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Bhutan’s Beautiful Black Necked Cranes

10 days from £9,430 for 2025 per person

This exciting journey takes you through some of the most beautiful valleys of Bhutan. Perfect for those wanting to explore Bhutan’s unique landscapes and see the variation between the different valleys, you will be able to explore this beautiful kingdom whilst staying in the lap of luxury along the way.

Start with the bustling capital city of Thimphu, and explore the local sights as you acclimatise to Bhutanese life. Continue into the rural heartlands of Gangtey and the Phobjikha Valley where you will visit the Valley of the Black-Necked Cranes, before visiting the awe-inspiring Punakha Dzong. End your holiday in the pristine Paro and Haa valleys, taking in the local culture and magnificent scenery.

To be able to spot the beautiful and incredibly rare Black-Necked Crane in the wild, the best time to visit the Phobjikha Valley is from November to mid-March during their migration from the Tibetan Plateau for the winter. Each November the arrival of these magnificent birds is celebrated in the courtyard of Gangtey Goenpa at the vibrant Black-Necked Crane festival. The annual festival is organised to build awareness and understanding on the importance of protecting the endangered species, and includes cultural programs such as folk songs and dances, mask dances and environmental conservation themed dramas. Phobjikha is a wide and gently sloping glacial valley, scooped out on the western slopes of the Black Mountains, and because of the large flock of Black-Necked Cranes that winters here, it is one of the most important wildlife preserves in the country. Wildlife lovers will also be able to spot barking deer, wild boar, Himalayan black bears and leopard in the surrounding hills.

This luxury holiday is a suggested itinerary; it can be booked as it is or used as a starting point for creating your ideal tour of Bhutan. If you would like to see similar trips, take a look at our collection of Active and Trekking holidays, as well as our Wildlife and Festival itineraries.

Itinerary details

10 days from £9,430 for 2025 per person

Day 1 - Amankora Thimphu - Thimphu
Arrive in Paro and transfer to Thimpu. Spend the rest of day at leisure.
Day 2 - Amankora Thimphu - Thimphu
Full day sightseeing in Thimphu.
Day 3 - Gangtey Lodge - Gangtey
Morning drive to Gangtey, stopping to take in the beautiful scenery along the way. Arrive and spend the rest of day at leisure.
Day 4 - Gangtey Lodge - Gangtey
Full day for guided nature walks and a visit to the Black Neck Crane Centre.
Day 5 - Gangtey Lodge - Gangtey
Spend the day at leisure to explore the valley.
Day 6 - Uma Punakha - Punakha
Morning drive to Punakha and spend the rest of day at leisure.
Day 7 - Uma Punakha - Punakha
Full day sightseeing in Punakha including a visit to the Punakha Dzong.
Day 8 - Six Senses Paro - Paro
Morning drive to Paro. Afternoon visit to Lhakhang and Paro museum.
Day 9 - Six Senses Paro - Paro
Early morning Day visit to the famous Tiger's Nest. Spend the afternoon at leisure.
Day 10 - In transit.
Transfer to Paro airport for your connecting onward flight home.

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The traveller sees what he sees, the tourist sees what he has come to see.
G. K. Chesterton

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We really enjoyed the trip and were happy that we squeezed so much into a few short days. The Burmese people were lovely and the sites were fantastic. We really enjoyed the balloon ride and would highly suggest it to others in the future. The trip went super smoothly and a good time plus learning happened for all. Yangon was nice as the Strand was quite amazing and we of course loved the giant gold temple. Many thanks for all of your help and look forward to future travel with you.
- Wallace Family, Burma

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I had a very lovely time and was looked after splendidly. My first visit to India could not have been better, save for being longer! But I shall return at some point and I shall look to you to make the arrangements.
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I thought the Ampersand team was outstanding. We couldn’t have hoped for anything more.
- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, India

So many highlights to choose from! The hotels were amazing but Maya Villa was a highlight… I loved just hanging out in the hammock reading my book and watching the peacocks chase the cows!
- Krista Weir, Sri Lanka

Difficult to choose the highlight of the trip, can’t choose between… 1) Taj Mahal & Oberoi Amarvilas. 2) Ranthambore. 3) Lake Palace. We have to say a particular thank you for selecting Parmod as our driver. He is a delightful and kind man who took our holiday and our enjoyment as his responsibility. Thank you for putting together such an amazing trip for us. The balance of city and rural destinations was perfect for us and the variety of rooms and hotel types brilliant. Our driver and guides also added so much to the trip with their knowledge of India’s history and culture and their willingness to discuss it both from a professional and personal angle.
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I would recommend Ampersand without any hesitation!!! The best travel agent that I’ve ever had. Everything – from the individual care and attention in planning the trip, through to the efficiency of the agents on the ground in India – was handled brilliantly. An absolutely first-class service all round!
- Matthew Annable, Rajasthan, India

We have just returned back from a wonderful trip. Thank you very much for organising everything. The transfer was excellent – for once they had perfect car seats. The villa was lovely, just what we needed and the hotel had helpfully put us as far away as possible from everyone else. The breakfast buffet was the best I have ever seen – and I am slightly obsessive over breakfast!! There was an incredible choice, something for everyone and so beautifully presented. A real highlight of the trip. Thank you again for sorting everything - and at such short notice!
- Redmayne family, Phuket

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Ampersand provided a bespoke and flexible holiday, tailored to my every whim. Their highly professional staff had only one goal which was to arrange an exceptional holiday and some unforgettable experiences in India. I have no hesitation in fully recommending them and they will be the first company I approach in the future - 10/10
- Anonymous, India

Without question, you put together the best trip I have ever taken. We were shown around like visiting dignitaries, the hotels were fantastic and the itinerary was just right. Everybody I know will hear about how amazing Ampersand is!
- Leslie Siben, India

I barely know where to begin... though a sincere 'thank you' would be the best. You have organised this trip perfectly. May was an inspiring and delightful companion in Myanmar – thoroughly professional and friendly at the same time. My accommodation throughout has been superb, especially The Governor's Residence and The Mandarin Oriental. The view from the cottage at Inle Lake was beautiful and I loved every moment of being there. And here I am now on the last leg of this extended holiday at my favourite place. I could stay here for ever, the peace, silence and surroundings all amazing, plus the people and the whole aura of Vana. Thank you for much, and I look forward to speaking to you on my return.
- Ms Margulies, Burma, India & Thailand

Difficult to articulate just how good the service from you and your team really was. We know you will continue to do well and hope we have the chance to seek your assistance again before long.
- Mr & Mrs Manson, North India

Ampersand’s preparation, attention to detail and interaction before and during our trip show exactly why good travel agents have a role in today’s internet booking age. They were a delight to deal with!
- Mr David Wallace, North India

Bhutan’s Beautiful Black Necked Cranes

10 days from £9,430 for 2025 per person

Itinerary details

10 days from £9,430 for 2025 per person

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Client Testimonials

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