Takin Preserve Centre

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Today, the Takin Preserve Centre offers visitors a rare opportunity to observe this unusual and endangered species up close while enjoying scenic views of the Thimphu valley. It serves not only as a tourist attraction but also as an important center for education, conservation, and awareness of Bhutan’s rich biodiversity.

Location

  • The Takin Preserve Centre is located in Motithang, about 2 km northwest of Thimphu city centre, Bhutan’s capital. It sits on a forested hillside overlooking the Thimphu valley and is easily accessible by road.

    • Key Facts

  • Animal: Takin (Budorcas taxicolor), Bhutan’s national animal

  • Altitude: Approx. 2,600 meters

  • Established: 2004

  • Managed by: Department of Forests & Park Services, Bhutan

  • Area: Natural forest enclosure rather than a conventional zoo

    • Why It's Special

  • The Takin is found nowhere else in the world in this form and is deeply tied to Bhutanese mythology.

  • According to legend, the Takin was created by Divine Madman Drukpa Kunley, who joined the head of a goat with the body of a cow.

  • The preserve is designed to allow Takins to roam in a semi-wild, natural environment, unlike typical zoos.

  • It represents Bhutan’s commitment to conservation and animal welfare.

    • Visitor Experience

  • Walk through forested trails observing Takins up close

  • Learn about Bhutan’s wildlife conservation efforts

  • Enjoy panoramic views of Thimphu valley

  • Peaceful atmosphere ideal for photography and nature lovers

  • Usually takes 30–45 minutes to explore

    • Best Time to Visit

  • Spring (March–May): Pleasant weather, blooming flowers

  • Autumn (September–November): Clear skies and best visibility

  • Visit in the morning or late afternoon when Takins are most active

    • Travel Tip

  • Combine your visit with Motithang Monastery or Buddha Dordenma nearby

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes

  • Do not feed or disturb the animals

  • Carry a light jacket due to cool mountain weather

  • Respect silence and cleanliness within the preserve.

    Entrance Fees: BTN: 300/ only per person

    • Hear from our clients

    When we landed in Bhutan in March, Ram handed us 600 dollars cash reflecting the 50% reduction. He could have kept that money and we would have been none the wiser. I think that says everything you need to know about this company's integrity. You can trust Ram and team to make sure your dream trip to Bhutan will be exactly that.
    Egypt GroupCairo, Egypt
    Egypt Group
    Buthan Tour hat für unsere kleine Reisegruppe (4 Personen) im Juni 2018 eine wunderbare Reise in Buthan organisiert. Wir haben neben Thimphu auch Punakha im Osten und Ha im Westen besucht. Der Bus war bequem und alle Hotels sehr angenehm. Die Begleitung durch Ram, Tensing und den Fahrer war sehr angenehm. Es war eine sehr interessante Reise durch ein wunderbares Land.
    Markus GroupZURICH, SWITZERLAND
    Markus Group
    May 2019. We two had a trip through the west part of Bhutan for 9 days. Was very good! As to agency, to Ram, to our guide Sajan so many thanks:) We had a very good company with smart, interesting interlocutors, humorists, that had made our self feelings of the trip easy and soulful. Ram was very attentive to us, to our wishes and feelings, еspecially eating habits, and helped us to get our favorite meals.
    Anna FamilyRUSSIA
    Anna Family
    Appreciation extended for professional Bhutan Tour Service provided by Book Bhutan Tour to the Embassy of Switzerland. Our valuable clients were happy and fully satisfied with the quality of service provided during their Tour to Bhutan. Most importantly, our clients were totally satisfied with the type of hotels and the quality of services provided during their stay in Bhutan.
    Dr. Andreas GroupBERN, SWITZERLAND
    Dr. Andreas Group
    Every minute of this 14 day trip from the east to the center of Bhutan was a delight! We had a unique experience and the opportunity to get an unforgettable insight into this marvelous country due to Ram, our skilled and warm-hearted guide, which had worked in the past in different Swiss cooperation programs knowing interesting people.
    Petra GroupZURICH, SWITZERLAND
    Petra Group
    I cannot recommend this company highly enough. The communication is outstanding from the start. The owner -Ram- deals with you directly and will call you to talk about your trip in detail and what he can offer if you prefer rather than exchanging tons of emails. He follows up with lots of links and offerings before setting the itinerary. His English, knowledge, and enthusiasm will be evident when you talk to him.
    Mr. Benson GroupUNITES STATES OF AMERICA
    Mr. Benson Group
    Before visiting Bhutan, we did research and found the Book Bhutan Tour website, we visited a website and we found that they have served mostly Swiss Diplomats guests, for that reason we immediately reserve through Book Bhutan Tour. Ten days tour to Bhutan is an amazing experience. We are fortunate to have Nawang Drakpa (our guide) who is knowledgeable, kind, and understanding. He ensures our safety and attentive to our needs.
    Kellsmart familyAUSTRALIA
    Kellsmart family
    We traveled as a Swiss couple for 8 days with Mr. Ram, the owner, and Mr. Migma, our guide. We had a great experience with them and learned a lot about the country, the people, and Buddhism. Many interesting temples and monasteries, beautiful scenery with mountain ranges, rice fields, villages where time stood still, hikes off the beaten track, great hotels, good food, nice farm stay with boiling hot stone bath, We recommend Mr. Ram, a very knowledgeable, helpful, and well-organized tour operator.
    Caroline Müller familyBERN, SWITZERLAND
    Caroline Müller family
    If you want to see the real Bhutan then look no further than Mr Ram Dorji. Not only he would go out of the way to make the best of your tour but will make sure when you leave Bhutan you take great memories with you! I have traveled across the world and many tour agencies help you build REEL memories but Ram would make sure you have REAL memories. He is an asset to Bhutan and Bhutan tourism.
    Mr. Chandan FamilyUNITED KINGDOM
    Mr. Chandan Family
    Bhutan, the land of the thunder dragon and happiness! We were 4 women with the dream to travel in this small, hidden, not of many known countries to understand Bhutan, the land of the thunder dragon and happiness! We were 4 women who had the dream to travel to this small, unknown country to understand a little bit of the culture, the secrets, and the mystic behind it.
    Esther GroupITALIAN
    Esther Group
    I've just got back from my second tour in this totally captivating country, this time leading a 12 night yoga and meditation tour. Our theme was Joy and oh my did we have the most joyous time ever! Every day was an adventure and our small group of six (including our guide Sajan and driver Raj) soon became great friends sharing unforgettable memories.
    Lisa MilnorUnited Kingdom
    Lisa Milnor
    What an amazing time we had with Book Bhutan Tours! Our guide Sajan and drivers Raj and LB were knowledgeable, thoughtful, and good company. The owner Ram takes great interest in how your tour is going, keeping in touch and meeting up where possible.
    Mr. David Tolson groupUnited Kingdom
    Mr. David Tolson group
    Great country, great people, great scenery, great weather, great guidance. We visited Bhutan for 7 days as a mix of hiking and culture- organized by Mr. Ram- the owner of Book Bhutan Tours. The tour was guided by Mr. Ngawang and Mr. Dorji. We can highly recommend those two guys.
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    Klaus Uta Group