Royal Manas National Park
Royal Manas National Park is the oldest protected area of the mountain kingdom of Bhutan, known far beyond the borders of this country for the richness of the local flora and fauna. Indian rhinos and wild water buffalo can be found only in this part of the kingdom. The protected area was established in 1966 and nowadays covers an area of 1057 km². On the Indian side, the conservation area continues, and there it is referred to as Manas National Park.
Video: Royal Manas National Park
General Information
Bhutan’s Manas Park is characterized by its rich ecosystems. Thousands of plant and animal species, many of which are endangered, have been preserved here. Natural “corridors” connect the reserve with several other reserves in the country.
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There are several small villages scattered on the territory of the reserve, where a total of about five thousand people live. They are engaged in the cultivation of various crops. These days, the World Wildlife Fund, together with the Bhutan Conservation Division, train and equip the Royal Manas National Park staff, improve its infrastructure, and support research and monitoring programs for the reserve.
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More recently, the reserve lands have been opened to ecotourism. The best time to visit this part of Bhutan is during the dry season, which runs from November to February. Tours of Manas Park are generally designed for four days. In addition to tours of the reserve itself, they include visits to hot springs, traditional Bhutanese villages and elephant rides.
.Flora and fauna
Almost 90% of the Royal Manas National Park is covered with evergreen vegetation. Tropical, subtropical and broad-leaved forests, high-altitude alpine meadows and ice fields can be found here. It is noteworthy that of the 5000 species of flora in the park, about 300 plants are traditionally used by the Bhutanese in religious rituals and folk medicine. Various species of bamboo, orchids and rhododendrons are widely distributed.
The reserve is home to Asian elephants, black Himalayan bears and smoky leopards. The reserve has given shelter to several species of deer, bristle hares, Bengal tigers, pygmy pigs, gaur and pangolins. The park is home to 11 species of snakes, 3 species of amphibians and over 50 species of reptiles. Gangetic dolphins and rare fish species can be seen in the tributaries of the Manas.
The forests of the Royal Manas National Park have become a haven for 366 species of birds. Among the most valuable of these are four representatives of exotic hornbills: toques, wavy, two-horned and Nepalese kalao. In addition, about 200 other species of birds migrate through the park each year.
.How to get there
The Royal Manas National Park is spread across the south-central Bhutan dzongkhags of Pemagatsel, Zhemgang and Sarpang. Only organized groups accompanied by a guide are allowed into the reserve. Such tours can be booked in Paro, Jakar or Thimphu.
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