National parks

National Parks in Bhutan - Where the Wild Beauty of Nature is Preserved

Nature reserves, known as Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks, form the cornerstone of Bhutan's environmental protection program. Rare and endangered species of animals and plants find refuge and a home in the various nature reserves. Currently, Bhutan has five National Parks, each more diverse than the last.

Jigme Dorji National Park

The Jigme Dorji National Park, spanning 4,300 square kilometers, is the second-largest National Park in the country. Situated in the Himalayas, it borders China to the north and extends across five districts.

With enormous variations in altitude ranging from 1,400 to 7,000 meters above sea level, the Jigme Dorji National Park encompasses eight vegetation zones and is one of the most species-rich protected areas on the Indian subcontinent. Among its inhabitants are the snow leopard, the clouded leopard, and the golden langur.

The sacred mountains of Chomolhari, Tsherimgang, and Jichu Drakey, revered in Bhutan, are significant landmarks within the park. Additionally, Bhutan's national flower, the blue poppy, as well as numerous colorful orchids and rhododendrons, can be found in the Jigme Dorji National Park.

Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park

Located in the heart of the country, the Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park covers an area of 1,700 square kilometers, making it the third-largest in Bhutan. It primarily consists of dense deciduous and coniferous forests, extending up to ice-covered mountain peaks.

Due to its varied altitudes, resulting in different levels of rainfall, the park experiences diverse climatic conditions, leading to a rich diversity of bird species. Rare animals like the musk deer and the Asiatic black bear also call the Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park home. Moreover, the park serves as a vital link between the northern and southern tiger populations of the kingdom.

About twenty percent of all tigers in Bhutan reside in the eastern part of this protected area. Additionally, species like the rare golden langur, found only in Bhutan and Assam, have made their home here.

Royal-Manas-National park

As a former royal hunting ground, the Royal Manas National Park is considered the crown jewel among Bhutan's National Parks. It encompasses the largest tropical and subtropical ecosystem in the Himalayan kingdom, providing a home to countless endangered species of flora and fauna.

As the largest and oldest protected area in Bhutan, it is home to the Asian elephant, the Bengal tiger, and the water buffalo. One can also observe Indian rhinoceroses, sloth bears, clouded leopards, the famous golden langur, and even Ganges river dolphins in the Royal Manas National Park. Many of the over 900 plant species growing in the protected area hold medicinal or religious significance in Bhutan.

Phrumsengla-National park

Located in the heart of Bhutan, the 900-square-kilometer Phrumsengla National Park is the country's youngest National Park. It stretches from icy heights down to subtropical deciduous forests and is home to many rare plants and animals, including the snow leopard, the red panda, and the Bengal tiger.

With altitude variations of 3000 meters and temperature differences of a whopping 49°C, the Phrumsengla National Park experiences climatic variations like nowhere else in the world.

Wangchuck-Centennial-Park

Located in the north of Bhutan, the Wangchuck Centennial National Park is Bhutan's largest National Park, covering an area of 4,900 square kilometers.

Bordering Tibet to the north, it extends across five districts. Together with many other protected areas, it forms a vast area that covers almost the entire northern region of the country, serving as a habitat for Bhutan's flora and fauna.