Watching black-necked cranes in Phobjikha
Black-necked cranes breed on the Tibetan plateau and winter in a few valleys of Bhutan, Phobjikha being the largest site. The birds are grey with a black head and neck and a red crown. They arrive in late October, often in family groups, and feed on fallen grain, roots and small creatures in the fields and marsh.
Start at the crane information centre run by the Royal Society for Protection of Nature, which has displays and telescopes. Then walk or drive slowly along the valley road at dawn or dusk, when the cranes fly between feeding grounds and their roost, calling loudly. Keep your distance and stay on paths.
Questions travellers ask
Good to know
How many cranes come to Phobjikha?
Several hundred black-necked cranes winter in Phobjikha each year, making it Bhutan's most important wintering site. Numbers vary from year to year and are counted by conservation groups. Smaller groups winter in Bumdeling in the east and a few other valleys.
Where is the best place to see the cranes?
The crane information centre on the western side of the valley gives the best organised view, with telescopes looking over the marsh. The roads around the valley floor and the Gangtey nature trail also pass close to feeding areas. Your guide will know where the flocks are on the day.
Are the cranes in Phobjikha all year?
No. They are winter visitors from late October to February, sometimes early March. In summer they breed on the Tibetan plateau. Outside the season the valley is green and pleasant for walking, but there are no cranes to see. Plan around November to January for the best chance.
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