Royal Manas National Park is in Central Bhutan.
Understand
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Covering over 1,000 km², this park and its adjoining Manas National Park in Assam provide a sanctuary for many wild animals, including tigers, leopards, rhinos, bears, pangolin and elephants. Designated a wildlife sanctuary in 1966, the area was upgraded to national park status in 1988.
History
[edit]Royal Manas National Park was formally notified as a wildlife sanctuary and serves as the oldest protected area in Bhutan. It was one of the first focuses of the Bhutan Trust Fund, receiving initial infrastructure development and management plans. The area was upgraded to a national park in 1993, connecting with Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park to form a crucial cross-border conservation belt with India's Manas National Park.
Landscape
[edit]The park covers the eastern Sarpang District, the western half of the Zhemgang District, and the western Pemagatshel District.
It is connected via biological corridors to Phibsoo Wildlife Area, Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park, Phrumsengla National Park, and Jomotsangkha Wildlife Area.
The southern Indo-Butanese border separates this park from Manas National Park, a UNESCO heritage site.
Flora and fauna
[edit]Habitats range from tropical lowland forests to permanent ice fields. Ecoregions within the park include Eastern Himalayan broadleaf forests and Himalayan subtropical pine forests. Royal Manas also produces several plant species used in food, commerce, medicine, and religious rituals.
It is home to Bengal tigers, elephants, gaur (Bos gaurus), as well as rarer golden langur, pygmy hog, hispid hare (Caprolagus hispidus), and Ganges river dolphin (Platanista). It is also the only Bhutanese park inhabited by the one-horned rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) and wild water buffalo (Bubalus arnee). Hundreds of species of birds—including four species of hornbills: rufous-necked, wreathed, pied and great Indian—also live in the vast park.
Climate
[edit]During the monsoon season from May to September, up to 5,000 mm of rainfall can occur in the national park, but there is little rain in other parts of the year. The best travel period is from November to March, because in this period the temperatures are very pleasant.
Get in
[edit]By plane
[edit]International travelers will first have to reach 1 Paro International Airportwhich is Bhutan’s only international airport. From Paro, you can take a domestic flight to 2 Gelephu Airportmostly operates domestic flights, with limited services from within Bhutan. Park is about 106 km (66 mi) away.
Fees and permits
[edit]Get around
[edit]See
[edit]Do
[edit]Embark on jeep safaris or elephant rides to spot Bengal tigers, Asian elephants, and golden langurs. Visitors can enjoy white-water rafting and boating on the Manas River, a major tributary of the Brahmaputra. Stay at community-managed eco-camps.
Buy
[edit]Eat
[edit]Drink
[edit]You can try local alcoholic beverage called ‘Tongba’ made from millet or maize and served in bamboo containers.
Sleep
[edit]Lodging
[edit]Camping
[edit]Backcountry
[edit]Stay safe
[edit]- Always secure necessary permits.
- Hire an authorized guide for all jungle activities.
- Visit during the recommended, safer, and drier season of November to April.
- Wear neutral-coloured clothing (khaki, olive, grey) to blend in with the environment.
- Consult a healthcare provider before travelling to ensure vaccinations are up-to-date and to discuss malaria prevention if visiting during the monsoon season.
- Maintain silence, avoid feeding animals, and leave the park before sunset.
- Allow time to acclimatize to the local climate and altitude to avoid altitude sickness.
Go next
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