See Black-necked Cranes

Possibly the most famous, and certainly, the most revered bird in Bhutan is the Black-necked Crane. This rare bird usually resides in Tibet but when the climate turns bitterly cold there in November they migrate to neighbouring Bhutan where conditions are not quite so extreme. One of their favourite winter destinations is the Phobjikha Valley and it is usual for around 300-400 birds to make their way here for the months of November through to February. Their arrival in November usually coincides with the end of the harvesting period and a special Black-Necked Crane festival is held in the valley each year to herald the return of this fabled bird.

As home to the black-necked crane, it is little wonder that the Phobjikha Valley has created a wonderful information centre where you can learn all about the rare bird and which can be visited if you are staying in Gangtey. 

If you are keen to learn more about the black-necked crane a visit to Gangtey in November (11 November 2018) will also allow you to witness the annual Black-necked Crane Festival which is celebrated in the courtyard of Gangtey Gonpa. The festival is an occasion for the locals to rejoice and celebrate the arrival of this endangered and majestic bird which becomes an inseparable part their daily lives during the winter months.