Royal Manas National Park

Royal Manas National Park is Bhutan's oldest and most biodiverse protected area, established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1966 and upgraded to a national park in 1993. Covering 1,057 km² across Sarpang and Zhemgang districts in southern Bhutan, the park is contiguous with India's Manas Tiger Reserve (UNESCO World Heritage site), forming a transboundary conservation landscape of over 3,800 km².

The park protects an extraordinary range of ecosystems — tropical lowland forests, subtropical broadleaf forests, and temperate forests — at elevations from 150 m to 2,700 m. It is home to Bengal tigers, Asian elephants, clouded leopards, golden langurs, gaurs, pygmy hogs, and over 370 bird species including the rare rufous-necked hornbill. The park is a priority site for tiger conservation in Bhutan.

By Plane

Gelephu Airport (GLU IATA) is the nearest airport, about 30 km from the park boundary. Paro Airport is about 200 km / 6 hours.

By Car / Road

The park is accessible from Gelephu or from Zhemgang. The park headquarters is at Manas in Sarpang district. A 4WD vehicle is recommended for the rough roads inside the park. Permits from the park office are required.

Inside the park, travel is by guided jeep safari or on foot with a ranger. River trips on the Manas River are also possible.

• Bengal tigers and Asian elephants — The park is the best place in Bhutan to see these megafauna.

• Golden langurs — An endangered primate found in the park.

• Manas River — Scenic river flowing through the park.

• Rich birdlife — Over 370 species including hornbills, herons, and birds of prey.

• Jeep safaris — The primary way to explore the park, with experienced guides.

• Birdwatching — Royal Manas is one of Asia's premier birding destinations.

• River rafting — On the Manas River, subject to water levels.

• Nature walks — With rangers to spot smaller wildlife and learn about the forest.

Meals can be arranged at the park guesthouse or camp. Pack food for longer safaris.

Bring bottled water. Stream water should be treated.

Park guesthouse — Basic but comfortable rooms at the park headquarters, bookable through the park office.

Camping — Possible with advance permission.

Gelephu — 30 min drive. More comfortable hotel options.

No commercial facilities inside the park. The park office sells basic supplies.

• Gelephu — 30 min. Town with shops and restaurants.
• Zhemgang — 3 hours east. District headquarters.
• Thimphu — 5 hours. Capital city.
• Manas National Park (India) — Adjacent UNESCO World Heritage site on the Indian side of the border.