Royal Manas National Park - National Parks Association

Royal Manas Overview

Royal Manas National Park, Bhutan’s oldest and most prestigious national park, is a sanctuary of rich biodiversity and stunning natural beauty. Established in 1966, it spans across the southern foothills of Bhutan, adjoining the Indian Manas Tiger Reserve in Assam, creating a transboundary conservation area of international importance. The park covers an area of approximately 1,057 square kilometers (about 408 square miles), extending from the lowland tropical forests to the subtropical and temperate zones, offering a diverse range of habitats.

Located in the districts of Zhemgang, Sarpang, and Pemagatshel, Royal Manas National Park is home to a plethora of wildlife, including several endangered species such as the Bengal tiger, Asian elephant, greater one-horned rhinoceros, clouded leopard, and the Ganges river dolphin. The park is also recognized for its significant bird population, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 365 species recorded, including the rare white-bellied heron.

The park’s landscape is marked by the Manas River, which meanders through dense jungles and grasslands, creating a lifeline for the park’s flora and fauna. The rich vegetation includes tropical and subtropical forests, interspersed with bamboo thickets and lush grasslands. This diverse ecosystem supports an extraordinary array of plant species, some of which are endemic to the region.

Royal Manas National Park is not only crucial for conservation efforts but also for its cultural significance to the local communities living on its periphery. These communities participate in sustainable conservation practices and eco-tourism initiatives that benefit both the environment and the local economy.

Visitors to Royal Manas National Park can experience its pristine natural beauty through eco-tourism activities such as wildlife safaris, river rafting, bird watching, and trekking. The park offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse in the untouched wilderness of Bhutan, providing a sanctuary for both wildlife and the human spirit.

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Royal Manas National Park Pictures

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Royal Manas National Park Trails

Manas River Trail

Rating: Easy

Distance and Elevation Gain: 5 miles (8 kilometers) round trip, with minimal elevation gain.

Description: Following the serene Manas River, this trail offers hikers a peaceful walk through lush subtropical forests.

It’s an excellent opportunity for bird watching and spotting wildlife near the water’s edge. The easy terrain makes it accessible for most fitness levels, offering a relaxed way to enjoy the park’s natural beauty.

Gomphu-Panbang Trek

Rating: Moderate

Distance and Elevation Gain: Approximately 30 miles (48 kilometers) one way, with moderate elevation gain.

Description: This multi-day trek connects the remote villages of Gomphu and Panbang, offering an immersive experience into the park’s diverse ecosystems.

Hikers will traverse through dense forests, cross suspension bridges, and encounter traditional Bhutanese communities.

The trek provides unique insights into the local way of life and the conservation efforts within the park.

Golden Langur Trail

Rating: Moderate

Distance and Elevation Gain: 10 miles (16 kilometers) round trip, with some elevation gain.

Description: Named after the rare golden langur, a primate endemic to this region, the trail offers a chance to spot these beautiful animals in their natural habitat.

The hike takes you through mixed forests and along riverbanks, with occasional clearings that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

It’s a fantastic trail for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.

Zhemgang Birding Trail

Rating: Easy to Moderate

Distance and Elevation Gain: Variable, up to 12 miles (19 kilometers) round trip, with gentle elevation gain.

Description: Perfect for bird watchers, this trail boasts a rich avian diversity, offering opportunities to spot rare and exotic bird species.

The trail’s gentle incline passes through a variety of habitats, from riverine forests to grasslands, making it a rewarding experience for both novice and experienced birders.

Indian Rhino Trail

Rating: Moderate

Distance and Elevation Gain: 15 miles (24 kilometers) round trip, with moderate elevation gain.

Description: This adventurous trail provides hikers with the chance to see the Indian rhinoceros along the banks of the Manas River.

The trek through mixed forest and grassland habitats offers diverse flora and fauna, along with spectacular views of the park’s landscape.

It’s an exciting journey for those interested in seeing one of the park’s most iconic species in the wild.

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Sources

Bhutan Cultural Atlas, Royal Manas National Park, https://bhutanculturalatlas.clcs.edu.bt/3142/culture/sites-structures/royal-manas-national-park/, retrieved April 2024.
Bhutan Government, Royal Manas National Park, http://www.tourism.gov.bt/uploads/attachment_files/tcb_HxwCl0oZ_gHr4_royal-manas.pdf, retrieved April 2024.
Bhutan Travel, Royal Manas National Park, https://www.bhutan.travel/national-park/royal-manas-national-park, retrieved April 2024.
Department of Forests and Park Services, Royal Manas National Park, http://www.dofps.gov.bt/?page_id=296, retrieved April 2024.
Little Bhutan, Royal Manas National Park – Bhutan’s Natural Treasure, https://www.littlebhutan.com/blogs/royal-manas-national-park-bhutans-biological-treasure.html, retrieved April 2024.
Travel Triangle, Royal Manas National Park, https://traveltriangle.com/blog/royal-manas-national-park/, retrieved April 2024.
UNESCO, Royal Manas National Park (RMNP), https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5698/, retrieved April 2024.
World Wildlife Fund, Royal Manas National Park, https://www.wwfbhutan.org.bt/projects_/bhutan_biological_conservation_complex/royal_manas_national_park__/, retrieved April 2024.