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Royal Manas National Park
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Royal Manas National Park is Bhutan's oldest national park, first established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1966. Covering 1,057 square kilometers in the south of the country, it forms a contiguous protected area with India's Manas National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The park is considered the 'crown jewel' of Bhutan's protected areas and a biodiversity hotspot. It conserves tropical and subtropical ecosystems that provide habitat for an exceptional diversity of wildlife. Royal Manas is particularly famous for its populations of Royal Bengal tigers, Asiatic elephants, greater one-horned rhinos, and wild water buffalo. Over 430 bird species have been recorded, including the rare hornbill. The park is also home to the golden langur, a primate species found only in this region. The river system of the Manas and its tributaries is critical to the park's ecosystem.
- Location: Bhutan
- Nearby: Jakar (6 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Oct, Nov.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 11 | 13 | 17 | 20 | 22 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 22 | 20 | 16 | 13 |
| Rain mm | 6 | 18 | 48 | 212 | 267 | 341 | 362 | 269 | 214 | 115 | 11 | 5 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
Reaching this southern tropical park usually involves a journey from Gelephu, Panbang, or Zhemgang, generally requiring pre-arranged transportation and permits through tour operators.
Best season
The dry winter months from November to March are highly recommended, as the subtropical climate is cooler, humidity is lower, and wildlife viewing is significantly better.
Terrain & paths
The terrain features dense subtropical jungles, wide river valleys, and relatively flat plains, making walks generally less strenuous compared to the high Himalayan regions.
What to bring
Lightweight, breathable clothing in neutral colors is essential for the heat, along with strong insect repellent, a wide-brimmed hat, and binoculars to spot diverse wildlife.
Parking
Parking facilities are typically localized near the park headquarters or designated entry camps, where tour operators will manage the safe storage of vehicles.
Safety
Because this is a major biodiversity hotspot with large predators and wild elephants, you must strictly follow the guidance of local rangers and avoid venturing out unescorted.
Time needed
Explorations generally span 2 to 4 days, allowing ample time for jungle safaris, river excursions, and appreciating the immense biological wealth of Bhutan's oldest park.
Geography
Facts
- Opened as a wildlife sanctuary in 1966.
- Home to Bengal tigers and Indian rhinos.
- Extends to the border with India.
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Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the climate like in Royal Manas National Park?
The climate is tropical to subtropical with hot, humid summers.
Are there rhinos in the park?
Yes, it is home to the rare greater one-horned rhinoceros.
Are safaris possible?
Yes, boat tours and jeep safaris are offered.
When is the best time for wildlife viewing?
The winter months from November to March are the most pleasant.
How do you reach the park?
Access is usually through Gelephu or the Indian state of Assam.
Royal Manas National Park: where is it located?
Royal Manas National Park is located in Bhutan.
Royal Manas National Park: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Oct, Nov.
Royal Manas National Park: why is it worth visiting?
Royal Manas National Park is Bhutan's oldest national park, first established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1966.
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Nearby cities
Jakar
Jakar, known as the center of the Bumthang region, is considered the spiritual heartland of Bhutan with many ancient monasteries.
Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake)
A sacred gorge in the Tang Valley where the 15th-century saint Pema Lingpa is said to have discovered hidden religious treasures.
Narsingdi
An industrial hub east of Dhaka, famous for its textile industry and the ancient archaeological site of Wari-Bateshwar.
Chandpur
Located at the confluence of the Padma and Meghna rivers, this city is the 'Hilsa Capital' of Bangladesh.
Gelephu
Gelephu is a rapidly growing town in southern Bhutan on the Indian border, known for its hot springs and tropical agriculture.
Narayanganj
An industrial hub near Dhaka, historically significant for its jute trade and river transport.
Noakhali
A coastal district in southeastern Bangladesh, known for its unique dialect and its resilience against natural disasters.
Brahmanbaria
A major cultural and educational center in eastern Bangladesh, historically known for its literary and musical contributions.
Lhasa
The traditional capital of Tibet and a major center of Tibetan Buddhism.
History & landmarks
Ogyen Choling Palace
A historic manor in the Tang Valley turned into a fascinating museum.
Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake)
A sacred site that is actually a gorge on the Tang Chhu river.
Tamshing Lhakhang
This temple in the Chokhor Valley is known for its ancient wall paintings.
🗺️
Tharpaling Monastery
A peaceful monastery on a steep mountainside in the Chokhor Valley.
Bumthang (Chokhor Valley)
The Chokhor Valley in Bumthang is the spiritual heartland of Bhutan, dotted with ancient temples and sacred sites.
Tang Valley
The most remote of Bumthang's four valleys, characterized by sheep breeding, high-altitude farming, and the historic Ogyen Choling Palace.
Lhuentse (Khoma)
Khoma is a famous textile village in eastern Bhutan, renowned for its intricate Kishuthara silk weaving.
Bangladesh Taj Mahal
A scaled replica of the famous Indian Taj Mahal located in Narayanganj, built by a wealthy filmmaker.
Nature
Manas River
A mighty transboundary river that irrigates the subtropical regions before flowing into the Indian Brahmaputra.
Meghna River
One of the most important rivers in Bangladesh, forming the massive Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta.
Namtso Lake
A mountain lake on the Tibetan Plateau, considered one of the most beautiful places in Tibet.
Tanguar Haor
A unique wetland ecosystem in northeastern Bangladesh, providing shelter for many migratory birds.
More places
Gelephu Special Economic Zone
A groundbreaking visionary project by the King, known as the 'Mindfulness City'.
Gelephu Dry Port
This inland port serves as an important logistics center for the central-south of Bhutan.
Jigmeling Industrial Park
A newly developed, large-scale industrial park in Sarpang district.
Phipsoo Wildlife Sanctuary
A sanctuary in southern Bhutan known for its chital deer populations and as a habitat for Asian elephants and tigers.
Wari-Bateshwar Ruins
An archaeological site in the Narsingdi region, dating back to around 450 BC.
Bumthang Valley
The spiritual heartland of Bhutan, consisting of four major valleys and home to numerous ancient temples.
Char Kukri Mukri Wildlife Sanctuary
A remote island sanctuary that has one of the largest concentrations of spotted deer in the south.
Manas National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage site in Assam, known for its rare and endangered endemic wildlife such as the pygmy hog and the golden langur.