Jigme Dorji National Park
Jigme Dorji National Park (JDNP) is a keystone National Park of the country. It is the second largest national park which was established in 1974. JDNP also represents the best managed national park of Bhutan with an area of 4316km2 . It stretches among the entire Gasa District, Thimphu, Paro, Punakha and Wangduephodrang thereby covering three climate zones. The elevation ranges from 1400 to 7000 meters.
The majority of this park is comprised habitat such as exposed rocks,alpine scree and permanent snow. There are several geothermal outlets at Gasa, Tsharijathang, Chubu & Khoma. These hot spring in Bhutan contain sulphur & other minerals & are visited by many Bhutanese for their curative properties.
The amazing diversity you can spot in a single day cannot fail to stun the senses. It is listed as a tentative site in Bhutan’s Tentative List for UNESCO inclusion
Flora & Fauna
By virtue of its varied climatic zones spanning the tropical, temperate and alpine- combined with the monsoon effect in all three- Bhutan is home to an exotic mix of flora and fauna that few places on earth can match.
The huge variation in the park’s attitudinal gradient supports a diverse array of flora & fauna. Due to the large amount of area in alpine vegetation zone, the park is particularly rich in alpine species. Four of the Bhutan’s national symbols( Raven, Cypress, Blue Poppy & Takin) are present in Jigme Dorji National Park.
Flora
Many plant species are found in the park, from inhabitants of temperate broad leaved to alpine scree. The park has many species of Primula, Rhododendron, Poppy, Orchid & other alpine which are breathtaking during spring & summer.
Fauna
The wide range of habitat types contribute to the park’s rich Fauna. Some of the charismatic mammal species include Bengal Tiger, Snow Leopard, Takin, Paellas cat, Blue sheep, Red Panda, Musk deer, Himalayan Serow, Himalayan Black Beer & Himalayan Marmot among others.
Birds Species
Includes Raven, Wood Snipe, Himalayan Monal Pheasant, Tibetan Snow Cock, Himalayan Griffon, Blood Pheasant, Kalij pheasant & speckled wood pigeon.
Jigme Dorji National Park is rich in biodiversity with a present record of 36 mammals, 328 birds, 5 reptiles, 300 medicinal plants, and 39 butterflies.
It was first in Jigme Dorji National Park where tigers were first sighted above 4000 meters sharing habitat with snow leopards. Besides the rich floral and fauna diversity, the sources of four major rivers of Bhutan, Pachhu, Wangchhu, Phochhu and Mochhu lie in the park as well.
How to get to Jigme Dorji National Park
If you really want to see Jigme Dorji National Park in its fullness you need to venture into some multi day treks like Laya Gasa Trek, or Jomolhari Trek. By venturing into these treks you can embrace iconic Mt. Jomolhari (7314 m), glacial lakes, visit the alpine & medicinal valley of Linghi.
Meet the yak herders and semi nomadic people & if lucky you can spot Blue sheep, Griffon vulture and various species of birds. You can visit the remote village of Lunana, rejuvenate in curative hot springs & interact with locals.
But if you are not a hiking person and just want to get a glimpse of Jigme Dorji National Park then you can visit a small part of the park in the Northern End of Thimphu Valley.
With so much of hoo-hoo haha associated with Jigme Dorji National Park , I wanted to visit myself & check out the park. Since I am not a hiking person so just took a day hike to Jigme Dorji National Park to get a gimpse of it .
Day Hike to Jigme Dorji National Park- Thimphu
The moment we stepped in JDNP, the sight of cascading river , the rustling of the leaves , chirping of birds and the shift in the landscape was dramatic. The trees seemed taller , the mountains larger and the river deep and silent and I have to admit the experience was very humbling.
With a few 100 meters we had come down on a trail leading to a Deep water and the walk intrigued me with the sense of anticipation. The cool breeze , fluttering prayer flags over the deep water were too inviting to resist. What unraveled in the moment was the rigors , the strategic approach to sitting next to the breast of natural context.
It was like paying a tribute to the natural resource that surrounds it , an homage to the nature and appreciation of the nation’s rich natural resource.
How to get there
The easiest & the most accessible one is the park whose trails begin from the Northern end of Thimphu valley (Dodena), which is about 13km from Thimphu . Once you reach the quaint valley of Dodena, you have to take another 5 minutes drive. And you will reach Jigme Dorji National Park. It is just a wild and protected site. But you can feel the tapestry of greenery as you step your feet in the National Park.
Things to do in Jigme Dorji National Park- Thimphu
- Bird watching: For birders JDNP is a veritable paradise with about hundred of species of birds having been recorded.
- Biking: You can take a bike to JDNP. The road that leads to JDNP is smooth and almost traffic free
- Picnic: JDNP makes for excellent outings for picnic
- Hiking: You can take a hike around JDNP. In spring the trails are carpeted by rhododendrons
- Relax on Nature Lap: Everything around JDNP is intimidating, intriguing yet surreal. The space offers physical and emotional comfort.
Conclusion
Bhutan is a land of stories of thunderclouds, dragons, mountains and the Buddha. A visit to Bhutan’s National Park can give the glimpse to it. A traverse along scenic pine forests, vast rhododendron shrubs and dozens of varied vegetation can awaken a dormant soul. You can visit Jigme Dorji National park and get acquainted to the mist and magic of Bhutan.
TaggedJigme Dorji National ParkJigme Dorji National Park Bhutan
Google Reviews
Jenny Chua
In Nov 24, we had the privilege of exploring Bhutan with the guidance of an exceptional tour guide, Kinlay Dorji & Jigme Tshering from Bhutan Best Inbound Tour agency and I couldn’t be more impressed with the experience. From the moment we arrived, they ensured every detail of our trip was perfectly planned and executed, making it truly stress-free and enjoyable. Their deep knowledge of Bhutan’s history, culture, and traditions was remarkable, and they shared stories and insights that brought the country’s rich heritage to life. Whether we were visiting iconic landmarks like the Tiger’s Nest Monastery or strolling through serene villages, their passion for Bhutan was evident and contagious. What truly stood out was their dedication to providing personalized service. They were always attentive to our needs, ensuring we were comfortable, well-fed, and immersed in the beauty of Bhutan. Their warm hospitality, patience, and ability to adapt to our preferences made the journey unforgettable. If you’re planning a trip to Bhutan, I cannot recommend this tour guide enough. They truly go above and beyond to ensure you experience the heart and soul of the Land of the Thunder Dragon. An absolute five-star experience!
Reviewed on: 1/14/2025
Terri KimOur first time in Bhutan couldn’t have been as amazing & memorable as it was without the wonderful team behind Bhutan Best Inbound Tour who were with us every step of the way. We decided (very last minute) to go to Bhutan with only weeks to spare. I decided to go with Bhutan Best Inbound Tour based on online reviews, responsiveness (via WhatsApp), and reasonable pricing. Because our trip was short (5 days/4 nights) and we already rushed to book our flights/accommodations, we were mainly looking for a dedicated tour guide/driver to explore Thimphu, Punakha, and Paro. Deki, who planned our itinerary, was responsive and accommodating to all my inquiries and requests. She answered my questions, and put my mind at ease when it came to our visas. She was lovely to work with, and made us feel prepared before our trip. But what she couldn’t have prepared us for was how amazing Bhutan would be and how much we would love our trip. We arrived at Paro International Airport early in the morning, and were greeted outside with white scarves by our guide and our driver who were patiently waiting for us. Our guide, Phub, was fantastic. Not only was he like a walking encyclopedia about his country, the culture, and Buddhism, he was personable and so funny. He was also quite the photographer, capturing the best angles and even directing us on how to pose. Phub was also very flexible with our daily schedule, and accommodating to our requests, which we appreciated immensely. He also shared tips & tricks that only locals would be privy to, which made this trip much more intimate and fulfilling than if we decided to go without a tour guide. I HIGHLY recommend a tour guide if you are thinking of going to Bhutan for the first time. We had two drivers, both very humble and excellent drivers. I felt very safe in the car despite impatient drivers, the occasional cow and dog, and landslides. On our day trip to Punakha from Thimphu, a landslide extended our trip by an hour each way, but our driver was patient and made sure we were comfortable. The breathtaking views (and company) made the delays worth it. We were so fortunate to have such wonderful drivers who prioritized our safety. From the kindness of the people to the delicious food, from the beautiful weather to the rich culture, and of course, Tiger’s Nest (which left us breathless, both figuratively and literally), Bhutan is truly a special country that left us with so many beautiful memories. We plan to visit Bhutan again, and when we do, we can’t wait to work with Bhutan Best Inbound Tour for all our needs. If you’re looking for a tour guide, I highly recommend reaching out to Bhutan Best Inbound Tour for a seamless experience
Reviewed on: 12/24/2024
Suresh KaruI had an amazing 7 nights 8 day trip to Bhutan, Phub my guide and driver Nima made it a memorable vacation. They were professional , kind and always helpful , also their local knowledge made it an experience unforgettable to me. The hotels they choose had excellent service, the cook made my favourite dish Idli. The home stay hostess was always smiling and kind. They also had the best price for the tour package.If I ever return to Bhutan I would choose them again Hands down .
Reviewed on: 9/30/2024
Charles VrtisEverything about my experience in Bhutan was outstanding from start to finish! It is very serene, stunningly beautiful, and its people are exceptionally kind and welcoming! Of course, had I not chosen the right tour operator, I might have left with different feelings. Fortunately, I selected Bhutan Best Inbound Tour. From the start, my experience with them was smooth and seamless. Deki, my contact in arranging the logistics, could not have been more responsive and helpful. She made everything so easy, including arranging for a visa. And, I cannot say enough good things about my guide and driver. They really made my experience in Bhutan so wonderfully memorable. I felt completely comfortable and safe with the driver, Jigme. Not only that, he always had a smile on his face. My guide, Tenzin (“Tax”] Loday was great. He was prompt, reliable, and very engaging. He is now my Bhutanese brother! His love for his country shows, and his clear and helpful explanations about its history and sites could not have been better. Thank you Bhutan Inbound Tour!
Reviewed on: 3/30/2024
Brian NYCHuge thanks to Bhutan Best Inbound Tours for an amazing experience in magical Bhutan! My guide Phub is a true expert who taught me so much about the history and culture of Bhutan, and he took perfect care of me each and every place we visited. Our driver Lobzang got us to all of our destinations safely and on time, and they made a great team, always keeping me smiling and in awe of the beauty of bucket list Bhutan. Everything was smooth from start to finish, the hotels were all excellent and comfortable, and I highly recommend Bhutan Inbound and my friends Phub and Lobzang to anyone planning a trip to stunning Bhutan!
Reviewed on: 10/14/2023
