National park · Bhutan
Jomotsangkha Wildlife Sanctuary
Enter the sanctuary for a day hike from Samdrup Jongkhar or as a stop on the way to Trashigang: the entry is free, but you must have a licensed guide from a Bhutanese operator; the best short walk is the Deothang Nature Trail (2–3 h, easy), and the best time is October–April when the weather is dry and wildlife is active.
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Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
335 km² (129 sq mi)129 sq mi (335 km²)
approximate
Established
1993
Best months
Mar–Apr, Oct–Nov
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 5
- South Asia ↗Trekking regions, border districts and several Indian states need separate permits on top of the visa; check the permit before you book transport into them.
- South Asia ↗Remove shoes (and in many Jain and Hindu temples, leather) before entering; cover shoulders and legs; ask before photographing people or rituals.
- Bhutan ↗Sustainable Development Fee: USD 100 per adult per night for international visitors until 31 Aug 2027 (children 6–11 half rate, under 6 free); Indian nationals pay in rupees at a lower rate. Confirm the current rate on the official tourism site before booking.
- Bhutan ↗Visa: apply through the official Bhutan tourism visa system, cleared before you board; plan the trip through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator.
- Bhutan ↗Paro is Bhutan's only international airport: approaches are visual, flights run in daylight only, and cloud or wind cancels them; keep a spare day at both ends.
At a glance
- Country
- Bhutan
- Area
- 335 km² (129 sq mi)129 sq mi (335 km²)
- check
- Established
- 1993
- Best months
- Mar–Apr, Oct–Nov
- Permits
- For some areas
- Base
- Samdrup Jongkhar
Jomotsangkha Wildlife Sanctuary in southeastern Bhutan protects 335 km² of subtropical and broadleaf evergreen forest, home to elephants, gaur, pygmy hogs and the chestnut-breasted partridge. Unlike the more visited parks in western Bhutan, it sees few travellers. Access requires a licensed guide as part of a Bhutan tour package; there is no entry fee. The short Deothang Nature Trail suits a half-day stop, while a full-day guided trek into the core forest offers a chance to see larger mammals in the dry season.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- No UNESCO listing; national park since 1993.
Size and age
335 km² (129 sq mi)129 sq mi (335 km²) · national park since 1993
check
This page covers the park itself. Nearest base: Samdrup Jongkhar.
Why go
- See elephants, gaur and the rare pygmy hog in a subtropical forest that most visitors to Bhutan miss.
- The Deothang Nature Trail is an easy walk through broadleaf evergreen forest with birdlife including the chestnut-breasted partridge and rufous-necked hornbill.
- The sanctuary is a quiet alternative to the more visited parks in central and western Bhutan.
When to go
- JanGo
- FebGo
- MarBest
- AprBest
- MayCaution
- JunCaution
- JulAvoid
- AugCaution
- SepGo
- OctBest
- NovBest
- DecGo
- JanCool and dry; good for wildlife
- FebDry; clear trails
- MarWarm, dry; birds active
- AprWarm, dry; best for viewing
- MayHot; monsoon begins
- JunMonsoon; trails muddy
- JulHeavy rain; leeches
- AugLate monsoon; clearing
- SepPost-monsoon; green
- OctDry and cool; best for wildlife
- NovDry and mild
- DecCool and dry
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elephants and gaurOct–Apr · More active in the dry season. | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes |
| Pygmy hog and hispid hareAll year · Rare; sightings are very uncommon. | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Chestnut-breasted partridge and rufous-necked hornbillMar–May, Oct–Nov · Breeding season. | no | no | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | no |
| LeechesJun–Sep · Active in the monsoon. | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Samdrup Jongkhar
Drive north on the Lateral Road about 30 km (19 mi) to the sanctuary boundary near Deothang.Drive north on the Lateral Road about 19 mi (30 km) to the sanctuary boundary near Deothang.
45 min
Open the page →
From Trashigang
Drive south on the Lateral Road about 60 km (37 mi).Drive south on the Lateral Road about 37 mi (60 km).
1.5 h
Open the page →
From Gelephu
Drive east on the Lateral Road about 150 km (93 mi).Drive east on the Lateral Road about 93 mi (150 km).
3.5 h
Open the page →
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Deothang area | The main access point near the town of Deothang; short nature trails and picnic spots. | Open with a guide. |
| Core forest | Dense subtropical and broadleaf evergreen forest; higher chance of seeing elephants and gaur. | Guided only; no marked trails. |
| Riverside zone | Along the Dangme Chhu; good for birdwatching. | Open with a guide. |
Sketch map
Take the points offline
3 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates are approximate; the sanctuary covers a large area with no single visitor centre.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry fee | Free | person | No entry fee for the sanctuary itself; your Bhutan tour operator includes the permit in the package (check). |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Sanctuary entry permit or guide
Guide permit or guide
Park rules
- Guide required
- All visitors must be accompanied by a licensed guide arranged by a Bhutanese tour operator.
- Drones
- Not allowed without prior permission from the Bhutan Department of Forests and Park Services (check).check
- Camping
- Not permitted inside the sanctuary; stay in Samdrup Jongkhar or Deothang.
- Fires and litter
- No fires; carry out all rubbish.
Where to stay
Near the park
Samdrup Jongkhar town
Basic hotels and guesthouses; the main base for visiting the sanctuary.
Near the park
Deothang
A few simple lodges near the sanctuary boundary.
Safety
Wild elephants medium
Leeches low
Getting lost medium
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- The Deothang Nature Trail is on relatively flat ground and suitable for most fitness levels.
- The core forest trek is rough and muddy; not suitable for limited mobility.
Visiting lightly
- Stay on marked trails to avoid disturbing wildlife.
- Do not feed or approach any animals.
- Support local guides and lodges in Samdrup Jongkhar and Deothang.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Jomotsangkha Wildlife Sanctuary?
There is no entry fee for the sanctuary itself. However, you with a licensed Bhutanese tour operator, and the cost of the guide and transport is part of your tour package.
What are the best hikes in Jomotsangkha Wildlife Sanctuary?
The Deothang Nature Trail is a short, easy walk (2–3 h) through broadleaf forest. For a longer trek, a full-day guided walk into the core forest (6–8 h) offers a chance to see elephants and gaur.
When is the best time to visit Jomotsangkha Wildlife Sanctuary?
October to April is the best period: the weather is dry and cool, and wildlife is more active. The monsoon (June–September) brings heavy rain and leeches.
Can I visit Jomotsangkha Wildlife Sanctuary independently?
No. All visitors to Bhutan must travel with a licensed tour operator, and a guide is required for any visit beyond the road.
What animals can I see in Jomotsangkha Wildlife Sanctuary?
The sanctuary is home to elephants, gaur, pygmy hogs, hispid hares and birds such as the chestnut-breasted partridge and rufous-necked hornbill. Sightings of the rare pygmy hog are very uncommon.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Ask about Jomotsangkha Wildlife Sanctuary
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