Every year, around 300 Black-necked Cranes reside in the Phobjikha valley during the winter season, making it the most extensive habitat for these birds in Bhutan. The Black-necked Crane Festival is an annual celebration held in Bhutan to commemorate the arrival of the endangered black-necked cranes to their winter roosting grounds in the Phobjikha Valley. The festival typically takes place in November and is a popular event for both locals and tourists.

The locals in Bhutan celebrate the arrival of Black-necked Cranes, which are considered to be divine birds, through a festival. The festival serves several purposes, such as creating awareness about conservation, providing economic benefits to local communities, and allowing the locals to demonstrate their cultural heritage and abilities.

The festival includes various cultural programs, including folk songs, environmental songs, and mask dances by the locals, monks, and school children. The main attraction is usually a crane dance choreographed by the school children. The Royal Society for Protection of Nature, a national NGO, started the festival as part of the Integrated Conservation and Development Program (ICDP) in November 1998, which was held near the old school in the center of the valley.

The Black-necked Crane Festival is an exceptional cultural event that provides visitors with an opportunity to observe Bhutanese customs and gain knowledge about the country's dedication to preserving the environment.

Gangteng-Phobji Environment Management Committee (GPEMC)