Phobjikha is home to the black necked cranes. Come October, these majestic birds migrate from Tibet to specific areas in Bhutan to escape the harsh Tibetan winters. It’s said that their visit marks the end of harvesting season and the onset of farmer relocating to the warmer, lower valleys.
These birds are known as “Thrung Thrung Keh Narp”, translating to thin, tall and black necked. Flocks of these wondrous creatures migrate to the warmer Phobjikha Valley in the winter months, compared to the cold winters in Tibet. They loop over the Gangtey Goenpa Monastery three full times, both when they arrive and before leaving. The Bhutanese believe that this unique nature of the birds attributes to paying reverence to the three sacred jewels of Buddhism, and requesting protection for the entire duration of their stay.
The Royal Society for Protection of Nature in Bhutan has a crane center which has on display information on the black necked cranes and the ecology of the valley.
There are 2 black neck cranes at the centre which you can visit. The first crane to make the centre it’s home is named Karma. It was found in the valley with a broken wing while it was around 8 months old and unable to fly back with the troop. A recent addition is another beauty named Pema.
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