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Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park
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Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park, formerly known as the Black Mountains National Park, is located in central Bhutan and covers an area of 1,730 square kilometers. It is the only park that protects the transition zone between the tropical lowlands in the south and the alpine highlands in the north. The park acts as a crucial wildlife corridor, linking Royal Manas National Park in the south with Jigme Dorji National Park in the north. Its pristine forests are home to an impressive array of biodiversity, including rare species like the red panda, clouded leopard, and golden langur. The park is also renowned for its rich birdlife; the internationally significant wintering ground for the black-necked crane in the Phobjikha Valley lies on the park's periphery. The altitude ranges from 600 to nearly 5,000 meters, leading to a wide variety of vegetation zones.
- Location: Bhutan
- Nearby: Phobjikha Valley (15 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 | 10 | 12 | 15 | 18 | 20 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 21 | 19 | 15 | 12 |
| Rain mm | 5 | 16 | 45 | 183 | 250 | 320 | 370 | 278 | 222 | 114 | 8 | 3 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
The centrally located national park is accessible via the major pass roads that connect different parts of Bhutan. Private vehicles or organized tours mostly use the central highway route to ensure the best possible access to the area.
Best season
Spring and autumn offer the clearest views of the vast alpine pastures and pleasant temperatures for trekking through the coniferous forests. Summer often brings very dense fog and heavy rainfall that can completely obscure visibility.
Terrain & paths
The landscape varies between dense coniferous forests on moderate paths and open, windy high pastures that require good physical condition. Hikers should be prepared for constant changes in altitude and varying trail surface conditions.
What to bring
Due to the varying altitudes, wearing layers of clothing is highly recommended so that you can quickly adapt to temperature changes. Good footwear, sun protection for the wide pastures, and plenty of drinking water are essential.
Parking
Along the main crossing roads, there are often small, improvised lay-bys from which short hikes can be comfortably started. For multi-day tours, the provider usually organizes the safe parking of the transport vehicles off-site.
Safety
Since the park also hosts wild animals in its central areas, you should keep quiet and always enjoy encounters from a safe distance. It is advisable to check the current weather forecasts for the mountain passes before hiking.
Time needed
A stopover while passing through often provides beautiful impressions within just a few hours along the main road. However, to penetrate deeply into the alpine pastures, three to four days should typically be planned for the trip.
Geography
Facts
- Second largest protected area in the country.
- Home to the endangered red panda.
- Important wildlife corridor.
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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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Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Where is this park located?
It is located in central Bhutan and includes parts of the Phobjikha Valley.
What bird species can be observed here?
It is especially famous for the rare black-necked cranes in winter.
Is hiking allowed in the park?
Yes, there are several nature trails that can be hiked with a guide.
What is unique about the flora?
The park protects an enormous variety from subtropical to alpine zones.
Are there wild tigers there?
Yes, the park serves as an important corridor for Bengal tigers.
Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park: where is it located?
Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park is located in Bhutan.
Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Oct, Nov.
Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park: why is it worth visiting?
Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park, formerly known as the Black Mountains National Park, is located in central Bhutan and covers an area of 1,730 square kilometers.
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