Black-necked Crane Sanctuary
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The Black-necked Crane Sanctuary in Phobjikha Valley is a protected conservation area
dedicated to preserving the habitat of the endangered Black-necked Cranes.
It plays a vital role in Bhutan’s commitment to wildlife protection and eco-tourism.
Location
- Located in Phobjikha Valley, Wangdue Phodrang District
- Adjacent to Gangtey Monastery and surrounding wetlands
- Approximately 80 km from Punakha via Dochula Pass
- Accessible by road with clearly marked viewpoints
Key Facts
- Winter habitat of the endangered Black-necked Crane
- Cranes migrate from Tibet between October and November
- Protected wetlands and marshlands form the core habitat
- Managed under strict conservation and eco-tourism guidelines
- Central site for annual Black-necked Crane Festival
Why It's Special
• One of the longest suspension bridges in Bhutan
• Offers panoramic views of Punakha Valley, rice fields, rivers, and surrounding hills
• Used daily by local villagers, monks, and students—not just tourists
• Gently sways as you walk, adding a sense of adventure
Visitor Experience
- Designated observation points for crane viewing
- Educational displays at the Crane Information Centre
- Guided nature walks around the sanctuary
- Quiet, respectful viewing encouraged
- Excellent destination for birdwatchers and photographers
Best Time to Visit
- October–March: Crane migration and wintering season
- November–February: Peak crane-watching months
- Early morning and late afternoon for best sightings
- Avoid loud activity during feeding hours
Travel Tip
- Maintain silence and keep a safe distance from cranes
- Use binoculars instead of approaching birds closely
- Follow all conservation rules and local guidance
- Dress warmly and be prepared for cold valley weather
Hear from our clients
When we landed in Bhutan in March, Ram handed us 600 dollars cash reflecting the 50% reduction. He could have kept that money and we would have been none the wiser. I think that says everything you need to know about this company's integrity. You can trust Ram and team to make sure your dream trip to Bhutan will be exactly that.
Egypt GroupCairo, Egypt
Buthan Tour hat für unsere kleine Reisegruppe (4 Personen) im Juni 2018 eine wunderbare Reise in Buthan organisiert. Wir haben neben Thimphu auch Punakha im Osten und Ha im Westen besucht. Der Bus war bequem und alle Hotels sehr angenehm. Die Begleitung durch Ram, Tensing und den Fahrer war sehr angenehm. Es war eine sehr interessante Reise durch ein wunderbares Land.
Markus GroupZURICH, SWITZERLAND
May 2019. We two had a trip through the west part of Bhutan for 9 days. Was very good! As to agency, to Ram, to our guide Sajan so many thanks:) We had a very good company with smart, interesting interlocutors, humorists, that had made our self feelings of the trip easy and soulful. Ram was very attentive to us, to our wishes and feelings, еspecially eating habits, and helped us to get our favorite meals.
Anna FamilyRUSSIA
Appreciation extended for professional Bhutan Tour Service provided by Book Bhutan Tour to the Embassy of Switzerland. Our valuable clients were happy and fully satisfied with the quality of service provided during their Tour to Bhutan. Most importantly, our clients were totally satisfied with the type of hotels and the quality of services provided during their stay in Bhutan.
Dr. Andreas GroupBERN, SWITZERLAND
Every minute of this 14 day trip from the east to the center of Bhutan was a delight! We had a unique experience and the opportunity to get an unforgettable insight into this marvelous country due to Ram, our skilled and warm-hearted guide, which had worked in the past in different Swiss cooperation programs knowing interesting people.
Petra GroupZURICH, SWITZERLAND
I cannot recommend this company highly enough. The communication is outstanding from the start. The owner -Ram- deals with you directly and will call you to talk about your trip in detail and what he can offer if you prefer rather than exchanging tons of emails. He follows up with lots of links and offerings before setting the itinerary. His English, knowledge, and enthusiasm will be evident when you talk to him.
Mr. Benson GroupUNITES STATES OF AMERICA
Before visiting Bhutan, we did research and found the Book Bhutan Tour website, we visited a website and we found that they have served mostly Swiss Diplomats guests, for that reason we immediately reserve through Book Bhutan Tour. Ten days tour to Bhutan is an amazing experience. We are fortunate to have Nawang Drakpa (our guide) who is knowledgeable, kind, and understanding. He ensures our safety and attentive to our needs.
Kellsmart familyAUSTRALIA
We traveled as a Swiss couple for 8 days with Mr. Ram, the owner, and Mr. Migma, our guide. We had a great experience with them and learned a lot about the country, the people, and Buddhism. Many interesting temples and monasteries, beautiful scenery with mountain ranges, rice fields, villages where time stood still, hikes off the beaten track, great hotels, good food, nice farm stay with boiling hot stone bath, We recommend Mr. Ram, a very knowledgeable, helpful, and well-organized tour operator.
Caroline Müller familyBERN, SWITZERLAND
If you want to see the real Bhutan then look no further than Mr Ram Dorji. Not only he would go out of the way to make the best of your tour but will make sure when you leave Bhutan you take great memories with you! I have traveled across the world and many tour agencies help you build REEL memories but Ram would make sure you have REAL memories. He is an asset to Bhutan and Bhutan tourism.
Mr. Chandan FamilyUNITED KINGDOM
Bhutan, the land of the thunder dragon and happiness! We were 4 women with the dream to travel in this small, hidden, not of many known countries to understand Bhutan, the land of the thunder dragon and happiness! We were 4 women who had the dream to travel to this small, unknown country to understand a little bit of the culture, the secrets, and the mystic behind it.
Esther GroupITALIAN
I've just got back from my second tour in this totally captivating country, this time leading a 12 night yoga and meditation tour. Our theme was Joy and oh my did we have the most joyous time ever! Every day was an adventure and our small group of six (including our guide Sajan and driver Raj) soon became great friends sharing unforgettable memories.
Lisa MilnorUnited Kingdom
What an amazing time we had with Book Bhutan Tours! Our guide Sajan and drivers Raj and LB were knowledgeable, thoughtful, and good company. The owner Ram takes great interest in how your tour is going, keeping in touch and meeting up where possible.
Mr. David Tolson groupUnited Kingdom
Great country, great people, great scenery, great weather, great guidance. We visited Bhutan for 7 days as a mix of hiking and culture- organized by Mr. Ram- the owner of Book Bhutan Tours. The tour was guided by Mr. Ngawang and Mr. Dorji. We can highly recommend those two guys.
Klaus Uta GroupGERMANY