The desire to mingle with nature, to explore its various miracles is hidden somewhere in every human being. That’s why the destinations with natural beauty have always remained the favorite of travel lovers. One such destination in Bhutan. The stunning mountains, fascinating waterfalls, and rich wildlife make Bhutan an ideal holiday getaway for every nature lover.
If you also love nature and going to visit Bhutan soon, then you must know about the spectacular Wildlife Sanctuaries of Bhutan. The rare flora and fauna species of these sanctuaries will make your holiday memorable!
Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary:
Located in the north-west part of Bhutan, Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary preserves some of the most precious animal species of the world. This popular sanctuary is spread over a vast area of 1,545 square km and shares border with Tibet and some parts of India. You can encounter many security checks while entering this sanctuary as it protects one of the endangered animal species that is the red panda.
Yes, you can easily find many of these cute red creatures inside the sanctuaries oft-times chilling on trees and eating leaves. Don’t go too close as red pandas are quite lazy and don’t like to move. So, you shouldn’t be disturbing them! Apart from it, this place is also popular for black-necked cranes and 130 species of butterfly.
Best time to visit: March to October
Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary:
Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Trashigang District, and it houses the easternmost ecosystems and landscapes of Bhutan. This sanctuary is like a treat for nature lovers as it contains eastern blue pine; which is a rare coniferous evergreen and grows only in the Himalayan region. You can also find Bhutan’s national flower, blue poppy, which blooms during the spring season in this sanctuary.
In addition to the astonishing flora, this wildlife sanctuary is also famous for vivid fauna. Black-rumped magpie, which is considered one of the most intelligent non-human creatures, is also found here. According to locals, you can also encounter with the mythical animal yeti in Sakteng Sanctuary. However, there is no scientific proof of this claim.
Best time to visit: March to August
Jomotsangkha Wildlife Sanctuary:
Situated in the south-eastern region of Bhutan, Jomotsangkha Wildlife Sanctuary is the smallest protected sanctuary of the country with an area of 335 square km. However, for nature lovers, this sanctuary is totally equal to other big wildlife sanctuaries in worth and beauty. The rare species of pygmy hog attracts wildlife enthusiast to this sanctuary. In addition, you can also spot other precious species like Asian elephants, gaur, tigers and hispid hares here.
The sheer abundance of greenery keeps this wildlife sanctuary always pollution-free. The entire scenario becomes much more beautiful due to the presence of colorful birds like chestnut-breasted partridge and Rufous-necked hornbill. Their melodious chirping, coupled up with stunning vistas, makes it one of the best wildlife sanctuaries of Bhutan.
Best time to visit: March to May and mid-August to November
Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary:
Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary was initially established to protect and preserve the natural sal forests of Bhutan. Now, this sanctuary not only protects the flora but many animal species as well. Numerous tourists are drawn to this sanctuary due to its marvelous charms. This sanctuary is located in the least populated area of the city, southern Bhutan, and shares its borders with the Indian state of Assam.
Chital deers (spotted deers) are the specialty of Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary. Apart from it, animals like golden langurs, gaur, Asian elephants, and many birds such as hornbills are also present in this sanctuary.
Best time to visit: March to June and September to November
Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park:
Being the hub of rare migratory birds, Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park in Bhutan is the ideal destination for bird lovers! This is one of the largest national parks in terms of area which hosts several endangered bird species along with numerous animals. Visit with your binoculars if you wish to behold a glimpse of globally threatened birds like the black-necked crane, white-bellied heron, wood snipe and great hornbill.
Hey, don’t just fix your eyes at the sky to spot the birds; unless you want to miss the sight of animals such as tigers, Himalayan black bears, and red pandas. Well, that’s not a good idea! So keep an eye on everything while visiting this national park.
Best time to visit: March to August
Royal Manas National Park:
Royal Manas National Park is one of the largest and oldest national parks of Bhutan. Popularly regarded as “the conservative showpiece of the Kingdom”, this national park is the living example of rich bio-diversity and splendid ecosystem of Bhutan. Reigning over a vast part of south-central Bhutan, this national park shares some of its borders with Manas Tiger Reserve of India.
This sanctuary is perfect for spotting the endangered royal Bengal tiger; which only very lucky people can see in their life. This place harbors many other animals like one-horned rhinoceros, Asian elephant, Himalayan black bear, clouded leopard, Ganges dolphin, and pangolin.
Best time to visit: August to November and April to May
The Jigme Dorji National Park:
Jigme Dorji National Park is the second largest national park of the entire Kingdom of Bhutan covering entire Gasa district, and northern parts of Paro, Punakha, Wangdue Phodrang and Thimpu districts. The beauty of this national park is quite unexplainable; considering its high altitude location and vast area.
If you are visiting high altitude areas for the first time, then consider taking vomiting bags and medication as there are high chances of altitude mountain sickness. Keep asking the directions from locals if you don’t want to get stuck in the never-ending maze. After all, the area of this national park is no less than any maze. This park inhabits 37 known species of animals and 300 species of birds; some of which are endangered, some are vulnerable, and others are threatened species.
Best time to visit: February to May, August to November.
