Tiger's Nest + Black-necked Cranes — 7 nights

Overview

The Classic 5-night with a 2-night Phobjikha valley add-on. Phobjikha is Bhutan's most important winter roost for endangered black-necked cranes (Nov-Mar), and one of the few valleys with no electricity in the core conservation zone — meaning starry nights, bukhari-heated farmhouses, and a completely different pace.

• Everything in the Classic 5-night
• 2 nights in Phobjikha valley
• Black-necked crane viewing (Nov–Mar)
• Gangtey Nature Trail
• 1 farmhouse dinner + hot stone bath

Day-by-day breakdown

1. 1
   Day 1 — Arrive Paro, transfer to Thimphu

   Paro → Thimphu

   As Classic Day 1.

   ArrivalMemorial ChortenBuddha Dordenma
2. 2
   Day 2 — Thimphu sightseeing

   Thimphu

   As Classic Day 2.

   DzongMuseumsWeekend market
3. 3
   Day 3 — Thimphu → Punakha

   Thimphu → Punakha

   As Classic Day 3.

   Dochula PassPunakha DzongChimi Lhakhang
4. 4
   Day 4 — Punakha → Phobjikha

   Punakha → Phobjikha

   4-hour scenic drive east into the wide Phobjikha glacial valley (2,900m). Afternoon visit to Gangtey Goemba monastery, then the Gangtey Nature Trail — an easy 90-minute loop with chance to spot cranes (in season) from the viewing platform.

   Gangtey Goemba monasteryGangtey Nature TrailFarmhouse homestay or lodge dinner
5. 5
   Day 5 — Phobjikha — full day

   Phobjikha

   Morning at the Black-Necked Crane Information Centre for a briefing on the birds and conservation. Afternoon free — optional hot stone bath at a farmhouse, or a longer loop hike through the valley.

   Crane Information CentreHot stone bath (optional)Village walk
6. 6
   Day 6 — Phobjikha → Paro

   Phobjikha → Paro

   Long but scenic drive back to Paro (7 hours with lunch stop). Evening in Paro.

   Scenic driveParo town evening
7. 7
   Day 7 — Tiger's Nest hike

   Paro

   As Classic Day 5.

   Tiger's NestHot stone bath optional
8. 8
   Day 8 — Departure

   Paro

   Transfer to Paro airport.

   Departure

Planning notes

• Black-necked cranes only present Nov-Mar — don't book this itinerary outside that window
• Phobjikha homestays are basic — no electricity, shared bathrooms, bukhari heating
• SDF $100/night × 7 = $700 per person
• Crane viewing needs binoculars (operator can provide)