Thinking of wildlife tours in Bhutan? It’s great. You are going to treasure a lifetime experience of nature, wildlife, and birdlife in the kingdom. Nestled in the Eastern Himalayas, the Kingdom of Bhutan is home to some of the most ecologically diverse and pristine national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in the world. These protected areas not only safeguard endangered species like the Bengal tiger, red panda, and snow leopard, but also offer visitors an immersive experience into Bhutan’s untouched natural beauty.
From the sprawling expanse of Jigme Dorji National Park, known for its thrilling treks and rare wildlife, to the serene wetlands of Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary, where black-necked cranes migrate, each destination is a paradise for nature lovers, birdwatchers, and adventurers. Bhutan’s parks—such as the culturally rich Jigme Singye Wangchuk National Park, the breathtaking Phrumsengla National Park, and the vast Wangchuk Centennial Park—showcase a seamless blend of biodiversity, trekking opportunities, and spiritual serenity. Whether exploring lush forests, snow-capped mountains, or subtropical valleys, the Kingdom’s conservation areas promise you an unforgettable experience of wildlife tours in Bhutan, one of Asia’s last great wildernesses.
1. Jigme Dorji National Park
Located in the northwestern region of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji National Park is one of the largest national parks of Bhutan. Named after the 3rd King of Bhutan, this park is a great place to be explored by wildlife enthusiasts. It houses some of the most endangered species of wild animals, such as the red panda, the Himalayan black bear, the snow leopard, the Bengal tiger, etc. Stretching over an area of approximately 4316 sq. kilometers, Jigme Dorji National Park is a haven for trekkers. You can trek on some of the best trekking trails while you are here. Some of the treks that you can undertake here are the Gasa-Laya Trek, Snowman Trek, Lunana Trek, Jomolhari Trek, etc. Apart from the wild animals, the park is also well known for the birds that live here. The park has approx. 300 species of birds, which makes it the best place to explore if you are a birdwatcher.
Things to Do in Jigme Dorji National Park
- Birdwatching: This area is a haven for nature lovers and bird enthusiasts. The park houses 300 bird species, out of which some are very rare. Early morning is the perfect time to spot birds in this area.
- Trekking: The park offers a wide range of trekking routes that provide the desired thrill and enjoyment to adventure seekers. While trekking, you can enjoy the magical beauty of the surrounding area. The most popular trek, the Jomolhari trek, lets you enjoy the scenic beauty of snow-clad Mount Jomolhari.
Best Time to Visit Jigme Dorji National Park
Autumn and spring are the best seasons to visit this park. During this time, the weather is favorable with moderate temperatures and clear skies. Thus, it is the right time to go for wildlife safaris and trekking.
2. Royal Manas National Park
Established as a wildlife sanctuary in the year 1966, Royal Manas National Park is one of the oldest national parks in Bhutan. It got the status of a national park in the year 1993. The park shares its southern borders with a tiger reserve in India known as Manas Tiger Reserve. This park houses different wildlife species, including a few endangered ones. Some of them include clouded leopards, Bengal tigers, Asian elephants, etc. Apart from that, the park is also home to 900 plant species, such as herbs, grasses, shrubs, climbers, etc. Some of the important species that you can find here include Bombax ceiba, Aphanamixis polystachya, Syzygium cumini, etc.
Things to Do in Royal Manas National Park
You can find a lot of things to explore when you are in Royal Manas National Park:
- Birdwatching: This national park is home to approximately 365 bird species. Thus, it is the perfect place for the birdwatchers. Some of the birds that you can find here include the white-bellied heron, rufous-necked hornbill, pallas fishing eagle, spotted wren-babbler, pied hornbill, etc.
- Wildlife Safaris: You can also enjoy a wildlife safari when you are here. Some of the common animals that you will find here include Hispid Hare, Bengal Tigers, Elephants, Black Bears, etc.
Best Time to Visit Royal Manas National Park
The best time to visit this park is from November to April. During this period, the weather is quite pleasant, which makes it easier for you to enjoy the treks and wildlife safaris. Although the park is open throughout the year, people choose the drier months to visit the park.
3. Jigme Singye Wangchuk National Park
This is one of the biggest national parks in Bhutan, which is visited by a large number of tourists. Spread over a large area, i.e., over 1730 square kilometers, the sanctuary is the best place to explore for nature lovers as well as adventure seekers. When you visit this park, you will be amazed to see the lush greenery of the forests. The sanctuary houses different varieties of wild animals, such as Himalayan black bears, Bengal tigers, etc. Apart from the wild animals, the park is also home to a large number of bird species, such as the black-necked crane, white-bellied heron, great hornbill, etc.
Things to Do in Jigme Singye Wangchuk National Park
You can do a lot of things when you are in this park. A few activities you can do are as follows:
- Birdwatching: Explore the interesting wildlife of the park, such as Himalayan black bears, red pandas, and Bengal tigers. This park is the right place to explore for bird lovers. If you are a birdwatcher, you can spot many beautiful birds in the park.
- Culture Exploration: Apart from watching the birds, you can also get to know the culture and heritage of Bhutan when you are here. You can also taste local food when you are here.
Best Time to Visit Jigme Singye Wangchuk National Park
The ideal time to visit Jigme Singye Wangchuk National Park is from March to May and September to November. During this time, the weather is quite pleasant, which makes it easy for tourists to visit this place. You will enjoy the stunning landscapes of this area when you are here.
4. Phrumsengla National Park
Established in the year 1998, Phrumsengla National Park is known for its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes. This is one of the best national parks to explore. Spread over a large area of 908 sq. km, the park features a diverse ecosystem that includes subtropical riverbanks and snowy alpine peaks. The park features approximately 623 plant species, which include 152 medicinal plants as well as 21 species. Apart from the plant species, the park is home to many wild animals, including golden cats, musk deer, Himalayan black bears, clouded leopards, common leopards, etc. This is also the right place for birdwatching. The park is home to approximately 361 species of birds. A few birds you can see here include the chestnut-breasted partridge, the rufous-necked hornbill, Pallas’s fish eagle, etc.
Things to Do in Phrumsengla National Park
A few things you can do at this park are:
- Enjoy Nature: This national park is famous for its breathtaking natural views, which attract tourists from all over the world. This is one of the most famous, beautiful spots to explore in Bhutan.
- Explore the Wildlife: You can explore the distinct wildlife of this park while you are here. Besides, you will get to see the rare animals that live in the park.
- Hiking and Trekking: If you are an adventure enthusiast, you can enjoy trekking when you are here. You will find a lot of trekking trails in this park. Thus, you won’t have any difficulty while trekking in this area. Some of the popular treks here include Bribdungla, Rhodungla, Latongla, Kheng Shingkhar, etc.
Best Time to Visit Phrumsengla National Park
The ideal time to visit Phrumsengla National Park is from March to June, i.e., during the spring and autumn seasons. These seasons are the best for hiking and trekking in the park.
5. Jigme Khesar Strict Nature Reserve
This nature reserve has a rich biodiversity that attracts tourists from all over the world. It has a distinct wildlife, which includes rare species such as the takin and the snow leopard. Once you are here, you can enjoy the beautiful rivers, stunning mountain views, and lush forests. This is not only the best place for wildlife enthusiasts but also for trekkers and hikers. Each path offers a stunning view of the area, which leaves the visitors spellbound. You can also connect with the local people and learn about the culture and traditions of Bhutan. This nature reserve offers an unforgettable experience to you, whether you are here for relaxation or adventure.
Things to Do in Jigme Khesar Strict Nature Reserve
You can enjoy a variety of activities when you are here:
- Hiking: You can enjoy hiking when you are in the Jigme Khesar Strict Nature Reserve. During this activity, you can explore the stunning landscapes of the nature reserve and its diverse flora and fauna. You will also get to see a variety of bird species during the hiking activity.
- Birdwatching: This is also a perfect spot for birdwatchers, as they can see a wide variety of bird species in this region, including a few rare birds. However, you will enjoy it the most if you have a guide with you.
- Photography: If you are a professional photographer, you will find many stunning places here to capture. You will love to take snaps of dense forests, rugged mountains, and diverse ecosystems here.
Best Time to Visit Jigme Khesar Strict Nature Reserve
The best time to visit Jigme Khesar Strict Nature Reserve is from March to May and from September to November. During this period, the weather remains favorable, which makes it easy for the visitors to explore this place without any difficulty.
6. Wangchuk Centennial Park
This park is the largest national park in the country and is immensely popular in the world. The area of the park is vast, and it covers a few districts, such as Wangdue, Lhuntse, Phodrang, Bumthang, etc. The park is so big that it covers 51.32% of the protected areas of the country. This is one of the most famous parks in Bhutan that you can visit with your friends and family. You can enjoy the snowfall if you visit the park in winter. The park is home to a wide range of wildlife species, such as takin, snow leopards, black bears, Himalayan musk bears, etc. Apart from the wild animals, you can find a wide range of bird species here. Thus, it is the best place to explore if you have an interest in birdwatching.
Things to do in Wangchuk Centennial Park
There are a variety of activities that you will love to enjoy once you are here. Some of these activities are:
- Wildlife: You can enjoy the distinct wildlife of this park when you are here. One of the striking features of the park is the rare species of birds.
- Lakes: You can also visit beautiful lakes at this place. Gasa Lake is a stunning lake that attracts tourists from all over the world.
Best Time to Visit Wangchuk Centennial Park
The ideal time to visit this park is from September to November. During this period, the weather is quite good. Due to this, a large number of tourists come here to visit the park. Another good time to visit this park is between November and March.
7. Jomotsangkha Wildlife Sanctuary
Situated in the southeastern part of Bhutan, Jomotsangkha Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the famous wildlife sanctuaries in Bhutan. This sanctuary is small in area and is home to a variety of animals, such as tigers, elephants, and other species. The sanctuary features a diverse ecosystem, which includes broadleaved forests, alpine meadows, subtropical forests, etc. This 275 square kilometer sanctuary is also home to a variety of wild animals such as tigers, pygmies, gaur, elephants, etc. This is also the right destination for nature lovers and bird enthusiasts. A large number of birdwatchers visit this place to see its diverse birdlife. A few birds that you can see here include the pin-tailed green pigeon, Asian Emerald Dove, Mount-Imperial Pigeon, Blue-bearded bee-eater, etc.
Things to Do in Jomotsangkha Wildlife Sanctuary
Some of the things you can enjoy here include:
- Natural Scenes: This sanctuary is full of scenic places that you can enjoy once you are here. Visitors come to seek the tranquility of this place.
- Photography: It is also a photographer’s paradise. If you are a photographer, you can capture some of the most beautiful photos at this place.
Best Time to Visit Jomotsangkha Wildlife Sanctuary
The ideal time to visit this sanctuary is from November to February. During this period, the weather is quite pleasant, which provides ease to the tourists while roaming here. Thus, if you want to visit it, plan your visit in the wintertime.
8. Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary
It is one of the most visited wildlife sanctuaries in Bhutan. It is home to a wide range of flora and fauna. When you are here, you will admire lush forests and beautiful rivers. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is known for its Black-necked Crane. This place is also the abode of Ludlow’s Bhutan Swallowtail, which is the state butterfly of Bhutan. The sanctuary has a diverse ecosystem, such as alpine meadows and cool broad-leaved forests. The wildlife sanctuary houses a variety of wild animals, such as snow leopards, Royal Bengal tigers, Himalayan musk deer, red pandas, etc. Apart from that, approximately 100 species of mammals also call this sanctuary their home. This place is also home to a large variety of bird species. Some of the bird species that you will find here include Palla’s Fish Eagle, Chestnut-Breasted Partridge, Wood Snipe, Rufous-necked Hornbill, etc.
Things to Do in Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary
Here are some of the activities that you can enjoy at Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary:
- Hiking and Trekking: Go trekking in this sanctuary and enjoy the breathtaking landscapes of this place. This is the best place for you if you are an adventure lover.
- Birdwatching: This wildlife sanctuary is the best place for birdwatchers. They will get to see a wide range of bird species here.
- Wildlife Photography: You can capture photos of wildlife once you are here. If you are a wildlife photographer, this place is the perfect spot for you.
Best Time to Visit Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary
The ideal time to visit Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary in Bhutan is between November and March. This is the best time for birdwatchers, as they will get to see a variety of migratory birds during this period. You will get to see a black-necked crane here if you visit it during these months. The weather is good, which makes it easy for the visitors to go birdwatching.
9. Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary
This wildlife sanctuary was established to protect the natural sal forests of Bhutan. Located in the southern region of the country, this sanctuary is one of the best places to explore the wildlife of Bhutan. The sanctuary shares its borders with Assam in India and is home to a variety of animals such as Asian elephants, gaur, golden langurs, Bengal tigers, etc. You can see the spotted deer here after visiting it. Apart from the animals, you can also see a variety of bird species here, such as the white-bellied heron, the rufous-necked hornbill, and other bird species. The sanctuary also has approximately 637 species of flora, including herbs, climbers, grasses, trees, etc.
Things to Do in Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary
A few things you can do in this sanctuary are the following:
- Bird Watching: This is the best place for birdwatchers, as you will get to see different species of birds here. A few new bird species are recorded here, such as the isabelline shrike, rusty-tailed flycatcher, brown fish owl, etc. The best time for birdwatching in this sanctuary is early morning and late afternoon.
- Wildlife Spotting: If you are a wildlife enthusiast, you will come to visit this sanctuary again and again. You will get to see a large variety of wild animals in this sanctuary.
- Photography: This place is also great for capturing the most beautiful photos. There is much to capture here, such as the diverse flora of this place and wild animals such as spotted deer, Bengal tigers, golden langurs, birds, etc.
Best Time to Visit Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary
The ideal time to visit Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary is between November and March. During these months, the weather is mild and dry, which makes it easy to see the wildlife and enjoy outdoor activities.
10. Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary
Visiting this sanctuary will be a rewarding experience for you as you will get to see alpine meadows, crystal-clear streams, and lush forests. Whether you are a trekking enthusiast or a birdwatcher, you will never be disappointed after coming here. The sanctuary is home to a large variety of flora and fauna, which attracts people from around the world. It also houses many endangered species. The park is visited by many conservationists and wildlife enthusiasts. Apart from its diverse flora and fauna, you will also get to see a large variety of birds here. Some of the birds that you will get to see here include the grey-backed shrike, Himalayan blood pheasant, grey-headed woodpecker, Tibetan snow cocks, Monal pheasant, common hoopoe, etc.
Things to Do in Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary
A few things to do in Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary are:
- Trekking: The sanctuary offers many trekking routes for all types of trekkers. You can enjoy stunning views of the mountains while trekking here.
- Bird Watching: This place is the best for birdwatchers, as you will get to see different types of birds here.
Best Time to Visit Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary
The ideal time to visit this sanctuary is between March and May and between September and November. During this season, the weather is pleasant and great for trekking.
Wildlife Tours in Bhutan: Conclusion
These national parks and wildlife sanctuaries are not only the top destinations for wildlife tours in Bhutan, but also are the living testament of the Kingdom’s commitment to wildlife preservation. There are several other places in the kingdom that will give you an excellent experience of wildlife tours in Bhutan. Whether you are a wildlife enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or a nature lover—exploring the top wildlife destinations on Bhutan tours will be a great experience. If you are looking for Bhutan tour packages that focus on wildlife tourism in the Kingdom, you can book the most affordable and well-designed tour package with Bhutan Jewel Travel. Thanks for giving your time to read this blog. Please share your feedback in the comment section below.