Bhutan National Parks

About Bhutan National Parks

Bhutan, a small Himalayan kingdom known for its commitment to environmental conservation, is home to five national parks. These Bhutan National Parks play a vital role in protecting the country’s diverse ecosystems, which range from subtropical forests and alpine meadows to snow-capped peaks. The parks are crucial for conserving Bhutan’s rich biodiversity, including many endangered species, while promoting eco-tourism and contributing to the country’s Gross National Happiness philosophy, which emphasizes environmental sustainability.

Jigme Dorji National Park, the second-largest park in Bhutan, is one of the most significant national parks in Bhutan. Located in the northern part of the country, it is known for its stunning landscapes, which include glaciers, rivers, and high-altitude forests. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including the endangered snow leopard, Bengal tiger, Himalayan blue sheep, and red panda. It is also a vital watershed area, providing water for much of western Bhutan.

Royal Manas National Park, Bhutan’s oldest national park, is another key conservation area. Located in the southern region, it is rich in biodiversity and known for its tropical and subtropical ecosystems. The park protects species like the Asian elephant, Indian rhinoceros, and the rare golden langur, as well as a wide variety of bird species.

Phrumsengla National Park, formally known as Thrumshingla National Park, is located in central Bhutan. The park features pristine forests and alpine landscapes, offering sanctuary to species like the red panda and black bear.

Despite their ecological importance, Bhutan National Parks face several challenges, including illegal poaching, human-wildlife conflict, and habitat degradation due to infrastructure development. Climate change is another concern, affecting water sources and glaciers, particularly in high-altitude parks.

Bhutan’s strong conservation policies, supported by international partnerships and eco-tourism initiatives, help ensure that these parks remain well-protected, preserving the country’s natural heritage for future generations.

Jigme Dorji National Park

Explore Now

Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park

Phrumsengla National Park

Royal Manas National Park

Explore Now

Wangchuck Centennial National Park

FAQ’s

Bhutan, a country renowned for its commitment to environmental conservation, boasts a modest yet significant network of national parks. There are currently five national parks in Bhutan, each safeguarding the country’s rich biodiversity and stunning natural landscapes. These parks span diverse ecosystems, ranging from pristine forests to high-altitude alpine meadows.

They provide critical habitats for a variety of flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species like the Bengal tiger, snow leopard, and black-necked crane. Bhutan’s national parks also play a vital role in preserving the country’s cultural heritage, as they often encompass sacred sites, ancient monasteries, and traditional villages.

With their breathtaking scenery and ecological importance, Bhutan’s national parks offer visitors unique opportunities for wildlife viewing, trekking, and immersing in the country’s pristine natural beauty.

The largest national park in Bhutan is Jigme Dorji National Park, covering an extensive area of approximately 4,349 square kilometers (1,679 square miles). This vast park is located in the northwestern part of Bhutan, encompassing diverse ecosystems ranging from lush subtropical forests to high alpine habitats.

Jigme Dorji National Park is renowned for its rich biodiversity, housing a wide array of flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species such as the Bengal tiger, snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, and takin. The park is also home to numerous glacial lakes, sparkling rivers, and towering mountain peaks, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Additionally, Jigme Dorji National Park is significant for its cultural heritage, containing sacred sites, ancient monasteries, and traditional settlements that reflect Bhutan’s rich cultural and spiritual traditions.

The smallest national park in Bhutan is the Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park. It covers an area of approximately 650 square kilometers (250 square miles) in central Bhutan.

Despite its small size, the park is ecologically diverse, with alpine and temperate forests, meadows, and high-altitude wetlands. It is home to a variety of wildlife, including the endangered snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, red panda, and takin. The park also supports a rich birdlife, with over 300 species recorded, including the Himalayan monal and blood pheasant.

Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park is an important conservation area in Bhutan, protecting critical habitats and contributing to the country’s biodiversity conservation efforts. Additionally, it offers opportunities for ecotourism and outdoor recreation, such as trekking, birdwatching, and wildlife viewing.

The first national park in Bhutan is the Jigme Dorji National Park. Established in 1974, it is also the largest national park in Bhutan, covering an area of approximately 4,349 square kilometers (1,679 square miles). Named after Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, the third King of Bhutan, the park encompasses a wide range of ecosystems, including alpine meadows, temperate forests, and glacial lakes.

It is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna, including endangered species such as the snow leopard, Bengal tiger, and Himalayan musk deer. The park is renowned for its scenic beauty, with snow-capped peaks, pristine lakes, and verdant valleys attracting visitors for trekking, wildlife watching, and nature photography.

Jigme Dorji National Park plays a vital role in conserving Bhutan’s natural heritage and promoting sustainable tourism in the country.

The most popular national park in Bhutan is Jigme Dorji National Park, located in the western part of the country. Spanning an area of 4,316 square miles (11,000 square kilometers), it is one of the largest national parks in Bhutan. The park is known for its breathtaking landscapes, which include towering Himalayan peaks, deep river valleys, and rich forests.

Jigme Dorji National Park is home to iconic species such as the snow leopard, Bengal tiger, Himalayan black bear, and red panda. It also holds significant cultural value, with several Buddhist temples and sacred sites located within its boundaries, making it a popular destination for both wildlife enthusiasts and pilgrims.

Approximately 51.44% of Bhutan’s land area is protected through national parks, nature reserves, and biological corridors, covering around 14,824 square miles (38,400 square kilometers).

Bhutan has one of the highest percentages of protected land in the world, reflecting the country’s strong commitment to environmental conservation and biodiversity protection.

In addition to its national parks, Bhutan has several important wildlife sanctuaries and biological corridors that connect different protected areas.

Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary, located in eastern Bhutan, is known for protecting the unique Himalayan ecosystems, including habitats for species such as the red panda and Himalayan serow.

The Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary in the southern part of Bhutan is home to species like the endangered golden langur and the Indian elephant. Bhutan also has an extensive network of biological corridors, which allow wildlife to move freely between national parks and sanctuaries, ensuring the protection of genetic diversity across the landscape.

Apart from its national parks, Bhutan offers several other nature attractions. The Bumthang Valley, located in central Bhutan, is famous for its rolling hills, monasteries, and apple orchards.

Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery), perched on a cliffside, is one of the most iconic and scenic spots in the country, attracting visitors from around the world. The Black Mountains and Phobjikha Valley are known for their stunning views and as a wintering ground for the endangered black-necked crane.

Bhutan’s many hot springs, known as “tsachu,” such as the Gasa Hot Springs, are also popular for both locals and tourists seeking relaxation and healing.

Bhutan is home to several species that are regionally unique due to its diverse ecosystems and elevation ranges, though few are strictly endemic to the country alone. The golden langur, a rare primate, is found in the forests of southern Bhutan.

The Bengal tiger and snow leopard both inhabit different ecosystems within Bhutan, with the tigers found in the lowland forests and the snow leopards in the high Himalayas. The Bhutan takin, the country’s national animal, is a rare and distinct species of goat-antelope that can be found in the alpine meadows of northern Bhutan.

Bhutan’s main international airport is Paro International Airport (IATA code: PBH), located in Paro Valley. It is Bhutan’s only international airport and is considered one of the most challenging airports in the world due to its location in a deep valley surrounded by steep mountains.

The following international airline companies fly into Bhutan:

Druk Air (national carrier)
Bhutan Airlines

Both Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines operate flights to neighboring countries such as India, Thailand, Singapore, Nepal, and Bangladesh.

The national parks in Bhutan are managed by the Department of Forests and Park Services (DoFPS), under the Ministry of Agriculture and Forests. The department is responsible for the conservation of Bhutan’s biodiversity, including the management of national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biological corridors.

Bhutan’s conservation efforts are also supported by international organizations such as the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN).

More information can be found on the official website of the Department of Forests and Park Services: http://www.dofps.gov.bt.

Bhutan National Parks

About Bhutan National Parks