Jigme Dorji National Park

Jigme Dorji National Park is a large protected area in northwestern Bhutan that conserves extensive alpine, subalpine and temperate ecosystems. It is one of the country’s principal national parks and supports a wide range of Bhutan’s native wildlife.

The park contains glaciated highlands, remote valleys and forested slopes that provide habitat for species such as the snow leopard, blue sheep, takin and numerous bird species. It also includes culturally important highland pastures used seasonally by local communities.

Named for King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, the park was established in 1974 and has since formed a core part of Bhutan’s protected-area network, balancing biodiversity conservation with traditional land use.

Geographically the park lies in the northwest of Bhutan, extending across parts of Gasa District and bordering Tibet to the north; access is typically by trekking routes and seasonal roads into the park’s peripheral valleys.

• Size and establishment: Established in 1974 and named after King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, it is one of Bhutan’s largest protected areas and spans a wide altitudinal range from low river valleys to high glaciated peaks.

What to See#

• Highland and glacier zones: High alpine zones and glacial basins in the northern reaches of the park that include remote valleys used seasonally by yak herders and important glacier-fed watersheds.
• Forest and wildlife habitats: Subalpine and temperate forest areas that provide habitat for species such as takin, snow leopard, blue sheep and several bird species; these zones are the focus of conservation efforts.

• Plan treks in the shoulder seasons (spring: March-May, and autumn: September-November) to avoid the summer monsoon and heavy winter snow at higher elevations, and expect clearer trails and better wildlife-viewing weather then.
• All travel in Bhutan must be arranged through a licensed tour operator; secure your park permits and a local guide in advance so you can access trailheads and cross park management checkpoints without delay.
• For northern sectors of Jigme Dorji National Park, use Gasa town as your logistical gateway-guides based there can organize multi‑day treks into less‑visited valleys where crowds are minimal.
• Aim for early morning or late afternoon outings for the best chance to see wildlife and to avoid the heat and most day‑visitor activity at popular viewpoints.