National Parks in Bhutan and Wildlife Sanctuaries to Feel Close to Nature

Timings: Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Cost: BTN 150

The Jigme Dorji National Park spans a whopping 4,350 square kilometres, making it one of the largest national parks in Bhutan. It was named after the late Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, the Druk Gyalpo (King) of Bhutan till 1972. It was included in Bhutan’s Tentative List for UNESCO World Heritage Site inclusion as the only park in Bhutan where the country’s four symbols can be found: the national tree (cypress), national flower (blue poppy), national bird (raven) and national animal (taken). In fact, it hosts the largest population of Bhutan takin.

Timings: All Day
Cost: No Entry Fee

A perfect example of serenity in nature, Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park is one of the country's largest national park areawise. The National Park of central Bhutan covers most of the districts of Trongsa, Sarpang, Wangdue Phodrang, and Tsirang. Its central location is vital for many migratory bird species that visit the park on their seasonal routes between summers and winters.

Timings: 5:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Cost: No Entry Fee

The oldest national park in Bhutan, Royal Manas National Park is one of the largest national parks in the country. Known as the "conservation showpiece of the Kingdom", it is the largest example of tropical and sub-tropical ecosystems in Bhutan. Occupying south-central Bhutan, it shares its southern borders with Manas Tiger Reserve in India. Rich in wildlife species, including many of the endangered ones, it is a natural marvel that displays the distinct flora and fauna of Bhutan and the Himalayan Region.

Timings: Open 24 hours
Cost: No Entry Fee

Formerly the Thrumsingla National Park, Phrumsengla is a national park in Bhutan, found in the central and eastern regions. Spanning nearly 770 square kilometres, it is located in the Bumthang, Lhuetse, Mongar and Zhemgang districts. Phrumsengla National Park is home to more than 340 species of birds, including 6 species of endangered birds. The best time to visit the park for trekking is from April to June and September to November.

Timings: Monday - Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM,
Cost: BTN 150

At 4,900 square kilometres, the Wangchuck Centennial Park is the largest national park in Bhutan. Formally inaugurated in June 2008 in honour of the Wangchuck dynasty, Wangchuck Centennial Park is located in the northern region of the country. It’s so large that it spans 5 districts: Gasa, Wangduephodrang, Trongsa, Lhuetse, and Bumthang. To its east is the Bomdeling Wildlife Sanctuary and to its west is the Jigme Dorji National Park.

Timings: Monday - Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Cost: No Entry Fee

Formerly known as Toorsa Strict Nature Reserve, Jigme Khesar Strict Nature Reserve was renamed in appreciation of King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck’s dedication to environmental conservation. It spans an area of 609 square kilometres across the Haa and Samtse districts, with altitudes varying from 1,400m (4,500 feet) to 4,800m (15,700 feet). Sharing a border with Sikkim as well as Tibet, it became operational in 2010. Aside from its conservation, it does contain a military area close to the Chinese border.

Timings: Monday - Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Cost: No Entry Fee

Also spelt ‘Bumdelling’ or ‘Bomdeling’, Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary in Bhutan was planned in 1995 and established in 1998. In 2012, it was proposed as a UNESCO World Heritage site because of its cultural and natural importance in Bhutan. The Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary hosts 42 species of mammals, over 700 species of plants, 18 species of snakes, more than 340 species of birds, 4 species of lizards and 200 species of butterflies. In fact, it is home to the only endemic butterfly of Bhutan called Ludlow’s Bhutan Swallowtail.

Timings: Open 24 hours
Cost: No Entry Fee

Formerly known as Khaling Neoli Wildlife Sanctuary, Jomotshangkha Wildlife Sanctuary is in the southern region of Bhutan. Located in the Samdrup Jongkar district that shares a border with Assam, this sanctuary is found at altitudes ranging from 400 m (1,300 feet ) to 2,200 m (7,200 feet). The Nyera Amu Chhu river flows on its western end while Martshala and Shinkar Lauri flow on the northern end. Measuring at around 275 square kilometres, the Jomotsangkha Wildlife Sanctuary is the smallest protected area in Bhutan.

Timings: Monday - Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Cost: BTN 150

Officially launched in 2003, Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary is the newest protected area in Bhutan. Spanning 650 square kilometres on the easternmost region, it shares a border with Arunachal Pradesh in India. This sanctuary is known as the ‘paradise of rhododendrons’ as it costs around 35 species of the 46 rhododendron species found in Bhutan. Amongst mammals, the sanctuary is home to species like the barking deer, Hoary-bellied Himalayan squirrel, and the Red Panda.

Timings: Open 24 hours
Cost: No Entry Fee

Another smaller protected area in Bhutan, Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary is found in the southern border of the country in the Sarpang and Dagana districts, with the Punatsangchu river flowing in its west and Dhanishri ridge making up its northern ridge. It’s only slightly larger than Jomotshangkha Wildlife Sanctuary at 279 square kilometres. In terms of its wildlife, it’s popular for the spotted deer (chital), Bengal tigers, and Ganges dolphin. It’s also the only protected area in Bhutan with sal forests, a slow-growing evergreen tree.