Royal Manas National Park
National Park Protected park linking conservation corridors, rich biodiversity
A protected tract in southern Bhutan, Royal Manas offers jungle trails, birdwatching and opportunities for wildlife sightings; visitors come for guided treks and to experience village life on the park’s fringes.
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Royal Manas National Park is a large protected area in southern Bhutan established to conserve biodiversity and natural habitats in the foothills of the Himalaya. It is one of Bhutan’s most significant protected areas for wildlife and scenic forested landscapes.
The park contains lowland to subtropical forest types and supports populations of large mammals, birds and other wildlife that are characteristic of the region. It is valued for both biodiversity conservation and for regulated tourism and research activities.
The protected area was established by the Bhutanese government in the 20th century to safeguard wildlife and habitats; over time it has been managed to balance conservation with community use and tourism. The park is noted for its continuity with protected areas across the border in India, creating a larger conservation unit.
Royal Manas lies in Sarpang District in southern Bhutan, extending toward the Himalayan foothills and bordering India’s protected landscapes to the south. Access is typically from southern Bhutanese towns and via roads that connect to India.
- Transboundary value: The park borders protected areas in India, forming an important cross-border conservation landscape for wide-ranging species such as Asian elephants and tigers.
Tips for Visiting Royal Manas National Park #
- Arrange entry, permits and accommodations through a licensed Bhutan tour operator well in advance - access to Royal Manas requires coordination with park authorities and local guides.
- Target the dry seasons (spring or autumn) for the best wildlife-viewing conditions and clearer trails; monsoon months bring heavier rain and more difficult travel inside the reserve.
- Plan multiple days in the park and include guided forest treks and river/boat safaris: many visitors underestimate travel times and miss the best early-morning and late-afternoon wildlife activity if they only book a day visit.
Best Time to Visit Royal Manas National Park #
For Royal Manas National Park, aim for the dry months (roughly October-March) when access and wildlife viewing are generally better; avoid the main monsoon period.
Weather & Climate near Royal Manas National Park #
Royal Manas National Park's climate is classified as Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) - Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) climate with warm summers (peaking in August) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 7°C to 25°C. Heavy rainfall (2154 mm/year), wettest in July with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 14°C and lows of 7°C. Light rainfall.
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February
February is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm).
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March
March is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 14°C. Significant rainfall (129 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 16°C. Heavy rain (209 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 18°C. Heavy rain (365 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 19°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (551 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is the warmest month with highs of 25°C and lows of 19°C. Heavy rain (394 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 18°C. Heavy rain (243 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 22°C and lows of 15°C. Significant rainfall (119 mm).
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November
November is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 11°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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December
December is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. The driest month with just 12 mm and mostly sunny skies.
