Wangchuck Centennial National Park It is one of the largest national parks of Bhutan which has global recognition. The park is worth visiting, as it spans 4,914 square kilometers and its area covers popular districts like Bumthang, Lhuntse, Wangdue and Phodrang. The name “Wangchuck” is given to this national park to give importance to the Wangchuck Dynasty (1907) for leading and developing Bhutan for 100 years. Being the largest national park of Bhutan, it covers 51.32% of the country’s protected areas.
If you want to explore the ecological biomes of the Himalayas spanning from blue pines to alpine meadows, then this park will definitely be an ideal choice among the places to visit with your family or friends. To see and enjoy the snowfall, you are suggested to find a place to view the higher altitude locations of the attraction where the gas is spread in the five districts of Gasa, Wangduephodrang, Trongsa, Bumthang and Luentse Dzongkhags.
About Wangchuck Centennial National Park
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Wangchuck Centennial National Park has a total area of 4,914 square kilometers (1,897 sq mi) and is, therefore, one of the largest Bhutanese parks. The park is home to about 200 species of rare vascular plants, 23 species of large mammals and 100 species of migratory and local birds. It remains home to many rare and protected species, including the Royal Bengal tiger, snow leopard (Uncia uncia), Himalayan musk bear and black bear, takin (Budorcas taxicolor whitei), and common leopard (Panthera pardus) in the lush green forest. Are included. Of this park.
In addition to the wildlife, natural beauty and flora of Wangchuck Centennial National Park, the park also contains the source of Punatsangchu’s four major river systems; Mangade Chhu; Chamkhar chhu, and Kuri chhu. The park has several tourist trails that ensure that hikers get to see the two main types of vegetation in this park. Trailers can view fir, hemlock, spruce and juniper trees up close.
Along with its three ecological zones, the park is also home to six types of cool broadleaf forests; Mixed-coniferous forests; pine forests; Juniper forest; Alpine meadows, and scrub or alpine scree.
Best time to visit
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Wangchuck Centennial National Park is open throughout the year, so one can visit anytime. You can plan your trip as per your convenience and enjoy exploring the nature here. There is no particular Wangchuck Centennial National Park season that is considered suitable for visiting.
For the purpose of trekking, you should have all the equipment and desired items ready like camera and tracking shoes. The trails remain in good condition throughout the year, so there is no need to worry about rough terrain while trekking!
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Things to do in and around Wangchuck Centennial National Park
There are many activities one can indulge in while visiting this national park. However, there are some of them that should not be missed to make Bhutan trip more interesting!
1. Nomad Festival
Tourists and travelers from all over the world come to Wangchuck Centennial National Park to participate in the annual Nomad Festival. This annual three-day festival is a massive event held at the park headquarters. Being a popular Bhutanese festival, it takes place in a village called Nagspel village, about 22 kilometers from Chamkhar, the nearest Bumthang town.
The main goal behind hosting such a festival in this national park is to spread an awareness campaign and educate the public on wildlife and environment conservation.
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2. Orochoto Day Hike
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If you love hiking and are prepared with the necessary equipment, you should consider the Orochoto Day Hike for great fun and adventure. This one-day hiking trail is short and is named after the raven (national bird). This hiking activity will take you through a mix of blue cedar, Himalayan forests, hemlock, pine forests and rhododendrons.
Apart from this, you also get the opportunity to experience the beauty of nature and wildlife in natural habitat. This route not only overlooks the valley but also gives you a spectacular view of the surrounding hills and settlements.
3. Farmhouse
In Wangchuk Centennial National Park you will find many farmhouses that provide accommodation to tourists amidst the beauty of nature. The Alpine Organic Farmhouses located in Naseephel and Tang Valley can be the ideal place to stay for visitors seeking a special experience, allowing you to live independently and experience true, esoteric Bhutanese hospitality.
Some of the additional amenities at these farmhouses include Hot Stone Baths, Village Walk, Orochoto Trail and Bumthang Cultural Trek.
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4. Dapham Dzong Ruins
Bhutan and Tibet have had trade relations for centuries. However, in the Chocoreto Valley, you can see ruins confirming trade routes between these two ancient countries, which have great historical ties.
According to archaeologists, the Dzong may date back to the late 16th century and its upper palace may date back to 1550-1700. The ruins can be reached by a half-hour walk from Ngang Lhakhang.
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5. Jule Tsho
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One of the most popular tourist attractions in Wangchuck Centennial National Park, Jule Tsho is a place worth visiting. Formed by a glacier approximately 800 meters long and 200 meters wide, this lake with its crystal clear waters flows past the Dhur hot spring area and Julela.
By walking about 45 minutes you can reach Mount Gangkar Punsam, the highest unclimbed peak in the world with an altitude of 7570 meters. Bhutanese believe that this mountain is the abode of local gods.
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6. Bepzur Chukpo’s Mansion
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If you are interested to know the historical and architectural value of Wangchuck Centennial National Park, do not forget to consider visiting the Mansion of Bepzur Chukpo. This three-storey building has 23 doors, living rooms, stores and corridors inside the house.
Belonging to a rich man from Bebzur village of Tang, it is untouched and intact in design and architecture. Tourists can also see the footprints of Thugse Dawa, who was the son of Terton Pema Lingpa.
7. Dhur Hot Springs
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Trekking enthusiasts can consider Dhur Hot Springs for trekking. It has nine hot springs with various medicinal properties, including the treatment of chronic diseases such as arthritis, rheumatism, skin wounds, ulcers, body aches, headaches and TB.
Being a five-day trek from a village in Menchugang, you should plan the trip according to the time you spend at the waterfalls. To keep the tourists occupied for a period of 5 days, there are guest house facilities equipped with modern amenities.
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8. Fabila Trek
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Also known as the Bumthang Cultural Trek, the Fabila Trek is about 10 kilometers away from the Eco Trail. This popular route takes about six hours to complete and passes through habitats of rare flora and fauna, migratory birds and animals such as the endangered red panda (Ailurus fulgens).
Before reaching Tandingan, you can pass through mixed coniferous forests, grasslands and shelters of flora and fauna. This will assure you of a once in a lifetime experience.
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Being one of the most visited and popular tourist attractions of Bhutan, Wangchuck Centennial National Park is a place that nature-inclined tourists must visit at least once in their lifetime. During your visit to Bhutan, you must visit this park to enjoy the hidden beauty present here.
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