I included the Black-Necked Crane Festival in my Bhutan itinerary out of curiosity — and I was blown away. It’s unlike any festival I’ve seen before: part celebration, part education, part spiritual homage. The cranes are treated as sacred guests, and the whole community gathers to welcome them. Between the dances, local songs, and the dramatic backdrop of Phobjikha’s rolling plains, it felt like I was watching something timeless. It’s not just about the birds — it’s about Bhutan’s deep reverence for all life, and that message stayed with me long after the festival ended.