Black-necked Cranes Festival
The endangered Black-necked Cranes that migrate to Phobjikha valley is a special conservation project of the Government of Bhutan, but also a cultural icon for the people of Phobjikha. The Royal Society for the Protection of Nature together with the communities in Phobjikha valley as created this special festival to spread awareness on the importance of conserving this endangered bird, and provide an avenue for the local community to renew their commitment to conservation of the black-necked cranes. The festival includes cultural programs such as folk songs and dances (some with black-necked crane themes) and mask dances performed by the local people, crane dances and environmental conservation-themed dramas and songs by the school children. The program usually starts by 9:30 am and lasts till late afternoon. The Crane festival is an integral part of the Community based-sustainable tourism initiative to promote local economic welfare through nature based tourism programs. We recommend at least a 10 night trip to include the festival with the hotspots of western Bhutan, or even include Bumthang valley and make it a 12-14 nights trip.