Manas, at the base of foothills of the Bhutan- Himalayas in the State of Assam, with unique biodiversity and landscape is one of the first reserves included in the network of tiger reserve under project tiger in 1973. The Royal Manas National park tour is known for its rich flora and fauna in the tropical and sub-tropical ecosystem in Bhutan. A paradise for nature-based tourism- it forms a corridor for the movement of wildlife from the Indian plains into the heart of Bhutan.
It is home to 365 species of birds which have been officially recorded with the park with an additional 200 believed to be in residence. Extremely rich in wildlife species, the highly endangered Royal Bengal tiger, Asian elephant, greater one-horned rhinoceros, clouded leopard, Himalayan black bear, Gangetic dolphin, and pangolin can be found in the park. The rare golden langur, found nowhere else in the world, a primate of extraordinary grace and beauty with its long, silky blond fur can also be found here. Also found in the park is the globally threatened Rufous-necked hornbill, Pallas fishing eagle, great white-bellied heron, spotted wren-babbler, blue-headed rock thrush and emerald cuckoo. About more than 900 types of plants that have commercial, medicinal, traditional and religious significance can also be found.
- Day 1 Paro: On arriving at the Paro, you will be greeted by the company and after a brief introduction; you will be driven to Thimphu. Making a short stopover at a monastery, enjoy the serene environment and enjoy the winding journey to Thimphu over 45 minutes.
- Day 3 PunakhDay 2 Thimphu to Punakha: After breakfast drive to Punakha. On the way, stop at Dochula pass at 315o meters the most known pass in Bhutan, about 30km drive from Thimphu. The pass also has 108 Druk Wangyal Khangzang Chortens which is believed brings multi fold merit to all sentient beings and which make the pass a must visit place. After an hour’s descent, we visit Chhimi Lhakhang located on the way to Punakha it is known as the temple of fertility. It was built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley also known as the Divine Madman in the 15th century. After Lunch, explore Punakha Dzong built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1637. It is built at the junction of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu Rivers. The monk body resides in this Dzong in winter. Prepare for a humid drive to Gelephu. Upon reaching Gelephu, visit Gelephu’s hot spring
- Day 4 Gelephu to Gomtu: Today you will drive to Gomtu through the Royal Manas Park. Gomtu is located at an altitude of 1457 meters. As it is in the plains adjoining the Indian states, expect a humid and hot day.
- Day 5 Gomtu to Pangthang: Gear up for an eco-trail across broadleaf forests. There is a good chance to see hornbills, bulbuls, doves, woodpecker and cuckoos. You can even ride a mountain bike from Gomtu to Pangthang. The trek will come to an end at Pangthang and spend the night at the two eco-lodges.
- Day 6 Pangthang to Shilingtoe: The four-hour trail is rich in bird species such as thrushes, drongos, hornbills, partridges, pheasants, bulbuls, treepies, barbets, eagles, fowls and many other species. At the last leg before reaching Shiling to eco-camp is a climb for over half an hour.
- Day 7 Shilingtoe to Panbang: The trial today will take you through Tashibi village with the sighting of bird species like bulbuls, barbets, thrushes, hornbills, kingfisher, cormorant, wagtails, trogons and many other species. The luxury campsite at Panbang is located at a place called Anilademba at the junction of Mangdechu and Dangmechu.
- Day 8 Halt at Panbang (Elephant Safari): The day call’s for the famous elephant safari. This will include wildlife viewing on elephants. The ride will start from the central Manas camp ranger office. As you ride through the park, you will observe that there are wide climate variations. The best time to go on this safari is from November till March as rainfall is negligible in winter and the climate is extremely pleasant. Day 9 Halt at Panbang (River rafting): For are in for another adventurous day. River rafting in the Manas River is something that everyone wants to achieve. While boating and river rafting along the Manas River, you can see goral, capped langurs, cormorants and many other bird species besides the beautiful landscape.
- Day 10 Panbang to Norbugang: The trek today will be the longest and the last day of the eco-trial. You will reach Norbugang. While on the trail, you will pass by five villages, all of which hold the annual Tsechu festivals among them the festival at Nimshongborang village is known to be unique and entertaining.
- Day 11 Norbugang to Trongsa: Drive to Trongsa from Norbugang and overnight stay in Trongsa.
- Day 12: Trongsa to Thimphu After breakfast, you will explore Trongsa. While in Trongsa, visit Trongsa Dzong and Ta Dzong and later, after a lunch- you will drive to Thimphu from Trongsa
- Day 13 Thimphu: Whilst in Thimphu, we go out for the day adventure to Buddha Dordema statue that overlooks the Thimphu city. Then in a loop, we visit the Institute for Zorig Chusum peeking at being taught the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. Takin Preserve is in the same loop, we will make a stop here too. Before lunch, we will pay homage at National Memorial Chorten built in the honor of the Third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, also known as “The Father of Modern Bhutan”. After lunch, you will depart for Paro.
- Day 14 Paro: Bid farewell to Bhutan to come again.
