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river paro running through Jigme Dorji
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Jigme Dorji Overview

Jigme Dorji National Park, established in 1974, is one of Bhutan’s most significant conservation areas and the second-largest national park in the country. It spans over an area of approximately 4,349 square kilometers (about 1,679 square miles), encompassing a diverse range of ecosystems from subtropical forests to alpine meadows. The park is located in the northwestern part of Bhutan, stretching across the districts of Gasa, Thimphu, Paro, and Punakha. It is named after Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, the Third King of Bhutan, who played a pivotal role in the country’s modernization and conservation efforts.

Jigme Dorji National Park is renowned for its rich biodiversity, including several endangered species such as the snow leopard, Bengal tiger, Himalayan black bear, red panda, and the takin, Bhutan’s national animal. The park’s varied altitude, ranging from 1,400 to over 7,000 meters above sea level, contributes to its ecological diversity, supporting a wide variety of flora and fauna adapted to different environmental conditions.

The park also holds cultural and spiritual significance, with numerous sacred sites and monasteries within its boundaries, including the famous Mount Jomolhari, revered by local communities and trekkers alike. The park’s rivers, including the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu, are vital sources of water for agriculture and hydropower in the region.

Jigme Dorji National Park offers a range of outdoor activities, from trekking and camping to wildlife watching and cultural tours. Its trails provide stunning views of the Himalayan landscape and opportunities to encounter its unique wildlife. The park plays a crucial role in conservation, serving as a corridor for wildlife migration between northern and southern Bhutan, and contributes to the country’s commitment to maintaining a sustainable and balanced natural environment.

Visitors to Jigme Dorji National Park can experience the pristine beauty of Bhutan’s wilderness, explore its rich cultural heritage, and witness the efforts to preserve one of the most biologically diverse regions in the Himalayas.

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Jigme Dorji National Park Highlights

Predators

Jigme Dorji National Park, nestled in the heart of the Himalayas, is home to a diverse array of predators, each playing a vital role in the park’s ecosystem.

Snow Leopard

The elusive snow leopard, a master of stealth, roams the rugged terrain of Jigme Dorji National Park, preying on blue sheep and other mountain ungulates.

Bengal Tiger

The majestic Bengal tiger, apex predator of the subcontinent, prowls the dense forests of Jigme Dorji National Park, hunting deer and wild boar under the cover of darkness.

Asian Black Bear

The Asian black bear, with its distinctive white V-shaped chest mark, forages for berries and insects in the forests of Jigme Dorji National Park, occasionally raiding crops.

Red Panda

The charismatic red panda, with its bushy tail and masked face, traverses the canopy of Jigme Dorji National Park, feeding on bamboo and small mammals.

Clouded Leopard

The elusive clouded leopard, with its striking coat pattern, roams the dense jungles of Jigme Dorji National Park, preying on birds, monkeys, and small deer.

Leopard

The agile leopard, with its spotted coat, hunts stealthily in the forests and grasslands of Jigme Dorji National Park, targeting prey ranging from rodents to antelope.

Golden Jackal

The adaptable golden jackal, with its keen sense of smell, scavenges for food in the scrublands and grassy meadows of Jigme Dorji National Park.

Common Leopard Cat

The common leopard cat, a skilled hunter of small mammals and birds, prowls the undergrowth of Jigme Dorji National Park, using its agility to ambush prey.

Himalayan Wolf

The Himalayan wolf, a subspecies of the gray wolf, roams the alpine meadows and high plateaus of Jigme Dorji National Park, hunting in packs for blue sheep and pikas.

Eurasian Lynx

The elusive Eurasian lynx, with its tufted ears and dense fur, stalks the forests and rocky outcrops of Jigme Dorji National Park, hunting deer and hares.

Popular

Jigme Dorji National Park boasts a rich diversity of non-predator species, each contributing to the park’s ecological balance and captivating visitors with their unique traits.

Himalayan Blue Sheep

The Himalayan blue sheep, nimble climbers of rocky slopes, traverse the rugged terrain of Jigme Dorji National Park, grazing on alpine vegetation and evading predators.

Himalayan Musk Deer

The elusive Himalayan musk deer, with its distinctive fang-like tusks, inhabits the dense forests and shrublands of Jigme Dorji National Park, feeding on leaves and twigs.

Himalayan Monal

The resplendent Himalayan monal, with its iridescent plumage, graces the meadows and forest edges of Jigme Dorji National Park, foraging for berries, seeds, and insects.

Himalayan Tahr

The Himalayan tahr, with its shaggy coat and curved horns, roams the steep cliffs and rocky outcrops of Jigme Dorji National Park, grazing on grasses and shrubs.

Asiatic Black Bear

The Asiatic black bear, with its distinctive white chest crescent, inhabits the forests and scrublands of Jigme Dorji National Park, feeding on fruits, insects, and small mammals.

Himalayan Serow

The Himalayan serow, a goat-like ungulate, navigates the dense undergrowth and rocky slopes of Jigme Dorji National Park, browsing on leaves, shoots, and grasses.

Himalayan Red Fox

The Himalayan red fox, with its bushy tail and rust-colored fur, patrols the grasslands and scrub forests of Jigme Dorji National Park, hunting rodents and birds.

Himalayan Black Bear

The Himalayan black bear, a smaller cousin of the Asian black bear, wanders the forests and alpine meadows of Jigme Dorji National Park, foraging for fruits and insects.

Himalayan Goral

The Himalayan goral, with its slender body and short horns, scales the rocky cliffs and crags of Jigme Dorji National Park, browsing on grasses and shrubs.

Himalayan Palm Civet

The Himalayan palm civet, a nocturnal arboreal mammal, explores the canopy and understory of Jigme Dorji National Park, feeding on fruits, insects, and small vertebrates.

Jigme Dorji National Park Pictures

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Engaging Jigme Dorji

Considered one of the most challenging treks in the world, the Snowman Trek traverses through the remote landscapes of Jigme Dorji National Park. This high-altitude trek exposes adventurers to breathtaking views of pristine glacial lakes, rugged mountain passes, and isolated Bhutanese villages.

The route offers an in-depth experience of the park’s unique flora and fauna along with a glimpse into the traditional lifestyle of the nomadic communities living in harmony with nature. The trek typically takes around 25-30 days, demanding good physical fitness and stamina.

For adventure enthusiasts, river rafting on the Mo Chhu River offers an exhilarating way to experience the natural beauty of Jigme Dorji National Park. The river flows through the park and provides a thrilling rafting route surrounded by lush forest and wildlife.

Rafting trips can vary in difficulty, catering to both novices and experienced rafters, and are guided by professionals to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. This activity combines adventure with the scenic tranquility of the park’s landscape.

Jigme Dorji National Park Trails

Snowman Trek

Rating: Strenuous

Distance and Elevation Gain: Approximately 200 miles (322 kilometers), with significant elevation gain.

Description: The Snowman Trek is one of the most challenging and rewarding treks in the world, traversing remote and high-altitude terrain.

Hikers will experience breathtaking landscapes, including high mountain passes, pristine lakes, and remote villages.

The trail provides an opportunity to witness the untouched beauty of the Himalayas and requires excellent physical condition and proper acclimatization.

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Jomolhari Loop Trek

Rating: Moderate to Strenuous

Distance and Elevation Gain: About 75 miles (120 kilometers) round trip, with considerable elevation gain.

Description: This trek circles the base of Mount Jomolhari, Bhutan’s sacred mountain, offering stunning views of snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, and high-altitude pastures.

Hikers will pass through traditional Bhutanese villages, ancient fortresses, and serene monasteries, providing a blend of natural and cultural exploration.

Laya Gasa Trek

Rating: Moderate to Strenuous

Distance and Elevation Gain: Approximately 125 miles (201 kilometers), with significant elevation gain.

Description: Connecting the regions of Laya and Gasa, this trek offers diverse landscapes, including alpine meadows, bamboo forests, and hot springs.

The route provides a chance to encounter the semi-nomadic Layap people, known for their unique culture and traditions.

The trail also offers the possibility of sighting rare wildlife such as the takin and the blue sheep.

Drukpath Trek

Rating: Moderate

Distance and Elevation Gain: Approximately 40 miles (64 kilometers), with moderate elevation gain.

Description: Though not entirely within Jigme Dorji National Park, this popular trek links Paro to Thimphu and skirts the park’s edge, offering stunning views of the Bhutanese Himalayas.

The trail passes through dense alpine forests, serene lakes, and ancient lhakhangs (temples), showcasing Bhutan’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Soi Yaksa Trek

Rating: Moderate to Strenuous

Distance and Elevation Gain: Approximately 50 miles (80 kilometers), with considerable elevation gain.

Description: This trek takes hikers through some of the most beautiful and remote areas of the park, offering stunning views of Mount Jomolhari, Jichu Drake, and other peaks.

The trail winds through rhododendron forests, yak pastures, and high mountain passes, providing a challenging yet rewarding experience for adventurous hikers.

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river paro running through Jigme Dorji
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Sources
  • Bhutan for Life, Jigme Dorji National Park, http://www.bfl.org.bt/bflsite/public/app/jdnpparks, retrieved April 2024.
  • Bhutan Travel, Jigme Dorji National Park, https://www.bhutan.travel/national-park/jigme-dorji-national-park, retrieved April 2024.
  • Department of Forests and Park Services, Jigme Dorji National Park, http://www.dofps.gov.bt/?page_id=162, retrieved April 2024.
  • Himalayan Dreams, Jigme Dorji National Park, https://www.himalayan-dreams.com/jigme-dorji-national-park, retrieved April 2024.
  • Travel Triangle, Jigme Dorji National Park: The Abode of Snow Leopards and Bengal Tigers, https://traveltriangle.com/blog/jigme-dorji-national-park/, retrieved April 2024.
  • UNESCO, Jigme Dorji National Park, https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5699/, retrieved April 2024.
  • World Wildlife Fund, Jigme Dorji National Park, https://www.wwfbhutan.org.bt/projects_/bhutan_biological_conservation_complex/jigme_dorji_national_park/, retrieved April 2024.