Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park: A Wildlife Lover's Delight In Bhutan

Location and Overview

Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park is located in central Bhutan. It is the third largest national park in the country and marketed as having the second largest protected area in Bhutan by Tourism Council of Bhutan. The park spans over the districts of Tsirang, Sarpang, Wangdue, Zhemgang and a large portion of Trongsa district. The Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park is an important part of Bhutan’s well known biological corridors and provides a path for the wildlife to roam around freely across the country. The Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park also connects many parks in the north, east, and south of Bhutan.  The park is often referred to as a bird paradise.

History and Geography

Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park was previously known as the Black Mountain National Park. The park features a diverse range of topographies ranging from high rising icy mountains and alpine meadows in the north to subtropical forests in the south. The climatic conditions are also varied in different regions of the Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park, ranging from cold temperate to the tropical climate in the south. The extended monsoon months from late June to September make these the wettest months of the year. Four rivers flow through the park namely Mangdechhu, Chamkharchhu, Punatsangchhu, and Manas making the park an exceptional habitat for a diverse variety of flora and fauna.

Habitat and Biodiversity

The rugged and diverse topography of the Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park makes it an excellent habitat for numerous species of animals, birds, and plants alike. A recent survey has identified over 350 species of birds in the park’s protected area. The Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park is informally referred to as a bird paradise with birds like the critically endangered white-bellied herons and hornbills. It provides a dwelling ground for the musk deer and also the threatened Himalayan black bear. It is also inhabited by the golden langur, which is endemic to Bhutan, in addition to leopards, red pandas, and the famous Royal Bengal tigers.

Threats and Conservation

The major threats to the Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park and its rich flora and fauna are forest resource management, developmental activities, and human-wildlife conflicts. Poaching continues to threaten the wildlife despite major efforts from the wildlife and tourism councils. In spite of these issues, the park is one of the most celebrated achievements in the conservation of natural landscape. Many surveys have been conducted like the Biological Corridor Survey, for example, to assess the functionality of existing corridors and also explore areas for future annexations to the existing corridors. Research is being conducted on varying areas of interest ranging from predator-prey dynamics to anti-poaching initiatives.

Tourism

The Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park is a haven for nature tourists. Various trekking routes like the prominent Nabji-Korphu Trek provide an experience through six rural communities where tourists can get up, close and personal with not only nature but also the culture and everyday lives of the indigenous people of Bhutan. Community-based tourism is being promoted as a means to highlight Bhutan’s proximity to nature, and the Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park is not an exception to this grand plan. Tourists can also undertake various activities like fishing, and the forests provide many vantage points for wildlife observation, especially bird enthusiasts. Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park is bound to appeal to at least one of your interests whether you’re a nature lover, adventure tourist or simply looking for a serene and peaceful vacation.