Wildlife sanctuaries are often mistaken for the place where just animals and plants are preserved but actually, their job is two-fold. They also aim to educate people about endangered animals, their conservation and more. But most of all, its aim is to make its visitors appreciate natural life and look at it more closely. There are a lot of wildlife sanctuaries in Bhutan but some like the Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary stand out for various reasons. This lush sanctuary is a gift for nature lovers who want to experience the flora and fauna of awe-inspiring diversity. It is situated right in the northeastern part of Bhutan and covers a very large area of about 1,520 kilometers. If you are visiting the country then it should definitely be on your travel itinerary.
About Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary
The Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary also contains the previous Kulong Chu Wildlife Sanctuary. It covers a huge area and rises to elevations between 4,900 feet and 20,000 feet. The sanctuary covers up most of Trashiyangtse District, including that of Bumdeling Gewog.
Established in 1998, it is home to diverse fauna, flora, and scenery which include the Alpine lakes, pastures, pine forests, and the Bumdeling valley. There are more than 300 species of birds in here, along with 42 types of animals and more than 700 plant species as well. It houses the Black Necked Cranes, White Tailed Eagle, Snow Leopard, and the Royal Bengal Tiger. There’s also a huge cluster of butterflies here and their species number in the 200s here. The venue also contains multiple religious and cultural sites. But this is not an isolated sanctuary, located deep in the forests as you will find out that there are more than 3,000 households which stay in the park.
The reserve is also one of historical and cultural importance too as it includes the Dechen Phodrang Lhakhang, which is one of the scenic monasteries over here. There is also the Singye Dzong here which adds some needed rustic charm to the sanctuary. The sites of cultural importance are multiple and make sure you book a tour guide to understand the importance of all of it.
Cost & Entry Fees
The cost of traveling here or the entry fees here are really low. The entry fees here is around ₹5 per person for adults, it is ₹2 per person for kids, ₹8 per person for going on an elephant ride, ₹25 per person for people who want to bring in cameras and ₹10 per person for videography.
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Best Time To Visit
Bhutan has a varied climate. The best time to visit depends upon which part of the country you currently are. As you go towards the North, you will find that temperatures get really cold during the winters and it begins snowing. Temperatures in the East, where the sanctuary is located, are warmer. As you move south, the temperature becomes more tropical. The best time to visit the Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary is from March to October. The months of June till August should be avoided if you plan on trekking as it’s the monsoon season then.
Things To Do
Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary in Bhutan is a great travel destination for all and there’s much one can do here, like:
1. Trekking
Trekking is one of the best things one can do at the Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary because there are multiple routes through the Phuningla, Singye Dzong, Risum Gompa as well as Aja Valley. Also, it's not just boring old towns which you will be encountering on your way, there are monuments like the Risum Gompa to see amongst others. It is one of the holiest structures in this part of the country. The Dong La Pass will award you with amazing views of the Himalayas. You can also book tours to visit traditional weaving techniques which have been passed down from one generation to the other. Actually, if you pass through the Singye Dzong, then you can pick up some of the handicraft souvenirs.
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2. Camping
Make sure you extend your visit here and stay for a night at least so that you can make camp overnight and experience the sanctuary at night before waking up to the sounds of nature in the morning. Book a tour so that you can see and experience all the attractions. Camping is definitely one of the best things to do in this paradise.
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3. Bird and Animal watching
There are more than a whopping 300 bird species at the Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary and bird admirers will definitely have the time of their lives in here spotting Gould’s shortwing, cranes and other birds. Also be on the lookout for animals like red pandas, snow leopards and more. If bird and animal watching is your plan then make sure that you don't leave your camera behind while traveling. There will be lots of photographing opportunities.
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4. Photography
Speaking of photography, Bhutan has some of the most amazing scenic topography anyone will have ever come across and at the Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary, one can get a small glimpse of that. There are tonnes of picture-perfect places which just begs to be captured on a camera. All of these will surely serve as fond memories when you head home.
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Tips To Remember
Traveling in Bhutan is easy, but there are few tips which will make the whole experienced a whole lot smoother for you:
- If you are from India then make sure to always carry citizenship proof like the Voter’s ID card. This will let you avail your tourist permit if you don’t have the passport with you. People from other nationalities should carry the appropriate authorization and proofs at all times.
- Make sure to carry cash while traveling here, especially if you hail from India because most of the credit and debit cards which are issued by Indian banks don’t work in this country. But all Indian currency is acceptable is Bhutan apart from the 2000 currency. But regardless of which country you come from, try to check if your cards will work in Bhutan or not. It will make life much easier.
- Wake up early and start your day as soon as possible because after sunset there isn’t much to be here.
- Language won’t be a barrier generally as people are well versed in English.
- Don’t litter while there.
- If you aim to go trekking then make sure you pack the appropriate gear.
- If here for camping, make sure you know the rules an regulations beforehand as well as the permits which you might need.
- Be ready to tip.
- Follow the rules and regulations to avoid conflict with local cultures.
- Don’t disturb the animals
- Respect the holy monuments and structures and remember to follow the local traditions.
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Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary in Lhuntse Bhutan is a photogenic destination to arrive here. In the lap of nature, one will be able to witness the beauty of it in all its glory. The diverse flora and fauna there will surely captivate you and the hospitality of the people there will make your travel experience more enriching. So, if you’re planning a trip to Bhutan anytime soon then keep this sanctuary in your list.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary
What activities I can do, during my visit to Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary?
Trekking, Camping, Bird and Photography are the activities that you can do during your visit to Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary.
What is the best time to visit Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary?
The best time to visit Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary is between March and October. As well, you must not visit between June to August.
How can I reach there?
The traveling duration for Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary carries on, for many days. So, it would be appropriate if you catch a bus from Paro to Trashigang to reach.
What is the weather condition in Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary?
Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary is in the East part of Bhutan and so has warmer weather conditions, but heading to North and South will cause you many difficulties in traveling.
What are the traveling cost and entry fees in Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary?
Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary has the least traveling cost and entry fee. The prices are charged as Rs. 2 / kid, Rs.5 / adult, Rs. 8 / elephant ride, Rs. 10 / person making videos and Rs. 25 / person having a camera.
What varieties can I find here?
You can find 300 species of birds, 72 distinctive animals, and more than 700 plants.
Why is it of cultural importance?
Due to scenic monasteries of Dechen Phodrang Lhakhang, it has cultural and historical importance.
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