Backpacking across Bhutan? Do Experience The Mystic Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary
Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary Bhutan is the newest of the wildlife reserves and is also quite picturesque. It is spread over an area of 650 square km and is a wonderful world in itself that you will love to see and explore. The sanctuary displays the Himalayan ecosystem in its full glory, covered in thick carpets of rhododendrons.
It is home to nomadic tribes, snow leopards, barking deer, Himalayan red fox, Himalayan black bear, red panda, Himalayan squirrels and the legendary Yeti. According to legends, the Yeti in Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary was the reason for reserving this area.
If you are someone who enjoys bird watching, you can easily spot Common Hoopoe, Assamese Macaw, Rufous Vented Tit, Blood Pheasant, Grey-headed Woodpecker, Grey-backed Shrike and many more.
The sanctuary, to date, remains largely untouched by urbanization and is a perfect escape from the concrete jungles. It is one of the most visited wildlife sanctuaries in Bhutan.
Basic facts about Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary
Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary Location: Trashigang, Bhutan
Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary Opening Timings: 7 am
How to reach Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary
By air:
Paro Airport is the nearest airport from where you can hire local transport to reach Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary.
by rail:
There are no railway stations in Bhutan. The nearest railway stations are Hasimara and Phuentsholing, both in India.
by road:
Taxis, buses and other means of transportation are easily available in Bhutan. You can book a taxi from Thimphu to the sanctuary.
Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary Weather
The weather in Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary is generally fine throughout the year, but the best time to visit is between March and August. From March to August, Bhutan generally does not experience heavy rainfall. Moreover, this is the season when most of the migratory birds fly to Bhutan.
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Things to do in Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary
Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary in Bhutan has a lot to offer to all its visitors. Here are some things you must do in the sanctuary:
1. Catch a snow leopard
One thing you must do if you are visiting the sanctuary is try to photograph or shoot a video of the snow leopard. This majestic animal roams freely in the sanctuary and is quite easy to spot during the day time.
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2. Bird watching
The sanctuary is visited by rare, exotic migratory bird species from all over the world every year. Furthermore, it is the permanent home of many species that can only be seen
Bhutan. Thus, if you are in the sanctuary, you should go out early in the morning and spend some time watching the birds and listening to their chirping. Take a tour as Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary tour is one of the best tours in Bhutan.
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3. Collect Cordyceps Leaves
Local people believe that Cordyceps leaves have great medicinal value and are very beneficial for our health. So, while roaming around the sanctuary, you can ask your guide to help you collect some of these leaves.
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4. Tracking
The sanctuary is a wonderful place to go on a long trek as the landscape here is not very rugged, even for beginners. However, there are some areas that are prohibited for tourists due to security reasons or because they are inhabited by nomadic tribes.
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Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary Habitat
The sanctuary has a guesthouse named ‘Merak Guesthouse’ which can be booked in advance. Apart from this, there are many hotels and guesthouses in Trashigang and other surrounding areas that provide bed and breakfast services at very reasonable rates. If you book Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary Tour all accommodation and travel bookings will be managed by the tour operator.
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Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-visit place if you are planning a trip to Bhutan. This experience will definitely be thrilling and refreshing for one’s mind, soul and body! Make sure you gather your friends and head to Bhutan right now. We promise you it will be fun.
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FAQs about Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary
Is there a camping option in Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary?
For bird watching there is a camping site near the Joenkhar area and another in the Merc range.
How is Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary in December?
During December, the weather becomes quite cold, and hence, it is not recommended that you visit the sanctuary in winters. The days are also short and you will not be able to make the most of them.
Are there any hotels in Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary?
No, there are no hotels inside the sanctuary. However, there are hotels in Trashigang district and other nearby areas.
Is Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary tribal friendly?
The two nomadic tribes in the sanctuary are not very friendly with tourists. Therefore, it is suggested that you do not try to mingle with them or enter their living areas.
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