Overview:

: Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Trashigang district in eastern Bhutan, is the largest protected area in the country, covering an area of 1,760 km2. It is home to several threatened species, including the Bengal tiger, snow leopard, red panda, Himalayan takin, Himalayan serow, and golden langur. The sanctuary borders Tibet and requires special authorization from the Bhutanese government to visit, due to its sensitive location. The sanctuary provides habitat to endangered species, such as the rufous-necked hornbill, and boasts a vibrant ecosystem with numerous flora and fauna species. Visitors to the sanctuary are able to sightsee beautiful alpine terrain while avoiding the more developed parts of the country. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Bhutan
Prominent Features:

1. Unique Flora and Fauna: The Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary is home to some of the most unique flora and fauna in the world, including the rare Himalayan Red Panda, clouded leopard, snow leopard, Himalayan musk deer, and Himalayan black bear. 2. Unique Landscape: Another prominent feature of Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary is its unique landscape. The sanctuary is situated in a high-altitude meadow surrounded by snow-capped peaks and lush vegetation, and it is home to some of the most rugged terrain in Bhutan. 3. Rare Species of Birds and Animals: The Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary is also home to a variety of birds and animals, including the black-necked cranes, mountain goats, and black griffons. It is also considered to be the best spot in Bhutan to spot the rarer species of birds and animals. 4. Vibrant Buddhist Culture: Located in the eastern part of Bhutan, the Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary is also home to a vibrant Buddhist culture. The locals of the area are mostly Vajrayana Buddhists, and they practice many traditional ceremonies and rituals. 5. Rich Plant Diversity: One of the most prominent features of the Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary is its rich plant diversity. The sanctuary is home to a variety of plants like orchids, ferns, mosses, fern-allies, and more. This national monument of Bhutan portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary (SWS) in Bhutan was established in 1998 as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by the Royal Government of Bhutan. It is located in Eastern Bhutan in the Trashigang District, bordering Arunachal Pradesh in India. The Sanctuary covers an approximately 607 sq km area of high altitude alpine meadows and forests, mulched in white feathery carpets of rhododendrons, drangpas, magnolias, junipers and oaks. It is home to diverse species of wild mammals, birds, ferns and wildflowers, as well as rare species of medicinal plants. The Sanctuary is home to the migoi (Yeti) and other mystery species that have not been discovered yet. The SWS is a biodiversity hotspot and provides numerous ecological services for the region. The Sanctuary plays an important role in providing essential hydraulic ecosystem services such as freshwater, carbon sequestration, and fragrant herbs for traditional medicines. It also serves as a crucial source of livelihoods for the local communities living in the region, especially from tourism and other eco-friendly activities. The Royal Government of Bhutan has been taking active measures to promote conservation and sustainable use of the reservioud, by setting up committees, providing livelihood support and promoting awareness through programs and events such as Wildlife Census, Friday Walk, and Community Based Ecotourism. The Royal government also helped establish the Sakteng Community Ecotourism Society in 2010 to empower the local communities in the natural resources management and policies. Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary is Bhutan's fourth and easternmost protected area. It is an incredible area of undisturbed wilderness, with a stunningly rich biodiversity and amazing habitats and species. The area provides a great opportunity for Bhutan to build on its reputation as a global leader in conservation and sustainability, and to set a strong example of responsible stewardship of natural resources in the region. You must visit one of these historical places in Bhutan on your Bhutan tour

Interesting facts:

1. Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary (SWS) is an important biodiversity hotspot in eastern Bhutan. 2. The sanctuary covers an area of 650 sq. km and lies between Trashigang and Mongar Districts. 3. SWS forms a part of the Indo-Burma Global Biodiversity Hotspot and is home to many threatened plant and animal species. 4. The sanctuary is one of the few known homes of the notable and rare Makyul species, a large antelope-like mammal. 5. The Sanctuary is home to many unique and endangered species found nowhere else in the world thus, hence making it one of the most important sanctuaries under the country’s protection program. 6. The SWS is also home to rhododendron, orchids, oaks, and many other species of plants. 7. It supports several mammal and avian species including snow leopard, Takin, Himalayan musk deer, Himalayan palm civet, great hornbill, and monal pheasant. 8. The sanctuary is known for its biological richness and cultural diversity due to the presence of six ethnic communities whose culture and lifestyles are very different from one another. Visit one of the famous monuments of Bhutan with your friends and family.