Royal Manas Wildlife Helicopter Tour – The King of Bhutan’s Natural Journeys
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Royal Manas Wildlife Helicopter Tour – The King of Bhutan’s Natural Journeys
Renowned as the “king” of natural tours in Bhutan, the Royal Manas Wildlife Journey offers a comprehensive aerial exploration of Bhutan’s major national parks and sanctuaries. In just around ninety minutes, this extraordinary helicopter tour centers on the iconic Royal Manas Wildlife Park, providing unparalleled access to some of the country’s richest biodiversity.
This journey connects a network of vital wildlife corridors linking several key protected areas: the Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary to the southwest, Phrumsengla National Park to the northwest, Jomotshangkha Wildlife Sanctuary to the southeast, and Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park also to the northwest.
Main Attractions:
✅ Fly over and explore the vast and diverse ecosystems that form the heart of Bhutan’s interconnected protected areas.
✅ Unique opportunities to spot a variety of rare flora and fauna, including elusive mammals and vibrant birdlife, from the air.
Short Itinerary
Title | Accommodation | Meals |
8:30 AM – Guest arrival at Gelephu Helipad – Welcome by host & check-in formalities | ||
8:45 AM – Safety briefing by pilot and ecological introduction by naturalist | ||
9:00 AM – Takeoff – Begin helicopter journey | ||
09:00 – 09:20 AM – Royal Manas National Park Overflight | ||
09:20 – 09:30 AM – Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary | ||
09:30 – 09:45 AM – Phrumsengla National Park | ||
09:45 – 10:00 AM – Jomotshangkha Wildlife Sanctuary | ||
10:00 – 10:15 AM – Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park | ||
10:15 – 10:30 AM – Return Flight to Gelephu Helipad | ||
10:30 – 10:45 AM – Arrival at Gelephu Helipad – Refreshments and debrief with naturalist |
Tour Program
Expand AllGuests arrive at the Gelephu Helipad, warmly welcomed by their host and smoothly assisted through the check-in process for the day’s aerial adventure.
A brief safety briefing is conducted by the pilot, followed by an engaging introduction from a naturalist highlighting Bhutan’s rich biodiversity and protected ecosystems.
The helicopter lifts off, beginning a once-in-a-lifetime journey over Bhutan’s most iconic and remote national parks.
Soar above Bhutan’s oldest national park, celebrated as the “conservation showpiece of the eastern Himalayas,” home to majestic elephants, elusive golden langurs, and rare Bengal tigers.
Fly over Phibsoo’s lush subtropical forests, home to rare species such as chital deer and gaur, within one of Bhutan’s most secluded wildlife sanctuaries.
Glide over this mid-elevation sanctuary, renowned for its alpine meadows, ancient fir forests, and occasional glimpses of the elusive red panda.
Discover Bhutan’s least-visited wildlife preserve bordering India, renowned for its unique semi-tropical ecosystem and vibrant birdlife.
Marvel at the rich biodiversity and breathtaking landscapes of this central park, a vital ecological corridor linking several protected areas.
Enjoy the final leg of this scenic flight, soaring over Bhutan’s diverse landscapes—from lush forested hills to expansive river valleys.
Touch down and unwind with light refreshments, followed by a debriefing session with the naturalist to share and reflect on the rare wildlife encounters and ecological discoveries of the journey.
Tour Includes
Tour Excludes
FAQ
Expand All- The Royal Manas Wildlife Helicopter Tour is an aerial expedition that allows participants to explore the breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife of the Royal Manas National Park in Bhutan.
Ø The tour typically departs from designated helipads near major Bhutanese cities such as Paro or Thimphu, depending on the operator and itinerary.
Ø The highlights include panoramic views of the pristine forests, rivers, and mountains of the Royal Manas National Park, as well as the opportunity to spot diverse wildlife such as elephants, tigers, and rare bird species.
Ø The duration of the tour varies depending on the specific itinerary and package chosen, ranging from a few hours to a full day of exploration.
Ø The tour typically utilizes modern helicopters equipped with large windows to provide participants with unobstructed views of the stunning landscape and wildlife below.
Ø While the tour involves flying at higher altitudes, participants do not typically experience severe altitude sickness as they remain within the helicopter for the duration of the flight.
Ø The capacity of the helicopter depends on the model and configuration, but most tours accommodate a small group of passengers to ensure an intimate and personalized experience.
Ø Participants should dress in comfortable clothing suitable for the weather conditions and bring essentials such as sunglasses, sunscreen, cameras, and any personal items they may need during the flight.
Ø Yes, many tour operators offer customizable options such as extended flight times, additional landing sites, or specialized wildlife viewing experiences tailored to the participants' preferences upon request.
Ø Participants can book the tour through authorized tour operators specializing in helicopter tours of Bhutan. Booking procedures typically involve selecting the desired package, confirming availability, and making payment arrangements.
Things to know
Flight Duration: Approx. 90 minutes (round trip)
Departure Point: Can be arranged from Paro, Gelephu, or other approved helipads, depending on the itinerary
Altitude Range: Low to mid-altitude zones—mild climate, but prepare for temperature variation
Wildlife Visibility: Best in early morning or late afternoon flights
Binoculars Recommended: For bird watching and animal spotting
Weather Dependency: Flights may be delayed or rescheduled due to rainforest conditions or fog
Best Seasons: Spring (Mar–May) and Autumn (Sep–Nov) offer better wildlife sightings and visibility
Eco-sensitive Area: Avoid loud noise and respect protected zones
Flight Narration: Onboard guides offer insight into Bhutan’s conservation success stories
Why Book With Us?
- Expert Knowledge
- Customized Itineraries
- Immersive Experiences
- Seamless Travel
- Safety and Comfort
- Cultural Sensitivity
- Flexible Options
- Best Tour Guides
- Unmatched Hospitality
- Personalized Support
- Sustainable Tourism
- Local Partnerships