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Jigme Dorji National Park
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Established in 1974, Jigme Dorji National Park is Bhutan's second-largest national park, spanning an impressive 4,316 square kilometers across seven districts in the country's northwest. Its remarkable altitude range, from 1,400 to over 7,000 meters, encompasses a vast array of ecosystems, from warm broad-leaved forests to perpetual ice fields and glaciers. This ecological diversity supports a rich fauna, including 37 species of mammals. The park is a critical habitat for endangered species such as the snow leopard, the takin (Bhutan's national animal), the Bengal tiger, and the Himalayan black bear. With over 300 species of birds recorded, it is a significant birdwatching destination. Uniquely, the park is also home to about 6,500 people living in rural communities, practicing a subsistence lifestyle in harmony with the environment. It also contains culturally significant sites, including the sacred mountains Jomolhari and Jitchu Drake.
- Location: Bhutan
- Nearby: Paro (9 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -8 | -7 | -4 | 0 | 3 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 1 | -3 | -6 |
| Rain mm | 3 | 9 | 22 | 34 | 62 | 83 | 164 | 139 | 72 | 26 | 2 | 2 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
The country's second largest national park in the northwest is best accessed via guided expeditions from the capital or neighboring larger settlements. Approach roads are often unpaved and can be highly dependent on the weather.
Best season
For a successful sighting of snow leopards and undisturbed hiking, the transitional seasons of spring and autumn are highly recommended. During the winter, many of the higher pass roads can be completely closed due to heavy snowfall.
Terrain & paths
This extensive reserve gives extremely challenging terrain with steep climbs and high alpine paths that require significant stamina. Hikers should be well prepared for sudden weather changes in the rugged and unpredictable mountains.
What to bring
Complete high alpine gear, including windproof and waterproof layers, sturdy trekking poles, and excellent mountaineering boots, is mandatory. Do not forget to pack sufficient provisions, water, and a comprehensive first aid kit.
Parking
There are no official parking areas in the remote parts of the park, vehicles typically remain at the respective base camps or starting points. Organizing a safe parking space is most commonly handled by the local tour guide.
Safety
The high altitude carries the serious risk of altitude sickness, so slow acclimatization is mandatory before undertaking longer hikes. An emergency beacon and accompaniment by experienced mountain guides are absolutely essential.
Time needed
Since the national park covers an immense area, at least five to seven days should be allocated for a serious exploration and wildlife viewing. Shorter visits are usually limited to the extreme outer edges of the protected area.
Geography
Facts
- Established in 1974.
- Covers over 4,300 km².
- Unique habitat for takins.
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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
What animals can be seen in the park?
With luck, you can see takins, snow leopards, tigers, and red pandas.
Do I need a special permit?
Yes, an official permit is required to enter the national park.
What is the best trekking season?
The best months are April to June and September to November.
Are there accommodations in the park?
Accommodation is usually in tents at designated campsites.
How large is the national park?
It covers 4,316 km² and is the second-largest park in Bhutan.
Jigme Dorji National Park: where is it located?
Jigme Dorji National Park is located in Bhutan.
Jigme Dorji National Park: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
Jigme Dorji National Park: why is it worth visiting?
Established in 1974, Jigme Dorji National Park is Bhutan's second-largest national park, spanning an impressive 4,316 square kilometers across seven districts in the country's northwest.
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Nearby cities
Tsimasham
Tsimasham is the headquarters of Chukha district, strategically located along the main highway between Thimphu and the Indian border.
Bogra
One of the oldest cities in Bengal, known as the 'Capital of North Bengal' and famous for its archaeological heritage.
Laya
An isolated high-altitude village at 3800 meters, home to the semi-nomadic Layap people known for their unique conical bamboo hats.
Sirajganj
A major river port and transportation hub on the Jamuna River, connecting northern Bangladesh with the rest of the country.
Haa
Haa is a small, secluded town in western Bhutan, nestled in a deep valley near the border with Tibet.
Rangpur
One of the major cities in northern Bangladesh, known for its agricultural importance and historical sites like Tajhat Palace.
Pabna
An important city in western Bangladesh, known for its hosiery industry and mental health hospital.
Jessore
A historic city in southwestern Bangladesh, known for its date palm juice and as the first district liberated in 1971.
Lhamoizingkha
Lhamoizingkha is a subtropical border town in Bhutan, situated on the banks of the Sunkosh River in an area with lush vegetation.
Jhenaidah
A district in western Bangladesh known for its agricultural diversity and several historical mosques and temples.
History & landmarks
Gasa Dzong
A historic mountain fortress built in the 17th century to protect against attacks from the north.
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Phajoding Monastery
A massive monastery complex high above Thimphu, reached by a steep hike.
Taktsang Monastery
Known as the Tiger's Nest, the monastery clings to a steep cliff above the Paro Valley.
Buddha Dordenma
A gigantic Buddha statue towering over Thimphu.
Kila Nunnery
The oldest nunnery in Bhutan, often referred to as the female Tiger's Nest.
Dochula Pass
A scenic mountain pass featuring 108 memorial chortens.
Bangabandhu Bridge
One of the longest bridges in South Asia, crossing the Jamuna River to connect eastern and western Bangladesh.
Talo Dzong
The Talo Monastery is located high up in the hills of Punakha.
Nature
Thorthormi Tsho
A rapidly expanding glacial lake in the High Himalayas, under strict scientific observation due to climate change.
Lugge Tsho
A dangerous glacial lake in the Lunana region, which has already caused catastrophic flash floods in the past due to moraine breaches.
Wang Chhu
The main river of the Thimphu Valley runs through Bhutan's capital and forms a picturesque gorge in the west of the country.
Jamuna River
The lower course of the Brahmaputra in Bangladesh, characterized by many sandbars.
More places
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Bhutan's highest mountain is globally recognized as the highest unclimbed peak, as the country has banned mountaineering on sacred peaks.
Kula Kangri
A massive mountain massif in the far north, whose exact border affiliation has historically been debated between Bhutan and China.
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Bjemina Industrial Estate
An industrial estate near the capital Thimphu, focusing on light industries, wood processing, and construction materials.
National Seed Centre Paro
An important facility for preserving agricultural diversity and providing high-quality seeds to Bhutanese farmers.
Chukha Hydropower Plant
Bhutan's first major hydroelectric project, built in the 1980s with Indian assistance.
Kyichu Lhakhang
One of the oldest temples in Bhutan, built in the 7th century by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo according to legend.
Phuentsholing Mini Dry Port
A crucial transshipment hub for Bhutan's foreign trade.
Motithang Takin Preserve
A wildlife reserve in Thimphu that protects the takin, Bhutan's national animal, which appears to be half goat and half cow.