Visit Jigme Dorji National Park to explore Bhutan's natural paradise, where a variety of plants and animals coexist peacefully. Here, you can witness Takin (Bhutan’s national animal) and admire the beauty of the Blue Poppy (Bhutan’s national flower). This Park can impress you with its large wildlife population, which includes over 300 different bird species. You can also spot the snow leopard and Bengal tiger, two endangered species thriving here as a result of conservation initiatives.
Explore the fascinating Jigme Dorji National Park, which is located in the far northwest of Bhutan and spans 4,316 sq km. As you go on your adventures, you are greeted with spectacular towering mountains that stretch from 1,400 to 7,326 metres in height.
In this area, you can go on exciting hikes through lush woods, where you may spot rare animals like the clouded leopard or the famous Bhutan takin. Be on the lookout for the elusive snow leopard, which is said to wander these pristine mountains. See the historic fortifications of Bhutan, such as Lingshi Dzong and Gasa Dzong, and become engrossed in the country's rich cultural legacy. Bhutan tour packages offer a fantastic way to explore these wonders.
Be captivated by the tranquil beauty of the park's many glacial lakes, which mirror the peaks in the distance. As birds like River Lapwing and Satyr Tragopan call out to one another while flying and nesting around the park, you may listen to their melodious calls.
Highlights
• Immerse yourself in the unspoiled nature of Jigme Dorji NP, Bhutan's second-largest national park, spanning across 4,316 km².
• Bask in the healing waters of the hot springs in Gasa, Tsharijathang, Chubu, and Khoma, which are known for their sulfur-rich healing qualities.
• Witness the majestic beauty of nature up close as you spot elusive animals like snow leopards and Bengal tigers surviving in the mountainous environment.
• Experience a kaleidoscope of colour as orchids, rhododendrons, and primulas bloom in spring and summer, weaving a beautiful tapestry of nature.
• Admire the source of the Pachhu, Wangchhu, Phochhu, and Mochhu, four of Bhutan's principal rivers, which all originate in the park's parameters.
How To Reach
The Jigme Dorji National Park is located on the Thimphu Paro road near the Dochula Pass, and this is how you can reach it.
By Car/taxi: From the heart of Thimphu, you can head towards Dodena, located approximately 13km away. Follow the route for a scenic 5-minute drive to reach Jigme Dorji National Park.
Best Time To Visit
Jigme Dorji National Park is an all-year-round destination, offering something unique with each season.
1. Best Season: You can visit the park during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) season when temperatures range from 10°C to 25°C. During these pleasant weather conditions, you can spot Bengal Tigers, Snow Leopards, and birds like Himalayan Monal and Ravens.
2. Best Day of the Week: You can visit any day of the week, as weekends tend to draw larger crowds. Avoiding weekends ensures you a more serene experience, allowing you to marvel at scenic trails adorned by rhododendrons and blue poppies.
3. Best Time of the Day: Consider visiting early mornings for the best wildlife viewing opportunities. Set out just after sunrise to spot elusive creatures like Red Pandas, Blue Sheep, and Himalayan Griffons as they start their day in the tranquil surroundings of the park.
Other Essential Information
- Acquire the required permits from the Bhutanese government ahead of time in order to enter the park.
- Remember to acclimatise gradually if necessary and be mindful of the possibility of altitude sickness, particularly in higher altitudes.
- Wear proper attire and bring the necessary gear in case of sudden weather changes.
- Be careful not to feed or disturb animals, and keep your distance from them.
- Carry a first aid kit, water, food, sunscreen, and bug repellent.
- Exercise caution on steep inclines and uneven slopes, and stick to marked trails at all times.
- Keep the park tidy by disposing of trash in the appropriate containers.
- Prepare an emergency supply kit and communication strategy in case something goes wrong.
- To have a more engaging experience and to securely tour the park, consider hiring a local guide.
Trek to Jomolhari
Set out on an exciting walk to Mount Jomolhari, Bhutan's third-highest mountain, which is situated near the boundary between Tibet and Bhutan. With its stunning scenery, high mountain crossings, and peaceful monastic villages, the Jomolhari Trek is a famous Bhutanese trek. You will ascend across alpine meadows, high plateaus, and rhododendron forests as you begin your trek from the national park's entrance. Along the way, you might see marmots, snow leopards, and Himalayan blue sheep, among many other animals. Along the way, you can witness remote towns and old fortresses. The nearby peaks and pristine environment make for a truly mesmerising experience.
Set Out On A Wildlife Safari
Take a thrilling wildlife safari at Jigme Dorji National Park, home to a wide variety of plant and animal species. In this park, you can see Bhutan's national animal, the Takin, as well as the rare Royal Bengal tiger, the snow leopard, and Asiatic wild dogs. Wander through verdant valleys and rugged mountains as part of the wildlife safari experience. There is a much greater probability of seeing animals in their native habitat when a knowledgeable guide leads the trip. Prepare your cameras so you may take pictures of musk deer, red pandas, and a variety of birds, including wood snipe and ravens.
Go On A Birdwatching Tour
If you are an ornithologist or simply a bird enthusiast, you will find paradise in Jigme Dorji National Park. With more than 300 species of birds identified in the park, including rare and endangered ones, bird watching is truly wonderful here. Here, you can spot the Himalayan Monal, the vibrant Ward's Trogon, and the stunning Satyr Tragopan. You can also witness numerous bird habitats being supported by the park's diverse vegetation, which varies from alpine grasslands to subtropical woods.
Enjoy A Mountain Biking Ride
Experience an exhilarating mountain bike ride through the untamed landscape of Jigme Dorji National Park. This park offers both beginner and expert motorcyclists a range of trails that highlight the natural beauty of Bhutan's surroundings. You can travel through forests of rhododendrons, beside swift-moving rivers, and across high-altitude passes. You may also likely see a lot of wildlife like musk deer, red pandas, and villagers living in peace with nature.
