National park · Bhutan
Jigme Dorji National Park
Enter Jigme Dorji NP for a day hike: pay the entry fee (check), take the Gasa hot‑spring walk (2–3 h) in spring or autumn, and stay in a nearby lodge.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
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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
4,300 km² (1,660 sq mi)1,660 sq mi (4,300 km²)
approximate
Established
1974
Best months
Mar–May, Sep–Oct
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 6
- 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.
- Western Bhutan ↗Dochula and other passes above 3,000 m can be cold and foggy year round: pack layers and start early.
At a glance
- Country
- Bhutan
- Area
- 4,300 km² (1,660 sq mi)1,660 sq mi (4,300 km²)
- Approximately 4,300 km²; figures vary by source (check).
- Established
- 1974
- Best months
- Mar–May, Sep–Oct
- Permits
- For some areas
Bhutan's largest protected area spans Gasa, western Thimphu and Paro districts, safeguarding snow leopards, red pandas, takin and geothermal springs across elevations from 1,400 m to over 7,000 m.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- Special national siteLargest protected area in Bhutan.
Size and age
4,300 km² (1,660 sq mi)1,660 sq mi (4,300 km²) · national park since 1974
Approximately 4,300 km²; figures vary by source (check).
Why go
- Home to snow leopard, red panda, takin and over 300 bird species.
- Geothermal springs and high‑altitude landscapes up to 7,000 m.
- Cultural villages such as Laya and traditional Himalayan herbs.
When to go
- JanGo
- FebGo
- MarBest
- AprBest
- MayBest
- JunCaution
- JulCaution
- AugCaution
- SepBest
- OctBest
- NovGo
- DecGo
- JanCold, dry; good for high‑altitude trekking.
- FebSimilar to Jan.
- Mar10‑25 °C (77 °F), clear skies.10‑77 °F (25 °C), clear skies.
- AprMild weather, blooming flora.
- MayWarm, dry, ideal for trekking.
- JunHeavy rains, trails slippery.
- JulMonsoon, landslides possible.
- AugContinued monsoon.
- SepPost‑monsoon, clear, 10‑20 °C (68 °F).Post‑monsoon, clear, 10‑68 °F (20 °C).
- OctCool, dry, good visibility.
- NovCold, dry, fewer visitors.
- DecCold, clear, limited services.
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Snow leopardMar–May, Sep–Nov | no | no | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | no |
| Red pandaMar–May, Sep–Nov | no | no | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | no |
| TakinSep–May | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Over 300 bird speciesMar–May, Sep–Nov | no | no | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | 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
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Gasa Gate | Main entry, visitor centre, trailheads to hot springs and Laya village. | Open with permit. |
| Hot‑spring area | Gasa Tsachhu springs, 4‑hour walk from road head. | Open to hikers; guide recommended. |
| Laya village | High‑altitude community, cultural walks. | Guided visits only. |
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 centre of the park; exact gate and trailheads vary.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry fee | Free | person | Exact amount not published; check with local operator. |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entry permit permit or guide
Park rules
- Permits
- All visitors must carry a park entry permit.
- Guides
- Required for remote treks and wildlife spotting.
- Camping
- Only in designated campsites; otherwise not allowed.
- Fire
- Open fires prohibited; use stove only.
- Litter
- Carry out all waste.
Where to stay
Near the park
Gasa town lodges
Basic guesthouses and hotels within 30 min of park gate.
In the park
Laya homestays
Traditional houses, limited facilities, high‑altitude experience.
Safety
Altitude sickness medium
Weather change high
Remote terrain high
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
- Park gate reachable by vehicle; short walks are on uneven terrain.
- Long treks not suitable for limited mobility.
Visiting lightly
- Use licensed guides; avoid unregulated tours.
- Support local homestays and purchase crafts in villages.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Jigme Dorji National Park?
Entry fee is set by the Bhutanese park authority; exact amount must be confirmed at the gate or with your licensed guide (check).
What are the best hikes in Jigme Dorji National Park?
The Gasa hot‑spring walk (4 h) is popular in spring and autumn; longer treks to Laya village require a guide and are best in March‑May or September‑November.
When is the best time to visit Jigme Dorji National Park?
Spring (Mar‑May) and autumn (Sep‑Nov) offer clear weather and moderate temperatures; avoid the monsoon months June‑August.
Can I visit the park without a guide?
Short day walks from the gate are allowed without a guide, but any remote or wildlife‑focused trek requires a licensed guide.
Are there accommodations inside the park?
No permanent hotels; you can stay in guesthouses in Gasa town or homestays in Laya village.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Ask about Jigme Dorji National Park
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