Any Bhutan trip would perhaps remain incomplete if Phrumsengla National Park isn’t added in the itinerary. Also popular by its abbreviation PNP, this national park is situated in the middle of the country whose total area is of 905 sq km². It is also the home to 68 rare and endangered mammals’ species that include tiger, leopard, red panda, and Malayan giant squirrel to name a few. Over a period of time, this park has turned into one of the most popular attractions in this country. Apart from housing rare animals, this park is famous for accommodating 620 plant species. Read on, to know more about Bhutan’s Phrumsengla National Park.
About Phrumsengla National Park
Covering the districts of Bumthang, Lhuentse, Mongar, and Zhemgang, Phrumsengla National Park was established in 1998, and the total area of this park comprises 768 km². The park is enveloped by majestic and lofty mountains and has become an attraction among locals and tourists alike for its highest peak which is at a height of 4,000 above sea level. As the park is located in the heart of Bhutan the park has dramatic landscapes, and this region should be visited by one and all once during their lifetime. For the adventure seekers, it has several trekking trails too which are popular worldwide. They cover the lush green stretches of forests and lands, and so do they unfold into a haven of snow.
There are a number of reasons for the ever-growing popularity of this park. It is home to several rare flora and fauna. Alpine forests are the popular flora in the north while subtropical broad-leaf in the south of this park, making it a diverse landscape. The animals found here are the Himalayan black bear, the red panda, the royal Bengal tiger, and the snow leopard. One can even spot musk deer and langurs here. Phrumsengla National Park is also considered as a perfect place for bird watchers with over 341 species of birds like the rufous-necked hornbill, black-necked cranes, blood pheasant, wood snipe, nuthatch, blue-naped pitta, brown wood owl, booted eagle, ultramarine flycatcher and back-headed shrike babbler amongst others.
Best Time To Visit Phrumsengla National Park
This park remains open round the year thus visitors have ample room to explore it. The autumn season though, especially the months from October to November are perfect for the tourists due to the pleasant weather conditions and also the smoothening of the trekking routes in total dryness. April to June is another great time to visit and the park is covered in a soft hue of red owing to the beautiful rhododendron.
Things To Do In Phrumsengla National Park
Here are a few exciting activities to look forward to when one is visiting the Phrumsengla National Park in Bhutan. Read on, to find out what the park offers to its visitors.
1. Sightseeing
With the beautiful landscapes and high wildlife sighting potentials, this park has already become sought after among all the tourist destinations in Bhutan. It is known for having beautiful and scenic walking trails that are overlooking the Himalayas, the natural beauty. The national highway passing through the national park offers one easy access to most of the ecological zones of this park.
Apart from the fine landscape of Bhutan, one can see the rare flora and fauna everywhere. One of the popular attractions of this park is the famous Phrumsengla Pass. It is located on the highway overlooking Bhutan’s highest Peak – Gangkar Phuensum. In addition to that, visitors can also explore the Bribdungla, which is popular for being home to hundreds of alpine lakes and alpine grasslands.
Must Read: 7 Valleys In Bhutan: Explore The Scenic Beauty Of These Bhutanese Valleys
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2. Nature Excursion
While in the park, enjoy the nature excursion. The rocky cliffs are not only amazing to watch but scaling them gives the visitors unique memories too. On the other hand, the wild waterfalls form the unique features of this park’s pristine landscapes. One of the popular waterfalls of the park is Namling waterfall, which attracts tourists from all across the globe to plan a visit. There are many cliffs and waterfalls here which one can include in the excursion and would definitely give you the memories for a lifetime.
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3. Wildlife Watching
You can watch the wildlife here up close. Driving through the highway and trekking inside the national parks would be great if one wants to get a close encounter with the rare animals in their natural habitat. The park is home to Pika, the Himalayan Black bear, and the Red Panda which can be seen here roaming freely along with leopards. The animals don’t harm the travelers but one is still advised to maintain a distance from the wild animals.
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4. Trekking
There are many breathtaking mountain treks and a few lower elevation treks available here. One can choose as per their choice. Rhodungla and Bribdungla are the popular and internationally famous mountain treks here. On the other hand, Kheng Shingkhar and Latongla Treks are the lower elevations popular treks here. PNP’s trekking routes take one through the different vegetation zones, lush green forests, and potential wildlife habitats. Here are some of the treks that are available in the region.
- Rodungla Trek: 4 days and moderately tough
- Bribdungla Trek: 5 days and moderately tough
- Ura-Shingkahr Trek: 4 days and moderately tough
- Omdurpang to Zhongar: 1-2 days
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5. Bird Watching
This park is a perfect place in Bhutan for the bird watchers, and one won’t be wrong to call it a haven for them. Being home to many species of beautiful birds, it receives a number of bird lovers every year from across the globe. One can spot tragopan, monal and blood pheasants and the yellow-rumped honeyguide among other birds here. November to May is the perfect time to come for bird watching as the rare and migratory birds too fly here. But otherwise, one can watch birds here around the year.
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How To Reach Phrumsengla National Park
Although Phrumsengla National Park is connected by air and road network, it is easy to reach through the East-West highway as well. Besides one’s personal car, one can get to the place by the bus services directly to Ura or take a halt at Chamkhar. It would take around one and a half hour to get to Chamkhar. One can also hire a taxi directly to the park from the airport.
Further Read: Airports In Bhutan: 4 Places That Connect The Country To The World
Excited to trek here at the Phrumsengla National Park? Let the lofty mountains overwhelm you, as you explore the different regions of the park. Get ready and explore this national park with your family and friends. Do visit the Phrumsengla National Park for unlimited memories and lots of fun. Other than scenic beauty and wildlife, you would be facilitated with the best possible accommodation and quality restaurants within your budget. All restaurants in and around this park ensure high quality, fresh and delicious food in a calm and beautiful environment. Book your trip to Bhutan with TravelTriangle and have a great time exploring the park!
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A writer by choice, a photographer by passion, a seasonal sailor preferably monsoons and a pilot when the wind is just right! When not in the city, I’m often found chasing sunrises in the mountains or sunsets at the beaches!
