Thrumshingla National Park

Description

Coordinates: 27°16′59″N 90°58′40″E / 27.28306°N 90.97778°E / 27.28306; 90.97778

Thrumshingla National Park in central Bhutan covers just over 905 square kilometres (349 sq mi) across four districts, but primarily in Mongar. It is a temperate park with large tracts of old-growth fir forests, its altitudes ranging from 700 metres (2,300 ft) to 4,400 metres (14,400 ft). Thrumshingla is home to six species of threatened birds: the rufous-necked hornbill (Aceros nipalensis), rufous-throated wren-babbler (Spelaeornis caudatus), satyr tragopan (Tragopan satyra), beautiful nuthatch (Sitta formosa), Ward's trogon (Harpactes wardi) and Chestnut-breasted partridge (Arborophila mandellii), as well as the near-threatened wedge billed wren babbler (Sphenocichla humei). Thrumshingla has scenic views, including forests ranging with elevations from alpine to sub-tropical. Because the soil of Thrumshingla's biomes is particularly fragile, the land is unsuitable for logging or other development.

The Bhutanese Trust Fund identifies excellent tourism potential for Thrumshingla, as it is bisected by Bhutan's highest motorable road, the Lateral Road. Nearly 11,000 people live within the Thrumshingla area demonstrating, in the Trust Fund's opinion, the kingdom's "closest success to a harmonious balance between man and nature." The World Wildlife Fund also maintains operations in the park.