Bumdling


In Bhutan, in the 60s of the 20th century, a system for preserving ecology was created. To date, there are 10 officially protected facilities in the country. Their total area covers 16,396.43 square kilometers, which is more than a quarter of the territory of the entire state. Let's talk about one of them - the Bumdeling Reserve.

General information about the park

The Bumdelling Nature Reserve is located in the north-eastern part of the country and covers mainly the three dzonghagas: Lhunze, Trashigang and Trashyangtse. The reserve is located near the border with India and China. This is a protected area, which includes a buffer zone (450 square kilometers). The organization responsible for the order and management of the territory is called the Bhutanese Trust Fund.

The Nature Reserve Bumdeling was established in 1995, and the discovery took place in 1998. Its main goal is the protection and preservation of the still intact eastern Himalayan ecosystems: alpine and subalpine communities, as well as warm broad-leaved forests.

What is famous for the nature reserve Bumdeling?

On the territory of the reserve, about 3 thousand people permanently reside and conduct their household. Also, there are several religious and cultural sites that have international significance, for example, Singye Dzong. This is a small Buddhist temple of Nyingma school, which is a traditional place of pilgrimage. The number of believers who visited the shrine reaches tens of thousands a year. By the way, foreign tourists need special permission to get access to holy places.

The road to Singye Dzong begins in the village of Khoma, an hour's walk from the road. Pilgrims travel from here on horseback, which they rent from the residents of the local villages of Dengchung and Khomakang. The journey time in one direction is approximately 3 days. Escort, feeding, lodging and renting animals are the main income of Aborigines. This sanctuary is the main in a complex of 8 small temples that are built into the rocks. These dzongs are dedicated to 8 manifestations of Badamzhunaya.

Flora and fauna of the nature reserve Bumdeling

In the Bumdeling Reserve in Bhutan, there is a rather rich flora and fauna, and there are also picturesque mountain lakes. Here live about 100 species of mammals, among which there are quite rare: red panda, Bengal tiger, snow leopard, blue sheep, musk deer, Himalayan bear and others. The highlight of the nature reserve is the disappearing black-necked cranes (Grus nigricollis). They arrive here for the winter and live near the Alpine zone. It gathers up to 150 individuals annually. Of interest is the butterfly Mahaon, which was discovered in these parts in 1932.

In 2012, in March, for its cultural and natural significance, the Bumdeling Game Reserve was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

How to get to the nature reserve?

From the nearby areas of Trashyangtse, Trashiganga and Lhunce you can reach the nature reserve by car. Follow the signs for the sign with the inscription Bumdelling, where the central entrance will be located. Visit Bumdeling is necessary with the escort, also it is necessary to remember the wild animals that are found on the territory of the reserve.