Royal Manas Wildlife Tour

Royal Manas Wildlife Tour


Location: bhutan
Trip: Half-day
Duration: Half-day
Start Location: Gelephu Helipad
End Location: Gelephu Helipad

The Royal Manas Wildlife journey is ideal for anyone seeking a comprehensive natural journey that encompasses all of Bhutan's major national parks and sanctuaries. In Bhutan, this journey is frequently referred to as the "king" of natural tours. You may enjoy a comprehensive tour of Bhutan, centered on the Royal Manas Wildlife Park, in around ninety minutes via plane.

Main Attraction

  • Wildlife corridors connect the Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary (southwest), Phrumsengla NP (northwest), Jomotshangkha Wildlife Sanctuary (southeast), and Jigme Singye Wangchuck NP (northwest) to the Royal Manas Wildlife Park tour.
  • Opportunities to see and see a variety of plants and animals on this quick helicopter tour.

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

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Guests arrive at the Gelephu Helipad, where they are warmly welcomed by their host and assisted with a seamless check-in process for the day’s aerial adventure.

A short safety briefing is conducted by the pilot, followed by an engaging introduction from a naturalist about Bhutan’s rich biodiversity and protected ecosystems.

The helicopter lifts off, marking the beginning of a once-in-a-lifetime journey across Bhutan’s most iconic and remote national parks.

Soar above Bhutan’s oldest national park, known as the "conservation showpiece of the eastern Himalayas," home to elephants, golden langurs, and Bengal tigers.

Fly over Phibsoo’s subtropical forests, where rare species like the chital deer and gaur roam in one of Bhutan’s most secluded sanctuaries.

Glide across this mid-elevation haven renowned for its alpine meadows, ancient fir forests, and glimpses of the elusive red panda.

Witness Bhutan’s least-visited wildlife preserve, bordering India, with its unique semi-tropical ecosystem and vibrant birdlife.

Marvel at the rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes of this central park, a crucial ecological corridor connecting multiple protected areas.

Enjoy the final stretch of this scenic flight, passing over Bhutan’s varied terrain, from forested hills to vast river valleys.

Touch down and relax with light refreshments, followed by a debriefing session with the naturalist to reflect on the rare wildlife sightings and ecological insights from the journey.

Tour Includes


Tour Excludes

  •       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.

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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

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