Motithang Takin Preserve was primarily a zoo set in the later years turned into the biggest protection of a rare mountain animal called Takin. Takin is declared the national animal of Bhutan and resembles a hybrid of a goat and cow. The fourth king did not have a belief in confining creatures in a zoo; consequently, he set up natural preservation for this unique animal.
Going for a walk in the grassy region while looking for the timid, incredible Takin with chirping of the extraordinary Himalayan birds setting the background sound, it very well may become an exclusive affair which is guaranteed amid Motithang Takin Preserve. The preserve likewise protects the sambar deer and barking deer.
Motithang Takin Preserve: Information
Roosted at the flourishing land in a short distance from the BBS tower perspective of Thimphu, Motithang Takin Preserve is no doubt a must-visit spot for the wildlife voyagers and lovers who are hoping to watch something unique during their vacation in Bhutan.Adult takin has a brownish and golden yellow coat; calves are at first black in the shade. The elongated noses, broad head, and bulky torsos are the most distinguishing features of this animal that make it distinct from others.The root of the animal comprises a mythical tale that involves a religious background. Legend believes it that renowned Buddhist yogi, Drukpa Kunley, created the animal with the body of a cow and head of a cow.One of the remarkable features is the migratory behavior of this animal. The takin will ascend to higher pastures up to 4000 m high in the summer, however, will spend winters in altitudes below the 2000 m, migrating twice a year in herds of tens. Alpine knolls give satisfying grazing to Takin.
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Motithang Takin Preserve: Weather
In Thimphu, the dry season is cool and for the most part is clear and wet season is pleasant and generally cloudy. Throughout the year, the temperature at this place regularly differs from -2°C to 21°C and is seldom beneath -5°C or above 23°C. The warm season endures from May to September, with an average everyday high temperature of above 19°C. The cold weather goes on from December to February, with an average everyday high temperature beneath 12°C.
Motithang Takin Preserve: Best time to visit
Visitors can visit the Motithang Takin Preserve throughout the year. However, per the travel industry record, the best season to visit Thimphu for warm-climate adventures is between late May to late June. Also, the best hours to visit Motithang Takin Preserve is said to be the morning hours as the odds to spotting takin are most prominent during that time.
Must Read: The Only Guide To Zhemgang In Bhutan You Need Before Your Nepal Trip
Motithang Takin Preserve: Things To Do
There are various things that you can do at this place. However, choosing one can be a task! This is why, we have curated a list of some of the best things to do in Motithang Takin Preserve. Check them out below!
1. Hiking In Motithang Takin Preserve
If you have leisure hours in Thimphu and thinking where to head for a nature walk, Motithang Takin Preserve is very much recommendable. The park has a wonderful trail alongside the pine trees. The hike at this place is refreshing. In case you get weary of hiking you can rest by the gazebo and benches beside the tracks.
You will really enjoy a hiking trip of this Bhutanese wildlife park to see one of a kind animal.
Begin the day by trekking out to the northern edge of the city towards the main destination - Motithang Takin Preserve. Stroll around the dense forest and take delight in the surrounding panoramic view of the park. Also, enjoy your time meandering around the shelter for a herd of Bhutan’s National Animal - takin and other animals. Take some pictures of this unique animal to cherish forever.
Additionally, you will see other animals like summer dear, tragopan, sorrow, mountain goat, and mountain deer. You will also really love watching Himalayan monal, which is very beautiful the high-altitude bird and mostly seen above 3500m. Remember, that you are not permitted to feed any of these creatures. Besides animals, this natural reserve is also home to different rare species of flora and fauna.
Takin animals are of keen interest to an undetermined number of trekkers annually in Bhutan. It's valuable and amazing to invest your time here for witnessing these oddball creatures. You can also buy some local handicraft products here available at the reception counter.
2. Visit Tashichho Dzong
The dzong is situated beside the banks of Wangchhu River, that is encompassed by a lovely yard. You can visit this dzong to discover its stunning and authentic architecture. Visit this place at night for an impressive view.
Tashichho Dzong which means the fortress of propitious religious conviction was the summer capital of the nation and routinely was the seat of the religious body. The site is near to the Motithang Takin Preserve, so you can also visit it during your journey here.
The establishment of Thimphu dzong was first laid in 1216 by Lama Gyalwa Lhanangpa. The dzong presently houses the ruler office, secretariat, and other government assistance found adjacent. It is additionally is the headquarters for Bhutan's central monastic body, which opens up for the visitors after 5:30 pm.
Not at all like other dzongs in Bhutan, Tashichho has two primary doorways. One head to the south of the administrative division and other one leads to the north to the monastic division.
Bear in mind to also view the parliament building of Bhutan, which is very evident from this place.
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3. Changangkha Lhakhang Temple
One more attraction you can visit during the trip to Motithang Takin Preserve is one of the oldest temples of Bhutan found here - Changangkha Temple. You will be stunned viewing its amazing architecture.
It was set up on a location picked by the founder of Drukpa Lineage in Bhutan - Phajo Drugom Zhigpo. The temple was planned in the twelfth century; its work was later stretched out by his son in the thirteenth century.
This temple includes a thousand-armed, eleven-headed display, and extensive prayer wheels. Moreover, the temple houses the fantastically gigantic size of Tibetan writings which are bizarre from the rest. Appreciate the view from the yard, which was reestablished in 1998-99.
4. Investigate National Textile Museum
Bhutan Textile Museum or National Textile Museum is a perfect location in Thimphu to know about the traditional Bhutanese clothes and the ancient weaving methods. The museum was initiated recently by her majesty the Queen Mother, Ashi Sangay Choden Wangchuck in the year 2011.
The National Textile Museum is distributed into six sections of unique center covering Achievement in Textile Art, the Royal collection, textiles from indigenous fibers, the role of the textiles in the region, weft pattern weaves and wrap pattern weaves. Tourists can view a huge collection of precious items of the ancient textile artifacts of Bhutan, comprising of a pearl robe from Tsamdrak Goenpa, crowns of Bhutan’s King, Namzas and different accessories worn by the Royal Family, the bedding of Shabdrung Jigme Dorji in the Royal collection of National Textile Museum.
There are further a few different collections bestowed by Her Majesty the Queen Mother, Ashi Sangay Choden Wangchuck, for the presentation. The ground floor at this museum has displays showing the skills of spinning, coloring fibers, making a loom, and forming two sets of yarns. The history, art, and culture lovers will love investigating this museum and toa know the in-detail Bhutanese culture.
As a souvenir, you can also purchase the traditional Bhutanese dress from the museum where they even teach the visitors how to wear it. Visiting this museum is an astounding way to make the journey more interesting during your visit to the Motithang Takin Preserve in Thimphu.
How To Reach
The easiest way to reach Motithang Takin Preserve is by taking a flight from your country to Paro International Airport. From here, you will get many hired taxis that will drop you at Motithang Takin Preserve.
The distance between Paro Airport and Motithang Takin Preserve Centre is 50.9 km
Address: Motithang Dist., Thimpu
Area covered: 3.4 hectares (8.4 acres)
Longitude and Latitude: 27.4818° N, 89.6114° E
Timings: Every day, except Mondays 9 am – 4 pm.
Entrance Fee: Nu 27 for locals and 100 Nu for foreign visitors.
Geography: The Motithang Takin Preserve is situated among snow-capped glades amid the summer season, over an elevation of 3,700 m (12,100 ft), where they feed principally on grasses. Amid the monsoon season, the lower rise woodlands are ungracious for Takin because of the bounty of mosquitoes, leeches, and horseflies. As the rainy season decreases, the creatures move down to altitudes of 2,000 m (6,600 ft) and 3,000 m (9,800 ft) to peruse amid the winter season on moderate vegetation of broadleaf backwoods.
Further Read: Backpacking In Bhutan: A Thrilling Experience For All The Travelers
A paradise for nature lovers, Motithang Takin Preserve is the ideal place for those seeking a refuge from the hustle bustle of the city! This preserve has to be a part of your Bhutan trip to have an unforgettable experience in the country with your family or friends. Make sure you take your camera along to capture the beauty of nature that can be cherished forever!
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Gaurav is an entrepreneur by profession and an avid Yoga enthusiast. He loves to explore and know about Varied traditions, arts and colourful cultures of people at different places around the world. He loves to spend time in nature and to read books.
