Jigme Dorji National Park Voyage Tips and guide

Jigme Dorji National Park is in north western Bhutan.

With over 4,300 km² (1,700 sq mi), this is Bhutan's largest national park, and covers the entire district of Gasa and the western areas of Thimphu and Paro districts. The park provides sanctuary for many wild animals, including the snow leopard, musk deer, Himalayan black bear, red panda, sambar, barking deer and marmot. The park is also home to a wide variety of Himalayan herbs used in traditional medicine and is the country's most active geothermic region.

It was established in 1974 as a wildlife sanctuary in memory of the late Third King of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. In 1993, after the major revision of protected area system in the country it was upgraded to national park. At that time, the boundary of the park was reduced and was confined to north western part of Bhutan. It is listed as a tentative site in Bhutan's Tentative List for UNESCO World Heritage Site inclusion.

The park provides refuge for 37 known species of mammals including several endangered, threatened or vulnerable species such as the takin, snow leopard, clouded leopard, Bengal tiger, bharal or Himalayan blue sheep, Himalayan musk deer, the Tibetan bear, the red panda, the dhole or wild Indian dog, and the spotted linsango. It is also home to the Indian leopard, serao, sambar, muntjac, goral, marmot, pika and over 300 bird species. It is also the only park in Bhutan where the animal (takin), flower (blue poppy), bird (raven) and national tree (cypress) coexist together.

The park is also home to a large variety of Himalayan herbs used in traditional medicine and is the most active geothermal region in the country.

Jigme Dorji National Park experiences diverse climates due to its varying elevation range from 1,400m to over 7,000m. All four seasons are experienced within the park. Lower Areas experiences warm summers with significant rainfall, cold and dry in winters. Upland areas with cool, moist summers typically experience cold, snowy winters, characteristic of certain high-elevation or specific temperate climate zones. Best Seasons to 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 June to August heavy rains make trekking difficult.

It involves a small entry fee, typically around 150 Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN) for the main visitor area, though costs can vary, and permits might be needed for specific treks like Jomolhari.

In certain areas, horses or yaks offer transport, especially for high-altitude or remote sections. Guided walks are common for wildlife spotting in accessible areas.

• 27.8568589.4325921 Lingzhi Yügyal Dzong. It is an important Drukpa Kagyu monastery and administrative center situated at an altitude of 4150 metres in Lingzhi, Thimphu District, Bhutan. Built in 1668 by the third Desi of Bhutan, Chögyal Minjur Tenpa (r. 1667-1680) to commemorate victory over a Tibetan invasion and named Yügyal Dzong.  (updated Jan 2026)
• 27.91666789.6833332 Gasa Dzong (Gasa Tashi Thongmön Dzong). It was built in the 17th century by Tenzin Drukdra the second Druk Desi over the site of a meditation place established by Drubthob Terkungpa in the 13th century.  (updated Jan 2026)

• Bathe at the Gasa Tsachhu hot springs - a 4-hour walk from the nearest road head at Goen Damje - simple accommodation available.
• Visiting remote villages such as Laya, where traditional lifestyles are still strong.

You can buy unique Bhutanese local handicrafts, paper goods in nearby Laya village.

• 27.53537289.8638971 Dhensa Boutique Resort, Wolakha, Punakha, ☏ +975 2 584 434, [email protected]. Not in the national park, but convenient to visit. Elegant and relaxing environment.  (updated Jan 2026)

Do planning for high-altitude treks, hire local guides for remote areas, prepare for challenging mountain roads, and understand park regulations for responsible tourism, especially regarding trails and cultural etiquette.

• Royal Manas National Park