Bhutan, the Himalayan kingdom known for its Gross National Happiness, Dzongs, and monasteries, is also home to some of the richest biodiversity in South Asia. Over 50% of its total land area is under environmental protection, making Bhutan a dream destination for wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists alike.
In this article, we explore the most famous wildlife national parks in Bhutan—each offering a unique glimpse into the country’s pristine ecosystems, rare animals, and thrilling eco-adventures.
Wildlife in Bhutan: Top 7 National Parks
1. Jigme Dorji National Park
- Location: Northwestern Bhutan
- Best Time to Visit: March to May and September to November
- Area: 4,349 sq km (2nd largest in Bhutan)
- Established: 1974
Jigme Dorji National Park is Bhutan’s second-largest national park and a jewel in its conservation crown. Spanning across the districts of Thimphu, Paro, Gasa, Punakha, and Wangdue Phodrang, the park stretches from subtropical forests to glacial highlands above 7,000 meters.
This park is home to elusive snow leopards, blue sheep, red pandas, Himalayan black bears, and the national animal, the takin. Popular treks like the Snowman Trek and Laya-Gasa Trail traverse this region, offering unforgettable views and wildlife encounters.
Highlights:
- Home to over 300 bird species
- Sacred peaks like Mount Jomolhari
- Perfect for expert trekkers and photographers
Key Species:
- Snow Leopard
- Blue Sheep
- Himalayan Black Bear
- Red Panda
- Takin (national animal)
Activities:
- Trekking (Snowman Trek, Laya-Gasa Trek)
- Birdwatching
- Wildlife photography
Travel Tips:
- Permits required for trekking
- Ideal for advanced hikers and mountaineers
2. Royal Manas National Park
- Location: South-central Bhutan
- Best Time to Visit: November to March
- Area: 1,057 sq km
- Established: 1966 (declared national park in 1993)
Often referred to as the ‘Crown Jewel of Bhutan’s Conservation’, Royal Manas National Park is the oldest protected area in the country. It shares its southern border with India’s Manas Tiger Reserve, creating a transboundary wildlife corridor.
This park is a haven for mega fauna, including Royal Bengal tigers, Asian elephants, gaurs, and even Gangetic dolphins. You’ll also spot the endangered golden langur, one of Bhutan’s iconic species.
Highlights:
- Eco-lodges available in Panbang
- Offers jungle safaris and elephant sightings
- Rich in both tropical and sub-tropical species
Key Species:
- Royal Bengal Tiger
- Asian Elephant
- Gaur (Indian Bison)
- Golden Langur
- Gangetic Dolphin (in river areas)
Activities:
- Jungle safaris
- Elephant sightings
- Community-based ecotourism
Travel Tips:
- Less crowded, offering peaceful wildlife encounters
- Accommodations in Panbang eco-lodges
3. Phrumsengla National Park
- Location: Central Bhutan
- Best Time to Visit: April to June, October to December
- Area: 905 sq km
- Established: 1998
Phrumsengla National Park lies in the heart of Bhutan and is known for its foggy forests, medicinal plants, and mountain vistas. It is a biodiversity hotspot with over 620 species of plants and sightings of rare wildlife like red pandas, Himalayan musk deer, and satyr tragopans.
The park’s changing altitudes—from 1,000 to 4,000 meters—offer different habitats, making it ideal for birdwatching, botanical study, and eco-tourism treks.
Highlights:
- Great views of Gangkhar Puensum, Bhutan’s highest peak
- Diverse forest types: fir, oak, rhododendron
- Birdwatching heaven with over 340 species
Key Species:
- Red Panda
- Tiger
- Leopard Cat
- Himalayan Musk Deer
- Satyr Tragopan (rare bird species)
Activities:
- Eco-tourism treks
- Plant species exploration (300+ species of medicinal plants)
- Birding tours
Travel Tips:
- Carry rain gear and warm clothes
- Guided hikes recommended
4. Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park
- Location: Central Bhutan
- Best Time to Visit: Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November)
- Area: 1,730 sq km
- Established: 1995
Named after Bhutan’s fourth king, this park blends wildlife conservation with sustainable rural livelihoods. Spread across several districts, it acts as a central ecological corridor connecting northern and southern Bhutan.
With its mix of subtropical and temperate forests, the park supports wildlife such as clouded leopards, hornbills, Himalayan black bears, and takin. Visitors can trek through remote villages, stay with locals, and explore community-based eco-trails.
Highlights:
- Rich in flora and butterflies
- Home to over 300 species of birds
- Best for cultural trekking and eco-tourism
Key Species:
- Himalayan Black Bear
- Clouded Leopard
- Serow
- Takin
- Hornbills and pheasants
Activities:
- Nature trails and cultural trekking routes
- Community-stays and eco-lodges
- Butterfly watching
Travel Tips:
- Community-based experiences with locals offer insights into Bhutanese life
- Trekking permits are needed
5. Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary
- Location: Northeastern Bhutan
- Best Time to Visit: November to February
- Area: 1,520 sq km
- Established: 1993
Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary, bordering China and India, is one of Bhutan’s most important bird sanctuaries. It is globally recognized for being the winter habitat of the endangered black-necked crane, which migrates from Tibet each year.
In addition to birdlife, the sanctuary features alpine meadows, river valleys, and thick temperate forests. It’s also part of Bhutan’s tentative list for UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Highlights:
- Celebrates the Crane Festival annually in November
- Remote trekking opportunities to highland villages
- Great for peaceful, offbeat exploration
Key Species:
- Black-necked Crane (seasonal)
- Musk Deer
- Himalayan Monal
- Chinese Pangolin
Activities:
- Birdwatching (Nov–Feb peak)
- Cultural visits to remote villages
- Trekking to sacred monasteries
Travel Tips:
- Prepare for basic facilities—this is a remote area
- Crane Festival held in November
- Good walking shoes and a local guide are essential
6. Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary
- Location: Eastern Bhutan
- Best Time to Visit: April to June and September to November
- Area: 650 sq km
- Established: 2003
One of the newest protected areas in Bhutan, Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary was created to preserve both natural and cultural heritage. It’s famous for being the alleged home of the Yeti, or Migoi, as believed by the locals.
This remote and mystical sanctuary protects species like red pandas, blood pheasants, and barking deer. The Sakteng Trek takes you through semi-nomadic communities and alpine landscapes rarely visited by outsiders.
Highlights:
- Unique folklore-rich ecosystem
- Opportunities to experience nomadic yak-herding life
- Offers one of Bhutan’s most culturally immersive treks
Key Species:
- Red Panda
- Himalayan Black Bear
- Blood Pheasant
- Barking Deer
- Rumored presence of the Yeti
Activities:
- Sakteng Trek (4–5 days through yak herder villages)
- Bird photography
- Mythology and local folklore experiences
Travel Tips:
- For experienced trekkers seeking offbeat adventures
- Carry essentials as there are few shops or lodges
- Local hospitality is warm but rustic
7. Wangchuck Centennial National Park
- Location: North-central Bhutan
- Best Time to Visit: May to October (for treks)
- Area: 650 sq km
- Established: 2003
Established in 2008 to commemorate the centenary of Bhutan’s monarchy, Wangchuck Centennial National Park is the largest in the kingdom. It connects key ecological corridors and is vital for long-range animal migration.
This park is home to Tibetan wolves, snow leopards, Himalayan marmots, and tigers, along with sacred glacial lakes and dense forests. The park is a major research site and supports eco-volunteering and conservation work.
Highlights:
- Covers over 4,900 sq km
- Supports climate resilience through glacial studies
- Good for experienced trekkers and scientists
Key Species:
- Snow Leopard
- Tibetan Wolf
- Musk Deer
- Himalayan Marmot
- Himalayan Blue Sheep (Bharal)
- Takin (national animal of Bhutan)
Activities:
- Trekking through remote glacial valleys
- High-altitude birdwatching
- Wildlife photography
- Volunteering and research on glacial and wildlife conservation
- Community visits with yak herders
Travel Tips:
- Ideal for seasoned trekkers and nature researchers
- Dress in layers and carry waterproof and insulated gear
- The park is remote—advance bookings through certified Bhutanese tour operators are essential
- Acclimatization is important due to high altitudes (above 4,500 meters)
Summary Table: Bhutan’s Major Wildlife Parks at a Glance
| National Park | Wildlife Highlights | Best Time to Visit | Activities Offered |
| Jigme Dorji National Park | Snow Leopard, Blue Sheep | Mar–May, Sep–Nov | Trekking, Wildlife Photography |
| Royal Manas National Park | Tiger, Elephant, Gaur | Nov–Mar | Safari, River Adventure |
| Phrumsengla National Park | Red Panda, Musk Deer | Apr–Jun, Oct–Dec | Birding, Eco-Tours |
| Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park | Clouded Leopard, Hornbills | Spring & Autumn | Village Treks, Nature Walks |
| Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary | Black-Necked Cranes | Nov–Feb | Crane Watching, Bird Photography |
| Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary | Red Panda, Mythical Yeti | Apr–Jun, Sep–Nov | Trekking, Folklore Exploration |
| Wangchuck Centennial National Park | Tibetan Wolf, Marmots, Glaciers | May–Oct | Research Treks, Volunteering |
Final Thoughts
Bhutan’s national parks are not just protected areas; they are living ecosystems that blend conservation with culture. Whether you’re hiking amidst rhododendron blooms, watching cranes soar across high valleys, or listening to folktales of mythical creatures, each moment in these parks brings you closer to Bhutan’s heartbeat.
For those seeking something beyond the ordinary—a journey into the wild that is rooted in spirituality and sustainability—Bhutan’s wildlife sanctuaries await your footsteps.
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FAQs – Wildlife Tourism in Bhutan
1. Is it safe to visit wildlife parks in Bhutan?
Yes. All parks are well-managed and require guided visits, ensuring safety and protection of wildlife habitats.
2. Do I need permits for trekking and visiting these parks?
Yes. Visitors must obtain permits through a Bhutanese tour operator. Some treks also require special trekking permits.
3. Which park offers the best chance to see a snow leopard?
Jigme Dorji and Wangchuck Centennial offer the best chances due to high altitudes and known habitats.
4. Are there lodges inside the parks?
Some parks like Royal Manas and Jigme Singye Wangchuck offer community eco-lodges. Others may require tented treks.
5. What’s the best park for birdwatching?
Bumdeling and Phrumsengla are among the best, with seasonal and rare Himalayan bird species.
6. Can I visit these parks independently?
No. Bhutan’s tourism policy requires all international tourists to book through a registered tour operator with an approved itinerary.
7. Are children allowed on wildlife trips in Bhutan?
Yes, but trips are best suited for children aged 10 and above, especially those with an interest in nature and wildlife.
