Type of destination: Nature/Wildlife Conservation Area
Ideal visit duration: 2-3 hours
The Black Necked Crane Center is a conservation facility situated in the Phobjikha Valley within Wangdue Phodrang District of Bhutan. It is dedicated to the protection of the Black-necked Cranes that migrate to this valley from the Tibetan Plateau in the winter months. Spread across a wide expanse of green meadows that form the cranes' winter habitat, the center serves as an observation point for tourists and a research facility for conservationists. It has an observation room equipped with high-power telescopes, an education center with informative displays about the cranes, and a small gift shop. The center also plays an integral role in community-based conservation initiatives that help to safeguard the Phobjikha Valley's environment and the cranes that depend on it. The picturesque landscape around the center is tranquil, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers and bird watchers. The cranes are considered sacred in Bhutanese culture, symbolizing longevity and good fortune, and their annual arrival is celebrated with local festivals, imbuing the center with cultural as well as ecological significance.