Phrumsengla National Park- Bhutan’s Green Beauty

From dense forests alive with vibrant plant life to meadows dotted with wildlife, Phrumsengla National Park beckons adventurers and nature enthusiasts to immerse themselves in its awe-inspiring beauty and tranquility. When you book Bhutan’s Tour Packages, embark on a journey of discovery and connection with the untamed wilderness in this remarkable national treasure.

How To Get To Phrumsengla National Park

Phrumsengla National Park is accessible via an east-west highway, allowing travelers to reach it conveniently. Whether you opt for a personal vehicle journey from Thimphu or prefer the bus services directly to Ura or a stop at Chamkhar, reaching the park is straightforward. 

The park’s headquarters are just an hour and a half away by car from Chamkhar. Additionally, if you’re traveling from Mongar, a scenic three-hour drive through the national park will take you to Sengor.

History of Phrumsengla National Park

Established in 1998, Phrumsengla National Park is located at the geographical center of the nation, encompassing an area of 905 square kilometers. Its landscape features towering mountains reaching heights of over 3,000 meters and encompasses pristine forests spanning from alpine to subtropical broadleaf. With an impressive 94% of its area covered by forest, Phrumsengla National Park serves as a crucial hub for Biological Corridors.

Basic Facts About Phrumsengla National Park

Phrumsengla National Park stands out as a unique gem, showcasing a blend of Bhutan’s diverse vegetation zones:

• Alpine zone: Above 4000 meters
• Subalpine conifer zone: Ranging from 2600 to 4200 meters
• Temperate coniferous forest: Spanning from 2100 to 3000 meters
• Cool temperate broad-leaved forest: Extending from 2000 to over 2900 meters
• Warm temperate broad-leaved forest: Found between 1000 and over 2000 meters
• Subtropical zone: From 150 to over 1000 meters above sea level

The park’s riparian ecosystem vertically connects all these ecological zones, from snowy alpine peaks to lush subtropical riverbanks.

Hosting a rich botanical diversity, Phrumsengla National Park boasts over 623 plant species, including 152 medicinal plants and 21 species endemic to Bhutan, making it a beautiful Bhutan Wildlife Sanctuaries. At higher elevations, the pristine fir forests are adorned with vibrant blooms of rhododendrons.

Furthermore, the park is home to 71 mammal species, with notable sightings of Royal Bengal Tigers recorded at altitudes as high as 2950 meters. Red Pandas are frequently spotted along the national highway, alongside other common sightings such as Himalayan Black Bears, Common Leopards, Clouded Leopards, Musk Deer, and Golden Cats.

For bird enthusiasts, Phrumsengla National Park offers a premier destination and one of the best places to visit in Bhutan for an extraordinary experience, boasting a remarkable record of 361 bird species. Among them are globally threatened species like the Rufous-necked Hornbill, Beautiful Nuthatch, Pallas’s Fish Eagle, and Chestnut-breasted Partridge. Rare sightings include the Yellow-rumped Honeyguide, Ward’s Tragon, and Tawny Fish Owl, attracting numerous tourists interested in birdwatching each year.

Numerous communities in and around the park host hidden Lhakhangs and traditional festivals in Bhutan. Among the popular events are Ura Yakchu, celebrated from the 11th to the 15th of the third month, and held from the 6th to the 10th of the tenth month. Another captivating event is the in Ura, which takes place annually on August 23rd and 24th.

Best Time to Visit Phrumsengla National Park

Most of these trekking routes traverse various vegetation zones and potential wildlife habitats. The best time to visit Phrumsengla National Park and the best seasons for trekking are from April to June and September to November.

Things to do in Phrumsengla National Park

• Enjoying the beauty of Nature

With its stunning scenery and abundant wildlife sightings, this park has quickly become a coveted destination among all of Bhutan’s tourist spots. Renowned for its picturesque walking trails that offer breathtaking views of the Himalayas and the park’s natural splendor, it attracts visitors seeking serenity and adventure alike. The national highway traversing the park provides easy access to its diverse ecological zones.

In addition to showcasing Bhutan’s magnificent landscapes, the park boasts an array of rare flora and fauna. Among its highlights is the renowned Phrumsengla Pass, situated along the highway with panoramic views of Bhutan’s tallest peak, Gangkar Phuensum. Moreover, visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of Bribdungla, renowned for its numerous alpine lakes and grasslands.

• Picnics in Nature

During your visit to the park, relish the opportunity to immerse yourself in nature. The rugged cliffs offer mesmerizing vistas, and scaling them leaves visitors with unforgettable experiences.

Additionally, the untamed waterfalls add distinct character to the park’s pristine scenery. Among them, Namling waterfall stands out as a popular attraction, drawing tourists from around the world. With numerous cliffs and waterfalls to explore, embarking on an excursion here promises memories that will last a lifetime.

• Exploring Wildlife

Visitors have the opportunity for up-close wildlife encounters here. Whether driving along the highway or trekking within the national park, one can observe rare animals in their natural habitat.

The park is inhabited by various species including the Pika, Himalayan Black bear, Red Panda, and roaming leopards. While these animals typically do not pose a threat to travelers, it is advisable to maintain a safe distance from them.

• Hiking and Trekking

Numerous awe-inspiring treks in Bhutan, as well as some options for hiking in Bhutan with lower elevation, await exploration in this area. Trekkers can select routes based on their preferences. Renowned internationally, Rhodungla and Bribdungla stand out as popular mountain treks, while Kheng Shingkhar and Latongla Treks offer captivating experiences at lower elevations.

Traversing through various vegetation zones, lush forests, and potential wildlife habitats, the park’s trekking routes provide diverse landscapes to discover. Here are some available treks in the region:

1. Rodungla Trek: Difficulty – Moderately to tough
2. Bribdungla Trek: Difficulty – Moderately to tough
3. Ura-Shingkhar Trek: Difficulty – Moderately to tough
4. Omdurpang to Zhongar: Difficulty – Moderate

• bird Watching

This park stands as an ideal destination in Bhutan for bird enthusiasts, earning its reputation as a sanctuary for avian species. Hosting a diverse array of beautiful birds, it attracts bird lovers from around the world annually.

Among the species one can spot are tragopan, monal, blood pheasants, and the yellow-rumped honeyguide, alongside numerous others. The period from November to May offers prime birdwatching opportunities, with rare and migratory birds making appearances. However, birdwatching is enjoyable year-round in this park.

Nature’s Beauty

Phrumsengla National Park stands as a testament to the awe-inspiring beauty and diversity of our natural world. Located amidst majestic mountains, this sanctuary offers a haven for countless species of flora and fauna, inviting visitors to embark on a journey of discovery and appreciation.

From breathtaking landscapes to thriving ecosystems, every corner of Phrumsengla National Park tells a story of resilience and harmony. As we marvel at its splendor, let us also commit to preserving and protecting this invaluable treasure for generations to come.