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.
Park Map
Royal Manas National Park Pictures
Royal Manas National Park Trails
Related National Parks More Bhutan
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.
