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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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How To Reach Motithang Takin Preserve in Thimphu

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FAQ's of Thimphu

Read on to find out why our customers love us!

Is photography allowed in the Preserve?

Yes, photography is allowed in the preserve.

Can one picnic in the Preserve?

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

Who closed down the Mini Zoo and subsequently built the Preserve?

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

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