The Takin Festival is your once in a lifetime opportunity to get an up close look at Bhutan’s national animal, the Takin (Budorcas taxicolor) in their native summer grazing grounds. Despite being a rare and endangered species around the world, there are still thriving populations of this majestic animal in Bhutan. You won’t want to miss this chance to admire their unique physique and natural agility.
The festival is set in Gasa Dzongkhag within Jigme Dorji National Park, the second largest national preserve in the country. The park encompasses areas that are rich in temperate biodiversity and medicinal plants. This picturesque area offers spectacular views of awe-inspiring natural beauty where you find a treasured heritage that has nurtured environmental conservation for generations.
At the festival you’ll have the opportunity to engage in some of the finest trekking available anywhere in the world, bathe in soothing mineral hot-spring baths, see and purchase exquisitely crafted local handicrafts including yak wool tents, dresses and carpets, bamboo and leather products and much more. Sample some of the delicious local cuisine as you sit around a traditional stone hearth used by the nomads for generations.
Gasa is approximately a 5 hour drive from the capital city of Thimphu and 2.5 hours from Punakha Dzongkhag. Once past Punakha the road is unpaved but passes through beautiful canopies of broadleaved forests, the home of the elusive Bengal Tiger and the winter habitat of the takin. The journey is an experience in itself as you’ll be awed by the lush vegetation and sparkling waterfalls set against a backdrop of towering Himalayan peaks.
Come and experience the eternal culture of these ancient people. The Takin festival is waiting for you.