Discover The Wonders Of The Black-Necked Crane Festival – A Day Devoted To These Graceful Birds In Bhutan

This unique festival will leave a lasting impression on you. With more than a hundred villagers participating, see the fascinating masked dance in honour of the black-necked cranes.

Discover The Wonders Of The Black-Necked Crane Festival – A Day Devoted To These Graceful Birds In Bhutan (Source: Dheywang Bhutan)

By Zann Huizhen Huang

Held annually on November 11th in Phobjikha, the Black-Necked Crane Festival coincides with the birthday of His Majesty the King Druk Gyalpo. The festival is celebrated in the courtyard of Gangtey Goempa in the Phobjikha Valley.

Holding a special place in the hearts and folklore of the Bhutanese, the black-necked crane is also known as ‘Thrung Thrung Karmo’ in Dzongkha. They are also called ‘Lhab-bjas’ or ‘heavenly birds’ by the locals.

 

 

The two major migratory sites for these birds in Bhutan are Phobjikha in Wangdue district and Bumdeling in Trashiyangtse district.

The arrival of the black-necked cranes signals the coming of winter and plays an integral role in the daily lives of the villagers. Highly revered by the villagers of Phobjikha, the majestic black-necked cranes are a rare and endangered species.

Believed to be the reincarnation of two deities who are the guardians of this picturesque valley, these beautiful birds will fly around the Gangtey Goempa three times, both upon their arrival and departure. To the locals, this act represents the honouring of the three sacred jewels of Buddhism.

Background and aims of the Black-Necked Crane Festival

Inaugurated in 1998 by the Royal Society for the Protection of Nature (RSPN) and the Phobjikha Environment Management Committee (PEMC), the aims are manifold.

First of all, the festival highlights the importance of protecting the endangered black‐necked cranes while boosting tourism for the village community.

It is also a great opportunity for the villagers to showcase their unique cultural heritage.

About the Phobjikha Valley

Rising about 3000m above sea level, the Phobjikha Valley is the largest wetland in Bhutan. The magnificent Gangtey Monastery overlooks the valley with its pristine forests and subsistence farms.  

 

 

 

Every year, over 300 black‐necked cranes migrate to Bhutan from Tibet to spend their winter months in this valley. They usually arrive in November and remain until the following April.

To the villagers, the annual arrival of these black-necked cranes is an event that holds great significance. It is also heartening to note that both the locals and these graceful birds have had a harmonious relationship since time immemorial.

What can you see at the Black-Necked Crane Festival?

This unique festival will leave a lasting impression on you. With more than a hundred villagers participating, see the fascinating masked dance in honour of the black-necked cranes. 

Be delighted by the performance put up by school children who mimic the courtship dance of the cranes by bobbing their heads and flapping their wings. Photographers will be thrilled to take many shots of these adorable children all dressed up in black-necked crane costumes.

Other interesting programmes include live performances of folk songs as well as dramas with black-necked crane themes.

Benefits of the Black-Necked Crane Festival

The annual festival is an integral part of promoting ecotourism in Bhutan. The continual support and contributions of tourists will go a long way in sustaining the conservation of the black‐necked cranes.

It can also help in sustaining the financial welfare of the villagers as funds collected are deposited in a community-owned bank account for communal use.


Related Posts

Dochula Tschechu – Truly Captivating!

What makes the Dochula Druk Wangyel Festival unique is that while the mask dances performed elsewhere in Bhutan are...

Nov 24, 2017 05:19

Be Awe-Inspired By The ‘Dance Of The Terrifying Gods’ And More At...

Held from 19 to 21 Sept 2018, the annual Thimphu Tshechu (festival) is a vibrant visual feast for both locals and...

Sep 12, 2018 20:45

Five-Star Hotels Lead the Way in Bhutan’s Green Certification...

Bhutan takes a major step in sustainable tourism with the launch of the Bhutan Green Hotel Standard, encouraging hotels...

Sep 16, 2025 11:32

Bathing Carnival Bhutan: A Fresh Celebration of Wellness, Culture...

Discover Bathing Carnival Bhutan 2025 in Pemagatshel—a unique festival celebrating water, wellness, culture, and nature...

Sep 12, 2025 16:46

Punakha’s Popular Riverside Retreat, Dzomlingthang Undergoes...

Discover Dzomlingthang, Punakha’s riverside retreat along the Mo Chhu. A beloved picnic spot near Punakha Dzong, now...

Sep 03, 2025 14:12

Beyond Phobjikha Why Khotokha is Bhutan’s Hidden Gem

Khotokha Valley in Wangduephodrang is a serene wetland sanctuary, home to endangered Black-necked Cranes and recognised...

Aug 28, 2025 09:50

Latest

News

First Multidisciplinary Breast Clinic Opens in Thimphu

Bhutan has opened its first multidisciplinary breast clinic in Thimphu, inaugurated by Her Majesty Gyalyum Sangay Choden Wangchuck. A...

Sep 15, 2025 17:16

Why Everyone Will Soon Flock to Bhutan’s Skies (And You Can Go First)

Be one of the first to stargaze under Bhutan’s crystal-clear Himalayan skies! Join a cosmic journey from October to April with telescopes,...

Sep 05, 2025 10:42

Features

Passion and Purpose: From Eastern Bhutan to the World’s Toughest Trek

Discover the inspiring journey of Yeshi Dorji, a Bhutanese trekking guide who has conquered the world’s toughest trails while sharing the...

Sep 08, 2025 13:59

Passion and Purpose: Buddhas, Rockets, and the Road Less Travelled

Nestled on the slopes of Bhutan’s Trongsa district, the quiet village of Chendipji looks much the same as it did sixty years ago—stone...

Aug 14, 2025 15:18

Business

High Altitude, Higher Ambitions: Bhutan Enters the Wine World

Bhutan has officially stepped onto the global wine stage with the debut of The Himalayan, a record-breaking 7.57-litre bottle auctioned by...

May 23, 2025 16:38

Most Popular Bars in Thimphu

Discover Thimphu’s vibrant nightlife, where traditional Bhutanese drinks meet modern cocktails in the city’s top bars and lounges. Unwind...

Feb 10, 2025 16:14

Sports

NBA Stars Visit Bhutan: A Historic Slam Dunk for Local Basketball

For the first time in history, four NBA players have visited Bhutan, igniting nationwide excitement and inspiring a new generation of...

Aug 05, 2025 10:10

Zimbiri Makes History as First Bhutanese Woman Elected to SAFF Executive Committee

Zimbiri has made history as the first Bhutanese woman elected to the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Executive Committee, a landmark...

May 28, 2025 10:49

Tourism

Five-Star Hotels Lead the Way in Bhutan’s Green Certification Drive

Bhutan takes a major step in sustainable tourism with the launch of the Bhutan Green Hotel Standard, encouraging hotels nationwide to go...

Sep 16, 2025 11:32

Bathing Carnival Bhutan: A Fresh Celebration of Wellness, Culture & Community

Discover Bathing Carnival Bhutan 2025 in Pemagatshel—a unique festival celebrating water, wellness, culture, and nature with rituals,...

Sep 12, 2025 16:46

Lifestyle

Bhutan Celebrates World Music Day with a Soulful Gathering in Thimphu

Bhutan marked World Music Day with a vibrant concert in Thimphu, featuring over 90 artists despite the rain. Discover how music is shaping...

Jun 23, 2025 16:37

What's in a Name? Discover Bhutan's Unique Naming Tradition

In Bhutan, names are traditionally given by monks and not tied to family lineage. Visitors can experience a traditional naming ceremony at...

Jun 03, 2025 14:04

GMC

Tourism Stakeholders Given First Opportunity to Invest in GMC

Bhutanese tour operators get first chance to invest in Gelephu Mindfulness City, a new hub for culture, wellness, adventure, and...

Sep 18, 2025 15:21

Innovate for GMC: A Platform for Bhutanese Youth to Lead Change

Innovate for GMC will bring 500 Bhutanese youth together this October to transform bold ideas into action, shaping Bhutan’s Gelephu...

Sep 16, 2025 16:50

Subscribe to our newsletter

Never miss out on new happenings and news stories!

newsletter

Download Daily Bhutan Mobile App

Connecting with us just got easier!

android app
apple app