BHUTAN – Visiting wild animal conservation areas is an exciting experience, whether it’s enjoying the bounty of nature in the forests, observing exotic wildlife, or simply sitting by pristine lakes.
You can find some excellent wild animal conservation areas right in Bhutan, a country known for its rare flora and fauna species in the region.
Read about the 8 best wild animal conservation areas in this beautiful country and decide which ones to visit during your stay.
Sakteng Wild Animal Sanctuary
Located in the Trashigang district, this area is known for its unique and far-eastern ecosystems and landscapes. It’s a popular choice for both tourists and locals for several reasons!
One of these is the blue pine, a typical evergreen coniferous tree that’s rarely found and only grows in mountain valleys like the Himalayas. The blue poppy is Bhutan’s national flower and looks stunning in spring.
When it comes to wildlife, the black-necked crane, known as one of the most intelligent birds, thrives in this ecosystem. There are also rumors of unique creatures like the Yeti, the legendary snowman.
- Best time to visit: March to August
- Distance from Thimphu: 340 km
- How to get there: Easily accessible from the village of Sakteng in eastern Bhutan
Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary
Among all the wildlife sanctuaries in Bhutan, Bumdeling is renowned and situated in the northwest of Bhutan, covering a vast area of over 1500 square kilometers and 420 square kilometers of buffer zone.
This peaceful sanctuary shares its border with Tibet in China as well as the northeastern regions of India.
You’ll have to go through several security checks to enter this sanctuary because it’s home to many endangered species, such as the red panda, which is considered a very tranquil and slow-moving creature, spending 14 to 18 hours in trees and feeding on leaves all day.
- Best time to visit: March to October
- Distance from Trashigang: 140 km
- Nearest airport: Paro Airport (581 km away)
- By road: Taxi or self-driving
Jomotsangkha Wildlife Sanctuary
The most famous national park in the southeastern region of Bhutan, this area was previously known as Khaling Neoli and shares its border with Assam. It’s the smallest protected sanctuary in the country, covering an area of 335 square kilometers.
Among the many reasons to visit, one of the most beloved highlights is the rare Pygmy Hog, which has attracted thousands of tourists from around the world to this park.
Best time to visit: March to May and late August to November
Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary
What was originally established to preserve the country’s natural sal forests has turned into one of the most popular tourist attractions here.
Located in southern Bhutan, bordering Assam in India, the Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary is home to various wildlife species, including the Golden Langur, Asiatic Elephant, and more.
The most distinctive feature of this park is the Chital Deer. Besides animals, you can also spot various bird species like the Hornbill.
- Best time to visit: March to June and September to November
- Distance from Sarpang: 150 km
- Nearest airport: Paro Airport (54 km away)
- By road: Taxi or self-driving
Royal Manas National Park
Also known as the Crown Jewel of Bhutan and the country’s oldest national park, it was upgraded to a national park in 1993.
This national park extends over such a vast area that it reaches India’s Manas Tiger Reserve, an incredibly important area for national biodiversity.
It’s the best wildlife conservation area in Bhutan if you want to spot the endangered Bengal Tiger, one of the most common tiger species.
You can also discover other wildlife species such as Asian elephants, one-horned rhinoceros, Himalayan black bears, clouded leopards, takins, and Ganges river dolphins if you’re lucky!
- Best time to visit: August to November, April to May
- Distance from Gelephu: 80 km
- Nearest airport: Paro
- By road: Taxi or self-driving
Jigme Dorji National Park
Known as the largest national park in Bhutan, it’s named after the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. The park is so vast that it encompasses five districts of Bhutan: Thimphu, Paro, Wangdue Phodrang, Punakha, and Gasa.
In fact, to grasp the park’s enormity, one can look at the difference in elevation from the highest point to over 5,000 meters lower. The variation in climate and altitude is what leads to the significant diversity of species found here.
For example, snow leopards can be found in high-altitude areas like Jomolhari Mountain, along with other wildlife such as tigers, red pandas, and blue sheep.
- Best time to visit: February to May, August to November
- Nearest airport: Paro Airport
- By road: Taxi or self-driving
Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park
Also known as the Bhutan National Park, it is the second largest national park in terms of area after Jigme Dorji National Park. However, it’s relatively remote with fewer households in the area.
The wildlife found in both these parks in Bhutan is quite similar, including the Golden Langur, red panda, and Bengal Tiger.
- Best time to visit: March to August
- Nearest airport: Bathpalathang Airport (63 km)
- By road: Taxi or self-driving
Phrumsengla National Park
Established in 1998, Phrumsengla National Park in Bhutan is one of the country’s most beautiful wild animal conservation areas. Open year-round, the park attracts visitors throughout the year. It’s an excellent place to discover wildlife and engage in adventurous activities.
The park offers excellent trekking routes through the forests in October and November when the weather is pleasant and dry. Beautiful rhododendron blooms can be enjoyed between April and June.
Due to its stunning landscape and diverse flora and fauna, the park is a great place to explore nature, discover wild animals, trek through the forest, and go on long hikes. Add it to your list of domestic attractions, as it’s one of the best wild animal conservation areas in Bhutan.
- Best time to visit: April to June
- Nearest airport: Bathpalathang Airport (63 km)
- By road: Taxi or self-driving
Frequently Asked Questions
How many wild animal conservation areas are there in Bhutan?
Bhutan has several wild animal conservation areas, including Sakteng Wild Animal Sanctuary, Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary, Jomotsangkha Wildlife Sanctuary, Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary, Royal Manas National Park, Jigme Dorji National Park, Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park, Phrumsengla National Park, and more.
How far is Sakteng Wild Animal Sanctuary from Thimphu?
The entire distance from Thimphu to Sakteng Wild Animal Sanctuary is 340 km. The sanctuary is not only mesmerizing in terms of beauty but also home to many bird species, including the black-necked crane.
What is the best time to visit Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary in Bhutan?
You'll have a fantastic time at Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary if you visit Bhutan between March and October. The sanctuary is located 140 km from Trashigang, and you can easily reach it from Paro by taking a flight.
What is the ideal time to visit Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary in Bhutan?
Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary in Bhutan is 54 km from Paro International Airport and is best enjoyed between March and June or September and November.
What kind of wildlife can be seen in the famous Royal Manas National Park?
You can witness wildlife like the Bengal Tiger, one-horned rhinoceros, Himalayan black bear, clouded leopard, takin, and Ganges river dolphins in the Royal Manas National Park in Bhutan.
Why is Jigme Dorji National Park in Bhutan famous?
Jigme Dorji National Park in Bhutan covers five districts and is situated at an altitude of 5,000 meters. You'll spot wildlife such as red pandas, tigers, snow leopards, blue sheep, and more in this national park.
How far is Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park from Paro?
The distance between Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park and Paro Airport is 59 km.
Learn more: Traveling in Bhutan.
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