Motithang Takin Preserve in Thimphu, Bhutan

The Divine Miracle

Quick Information

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Best time to visit
Mar - May, Sep - Oct
Ideal Duration
2-3 Days
Visa
On Arrival
Starting from
Rs. 10,000
  • Hills
  • Nature
  • Sightseeing

About Motithang Takin Preserve in Thimphu

The Motithang Takin Preserve is a wildlife preserve for the national animal of Bhutan, takin.

It is located in the Motithang district of Thimphu and is a place of great significance and local folklore in Bhutan. The 8.4 hectares of forest was fenced to be used as a preserve after the Takin was declared the national animal of Bhutan in 2005 owing to the legend of the animal’s creation and its religious connection to the history of the country. The preserve was originally a mini zoo until the King of Bhutan ordered for them to be released only for the animals to roam around the streets of Thimphu in search of food and hence a preserve was created for the species. The animal is native to the nearby region and likes living in high altitude areas like Northeast India, Northwest Myanmar, the Chinese part of the Himalayas and whole of Bhutan.

The Takin of Bhutan is a unique animal as it looks like a muskox but is genetically similar to sheep. The legend behind its creation talks about a Tibetan Buddhist monk going by the name of Drukpa Kunley visiting the town in the 15th century. The ‘divine madman’ agreed to the request by the locals to create a miracle only if he was fed a cow and goat for lunch. The story narrates that the Buddhist Yogi was also tantric and after completing the meal, he placed the goat skull over the cow’s skeleton and brought it to life. The Takin in Bhutan itself is of little commercial value with its only use being in traditional medicine to ease the pain of childbirth.

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Thimphu Packages Reviews

Read on to find out why our customers love us!

Roshni's 8 days trip to Thimphu

I travelled with KNG tours and travels,They really arranged and planned our itinerary very well,Recommened for future travellers..very nice hospitality from him. Whole trip,bhutan

Roshni Khobragade Nagpur

Anil's 7 days trip to Thimphu

This trip has been nothing short of AMAZING! I must thank our pilot/driver Subba and guide Tenzin, they have been like a family and were very hospitable, friendly, Engaging and Knowledgeable. Any issues we had were swiftly heard and resolved. I’m more than happy to recommend KNG Travels (Bimal), Subba and Tenzin to anyone wishing to travel to Bhutan. The hike to Tigers nest and rafting in Punakha river

Anil Suri New delhi

Arpan's 6 days trip to Thimphu

A very warm thank u to Sanjana and her team of All Ways Tours and Travels for a perfect summer vacation trip to Bhutan encompassing the magnificent ranges of the Himalayas and the enchanting views of Thimpu, Punakha, Paro and not to forget the paradise in Pobjika valley. The team was very well articulated with all the requirements for a budget trip starting from transport, hotels, guide, cabs all were up the need and expectations. A very well and memorable trip ever enjoyed. Special thanks to our guide Karma & Kinley along with our hosting lady driver Serine. Trip to pobjika valley, mini switzerland.

Arpan Banerjee Kolkata

Bobby's 4 days trip to Thimphu

I had specifically asked for 4 star properties and was quoted amount for the same. Lemon Tree thimpu is a 3 star property as per google and other major websites and Lemon Tree manager also said it is a 3 star property. Valley Travels passes it off as a 4 star Property. In Paro we were changed from Tashi Namgay, a 4 star property to tiger's Nest at the last minute. Tiger's Nest is a very old Property without proper plumbing and very far off from Airport as well as city center.

Bobby Palle Hyderabad

Josephantonyarun's 6 days trip to Thimphu

Overall a good experiance apart from Over speeding Drivers in the Indian Side

Josephantonyarun Delhi

Ketan's 6 days trip to Thimphu

It was a good experience with BINC Bhutan. They provided Good hotels with upgrades wherever possible. All good places were recommended and covered. Very effective co-ordination by BINC team which made the visit very smooth and hassle-free. Some facts not in control of the agents - No role of the compulsory guide-not worth, most of the places have high entry fees (mostly not worth keeping in mind the place). Someone visited Sikkim/North-East may find Bhutan similar to that, so not all places are worth-visiting. Overall good experience. I recommend BINC.

KETAN DESAI Mumbai

Vijayendra's 6 days trip to Thimphu

Overall Bhutan trip was great but on Card Payment extra charged were charged by Travel Triangle.

Vijayendra Shah Bengaluru

Urvashi's 7 days trip to Thimphu

We have booked Bhutan Trip through Hari Prasad Sir. As he promised, our trip for Bhutan is very memorable.. We are going with happiest heart... His arrangement was very up to the mark & listened every detailed requirement and available alwayz on phone. Guide (Tshering & Sonam) have been very familiar with us and supported all our requirements. Cultural & other information about Bhutan was shared in detail. Once again thank you and Travel Triangle Team. We will recommend your reference to our friends for these kind of trips. We all are grateful to you.

Urvashi R Ahmedabad

Ranjith's 6 days trip to Thimphu

We are group of 4 people booked 5 days,4 nights in bhutan. We enjoyed the trip. Everything was above our expectations. Our guide and driver were awesome

Ranjith Balakrishnan Bagdogra

Kanchan's 5 days trip to Thimphu

All the team members of travel Triangle and the AD travels Butan was Excellent. We had a great time. The tour guide Mr Sonam was very supportive

Kanchan Javali West bengal

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FAQ's of Thimphu

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Yes, photography is allowed in the preserve.

 

Yes, picnicking is allowed in the Preserve, but one should not throw away waste in the forest.

The Fourth King of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuck closed down the Mini Zoo and later built the Preserve for the Takin.