Phobjikha, Valley of the Cranes

BIt is said that when the Black Necked cranes arrive to Bhutan from Tibet, they circle above the Gangtey monastery three times as if practicing kora, the meditative ritual of circling around a sacred site or building. Their arrival in Phobjikha is celebrated each November with a huge, colorful festival to honor the endangered bird; a legendary symbol venerated throughout Bhutanese folklore, music, dance and art.