Takin Preserve
Tashi Wangmo • June 6, 2020
The National Animal of Bhutan
Located north of the city is the Takin Preserve that houses the Takin, the weird looking national animal of Bhutan with the head of a cow and body of a goat. Legend holds that the Takin was created by the saint Lama Drukpa Kuenley, the Divine Madman of Bhutan. A religious preacher as well as a proficient tantric, the Divine Madman is famed for his unconventional methods of teaching through songs, comic acts and often shocking sexual connotations during the 15th Century. Many years ago, when the saint was residing in Bhutan the local people requested him to show his magical powers and he agreed provided that in exchange he was to be served a meal with the full body of a goat and cow. After devouring the whole meal and when only the bones of the two animals were left, the Lama fixed the head of the goat to the skeleton of the cow and with a flick of his fingers commanded the animal to go into the forest and graze. This was how the Takin was created and due to its magical creation and religious significance the Takin was endorsed as the national animal of Bhutan.
The Preserve is also home to few other animals such as the Samber Deer, Barking Deer, Himalayan Goral and birds like the Himalyan Monal and Satyr Tragopan. While there are not many animals nor is it a regular ‘Zoo’ per se, however for a wildlife lover it will be a peaceful excursion to go around the preserve watching this incredible animal.
Through this undisturbed tropical, sub-tropical and Alpine regions of virgin forests, waterfalls and lakes, highland nomadic villages, undisturbed nature and views of the Greater Himalayas and Snow Capped Peaks, Bhutan offers some of the best trekking experiences all year round.
The view from there is the panoramic sight of almost all the tallest Himalayan Mountain of Bhutan like majestic Gangkar Puensum, formidable Table Mountain and Tiger Mountain. As it is located at the top, the view of the Himalayan ranges is better than anywhere in the area, even as compared to famous Dochula Pass.
For Bhutanese, Gross National Happiness means a good government that creates an enabling environment for people to pursue happiness in a meaningful way. The result is a country at peace with itself, and people at peace with themselves!
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Clinging on a huge rock towards the north end of the Tang valley lies the Thowa Drak Hermitage just like the famed Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Paro. From the valley or road point it is a stiff 3 hours hike uphill through the serene and peaceful forest. Sweeping views of the Tang valley and the landscape can be enjoyed along the way with a bird’s eye view from the main site.
A quick visit to the Swiss Cheese Factory and Brewery is a refreshing alternative after visiting many temples and religious sites in the Bumthang valley. The Factory was started in the late 1960’s by a Swiss national Mr Fritz Maurer who visited Bhutan and settled in Bumthang.