Royal Takin Preserve — Attraction in Chhanda-Gang_Chhoekhortse_Phajoding

An enchanting refuge for lovers of the natural world and wildlife is the Royal Takin Preserve in Bhutan. Bhutan's national animal, the Takin, is a rare species of antelope goat, and this sanctuary is dedicated to protecting it. It is located in Thimpu. Visitors can see Takins and other amazing animals like barking deer, sambars, goats, and a variety of birds, making this an absolutely amazing experience. The preserve is immaculately kept, featuring a 2 km well-marked walkway with green-colored paths and thoughtfully positioned stairs. It is a must-visit location for anyone hoping to get up close and personal with Bhutan's tranquil wildlife. Tourists can enter this exquisitely preserved area for a nominal fee of 300. Before joining the walkway, there is a small incline to ascend, but the effort is repaid with a serene and beautiful walk through the preserve. The journey is made even more enjoyable by the surrounding greenery and the sounds of nature. The well-designed amenities include parks, well-executed water features, and a quaint café where guests can unwind and refuel after their stroll. It's clear that the money was well spent to create a location that will help conserve wildlife in addition to being enjoyable. For those traveling to Bhutan, the Royal Takin Preserve provides a peaceful and enlightening experience. Travelers wishing to experience Bhutan's natural wonders will find it to be a great place to stop due to its well-kept trails, varied wildlife, and tranquil surroundings. This location offers the ideal fusion of natural beauty, education, and...

The Royal Takin Preserve, located in the Motithang district of Thimphu, Bhutan, is a unique sanctuary dedicated to the national animal, the takin. The takin is an unusual and fascinating creature, often described as looking like a cross between a goat and an antelope. This preserve offers visitors a rare opportunity to observe these magnificent animals in a natural setting.

The preserve was initially established as a small zoo but was later converted into a wildlife reserve to allow the takins to live in a more natural environment. This change aligns with Bhutan's conservation ethos and respect for wildlife. The preserve covers an area of 3.4 hectares, providing ample space for the takins to roam and graze.

In addition to takins, the preserve is home to several other species of animals, including sambar deer and a variety of birds. The lush greenery and tranquil environment make it a pleasant spot for nature walks and bird watching. Informational boards throughout the preserve educate visitors about the takins and other wildlife, as well as Bhutan's conservation efforts.

A visit to the Royal Takin Preserve offers a blend of education and leisure, making it an excellent destination for wildlife enthusiasts and families alike. It provides a deeper understanding of Bhutan's commitment to preserving its unique biodiversity while allowing visitors to enjoy the serene beauty of the natural...

This place is on a lot of itineraries for Thimphu, and I'm not entirely sure why.

The Takin is an endangered species (technically listed as vulnerable) found in Bhutan that is a bit strange looking. So strange that one of the legends about the Takin was that it was created by the Divine Madman after he at a meal of goat and cow meat, then using the leftover bones of both animals, performed a miracle of reanimating an animal that was part goat and part cow. This preserve has quite a few Takins in its enclosure, which is great for conservation reasons.

As for a tourist destination, I can't say there's much to see there. You can walk along a raised platform above the enclosure and see the Takins (and some deer as well), but the animals are pretty smart and stay away from the platform. You can find most of the Takins along the chain-link fence near the end of the part, waiting for tourists to feed them grass. Not exactly a natural-looking preserve.

This preserve is small, boring, not very beautiful at all, and unfortunately you aren't going to see Takins in anything resembling natural conditions. If you skipped it you wouldn't really be missing out on anything. That said, most tourist itineraries include this place, and it isn't bad enough where I'd go as far as to recommend someone NOT go. Treat it as a way to spend/waste an hour in...