Motithang Takin Preserve

Starting from the heart of Thimphu, if you happen to drive along the road to BBS tower viewpoint, you would reach a verdant prtected reserve dedicated to Takins, the national animal of Bhutan. Nestled amidst lush greeneries in the Motithang district in Thimphu Valley, this protected reserve is known as the Motithang Takin Preserve.

Besides being the national animal of the Land of Thunder Dragons, Takins are also considered as sacred animals. According to the legends, the ‘Divine Madman’ or Drukpa Kunley while conjuring a miracle, fixed the head of a goat into the body of a cow. He then uttered some magical word to incite life into this unique animal, which was later named as ‘dong gyem tsey’ or the ‘Takin’.

Today, these exotic mammals are preserved in a mini zoo called the Motithang Takin Preserve. Spread across 8.4 acres of verdant patch, this preserve is a much sought-after attraction in Bhutan, and is visited by almost all the visitors to Thimphu city.