture, and varied landscapes. We will confirm the details for your dates when we shape your journey.
Group sizePrivate, typically 2–10 guests
Private, typically 2–10 guests. We will confirm the details for your dates when we shape your journey.
Starting pointParo International Airport
Paro International Airport. We will confirm the details for your dates when we shape your journey.
Duration7 days / 6 nights
7 days / 6 nights. We will confirm the details for your dates when we shape your journey.
This journey can be customized.
The pace, stays, and experiences can be shaped around the way you want to travel.
Make this journey yours.
No two journeys need to be the same. Tell us what you’re looking for and our travel specialists will tailor this experience around you.
Plan my journey