Motithang Takin Protected Area was primarily a zoo which in later years transformed into the largest preserve of a rare mountain animal called Takin. Takin has been declared the national animal of Bhutan and looks like a hybrid of a goat and a cow. The fourth king did not believe in imprisoning animals in zoos; As a result, he established natural protection for this unique animal.
Going for a walk across a grassy area looking for timid, untrustworthy takin with the extraordinary Himalayan birds chirping in the background could very well turn out to be a special affair that is guaranteed Motithang Takin Preserve, The conservation similarly protects the sambar deer and barking deer.
Motithang Takin Conservation: Information
Situated on rich lands a short distance from Thimphu’s BBS Tower Perspective, Motithang Takin Preserve is undoubtedly a must-see for wildlife travelers and lovers who are hoping to see something unique during their holidays in Bhutan.Adult Takin has A brown and golden yellow coat; Calves are black in shade at first. The long nose, broad head and heavy torso are the most distinctive features of this animal that make it different from others. The root of the animal contains a mythological story that includes a religious background. Legend has it that the famous Buddhist yogi, Drukpa Kunle, created the animal with the body of a cow and the head of a cow. One of the remarkable characteristics is the migratory behavior of this animal. Takins will climb to pastures as high as 4000 m in summer, however, will spend the winter at altitudes below 2000 m, migrating in herds of tens twice a year. The alpine ridges provide satisfactory grazing for the takin.
Motithang Takin Conservation: Weather
In Thimphu, the dry season is cool and clear for the most part and the wet season is pleasant and usually cloudy. Throughout the year, temperatures at this location regularly range between -2°C to 21°C and rarely fall below -5°C or above 23°C. The hot season lasts from May to September, with average daily temperatures above 19°C. The cold season lasts from December to February, with average daily temperatures below 12°C.
Motithang Takin Preserve: Best time to visit
Tourists can visit Motithang Takin Protected Area throughout the year. However, according to travel industry records, the best season to visit Thimphu for warm-climate adventures is from late May to late June. Furthermore, the best time to visit Motithang Takin Preserve is considered to be early morning as the chances of seeing Takin are highest at that time.
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Motithang Takin Conservation: Things to Do
There are many things you can do at this place. However, choosing one can be a task! That’s why, we’ve put together a list of some of the best things to do in Motithang Takin Preserve. Check them out below!
1. Hiking in Motithang Takin Protected Area
If you have some free time in Thimphu and are wondering where to go for a nature walk, Motithang Takin Preserve is highly recommended. The park has a wonderful path along the pine trees. Hiking at this place is refreshing. If you get tired from hiking you can rest on the gazebo and benches near the tracks.
You will really enjoy hiking this Bhutanese wildlife park to see the raccoons.
Start the day by trekking from the northern edge of the city to the main destination – Motithang Takin Preserve. Wander through the dense forest and enjoy the panoramic view of the park’s surroundings. Also, enjoy your time wandering around the sanctuary for Bhutan’s national animal – Takin and herds of other animals. Take some photos of this unique animal that will be remembered forever.
Additionally, you will also see other animals like summer deer, tragopan, sadhu, mountain goat and mountain deer. You will also love to see the Himalayan Monal, which is a very beautiful bird that lives at high altitude and is mostly seen above 3500 meters. Remember, you are not allowed to feed any of these creatures. Apart from animals, this nature reserve is also home to various rare species of flora and fauna.
Takin animals are of keen interest to an undetermined number of trekkers in Bhutan annually. It is worth investing your time here to see these strange creatures and it is amazing. You can also buy some local handicraft products available at the reception counter.
2. Visit Tashicho Dzong
The dzong is located on the banks of the Wangchu River, surrounded by a beautiful yard. You can visit this Dzong to discover its stunning and authentic architecture. Visit this place at night for an impressive view.
Tashicho Dzong, meaning fortress of favorable religious faith, was the country’s summer capital and the seat of the regular religious body. This site is close to the Motithang Takin Protected Area, so you can also visit it during your visit here.
Thimphu Dzong was first established by Lama Gyalwa Lhanangpa in 1216. The dzong currently houses the ruling offices, secretariat and other government supports. It is also the headquarters of Bhutan’s central monastic body, which opens to visitors after 5:30 pm.
Not at all like other dzongs of Bhutan, Tashicho has two primary gates. One leads towards the south of the administrative division and the other towards the north towards the monastic division.
Also be sure to check out Bhutan’s Parliament Building, which is clearly visible from this location.
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3. Changangkha Lhakhang Temple
Another attraction you can visit during your visit to Motithang Takin Preserve is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan found here – Changangkha Temple. You will be stunned to see its amazing architecture.
It was established in Bhutan at a location chosen by Phazo Drugom Zigpo – the founder of the Drukpa lineage. The temple was planned in the twelfth century; Its work was later carried forward by his son in the thirteenth century.
The temple includes a thousand-armed, eleven-headed display and an elaborate prayer wheel. Furthermore, the temple contains fantastically large shapes of Tibetan writings that are strikingly different from the rest. Admire the view from the yard, which was restored in 1998–99.
4. Check out the National Textile Museum
The Bhutan Textile Museum or National Textile Museum is a perfect place in Thimphu to learn about traditional Bhutanese clothing and ancient weaving methods. This museum was recently inaugurated in the year 2011 by Her Majesty the Queen Mother, Ashi Sangay Choden Wangchuck.
The National Textile Museum is distributed across six sections of the unique centre, which include achievements in textile art, royal collections, textiles made from indigenous fibres, the role of textiles in the region, textile pattern weaving and wrap pattern weaving. Tourists can see a vast collection of valuable ancient textile artefacts of Bhutan, including a pearl robe of Tsamdrak Goenpa, the crown of the King of Bhutan, Namza and various items worn by the royal family, Shabdrung Jigme Dorji’s bed in the Royal Is included. Collection of the National Textile Museum.
There are also some separate collections provided by Her Majesty the Queen Mother, Ashi Sange Choden Wangchuck for presentation. The skills of spinning, dyeing fibres, making a loom and making two sets of yarn are displayed on the ground floor of this museum. History, art and culture lovers will love to check out this museum and learn about Bhutanese culture in detail.
As a souvenir, you can also buy traditional Bhutanese dress from the museum where they also teach visitors how to wear it. Visiting this museum during your visit to Motithang Takin Protected Area in Thimphu is a great way to make the trip more interesting.
how to reach
The easiest way to reach Motithang Takin Preserve is to take a flight from your country to Paro International Airport. From here you will find many taxis for hire that will drop you to Motithang Takin Preserve.
The distance between Paro Airport and Motithang Takin Conservation Center is 50.9 km
Address: Motithang District, Thimphu
covered area: 3.4 hectares (8.4 acres)
Latitude and Longitude: 27.4818°N, 89.6114°E
Time: Every day from 9 am to 4 pm except Monday.
entrance fees: Nu 27 for locals and Nu 100 for foreign visitors.
Geography: The Motithang Takin Protected Area is located at an altitude of 3,700 meters (12,100 ft) amid snow-covered grasslands during the summer season, where they mainly feed on grasses. During the monsoon season, the lower altitude forests are not favorable for takin due to the abundance of mosquitoes, leeches and horse flies. As the rainy season wanes, the species migrate to altitudes between 2,000 m (6,600 ft) and 3,000 m (9,800 ft) to forage on the moderate vegetation of broadleaf forests during the winter season.
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A paradise for nature lovers, Motithang Takin Preserve is the ideal place for those seeking refuge from the hustle and bustle of the city! This preserve should be part of your Bhutan trip to have an unforgettable experience in the country with your family or friends. Make sure you carry your camera along to capture the beauty of nature that can be cherished forever!
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