Jungle Getaway in Manas, Bhutan- Yeegetaway
The sound of crickets in the still night. Elephants in a herd moving towards
a vast river as a golden sun sets in the distance. Hornbills can occasionally
be seen perched on the trees around the river. When you imagine a
vacation to Bhutan, these sights and sounds probably don’t immediately
come to mind. We therefore set out on a tour to Bhutan’s foothills when the
Tourism Council of Bhutan invited me to take part in a “Jungle Getaway.”
I had seen images that others had posted of their stay in Manas on social media. I had been curious to learn more ever since. However, other from news articles from the Tourism Council and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forests, there wasn’t much online.
Arriving at Panbang Marangdut Eco Lodge
We eventually arrived at Pangbang after a one-day, nine-hour excursion through Tsirang, Gelephu, and Tingtibi. Our hotel is in Panbang, a charming tiny town in the Zhemgang area that is nearest to the park. The renowned twin waterfall of Panbang welcomes you along a wide straight highway after winding through a series of abrupt twists on the routes. The waterfall is a lovely sight to behold. Enjoy it and take a break from the drive.
It was difficult to see what the small village looked like because we arrived at dusk. save from the occasional sightings of oil lamps in little elevated bamboo homes. Our bus pulled into the lane to the left of the bridge after asking the lodge for directions. This leads you to the primary as well.
River Rafting in Manas
The following morning, I awoke feeling completely renewed. The noises of the nighttime bush and the river below the camp like a lullaby. A happy kitchen staff member arrived with a cup of tea as I exited the tent and took in the view from the tiny balcony outside the tent.
The camp’s restrooms are located behind the tents in separate buildings. I noticed that I was scanning the area around the toilet for creepy crawlers. A girl informed me that there were spiders on the bathroom sinks. We are in the “jungle” after all, I reasoned. After going through that hardship, I was thrilled to be welcomed with a Marangdut-style breakfast feast. Fresh asparagus, boiled eggs, and fried rice.
Right above the bank where we stopped for lunch is where the MNP office complex can be found. The region also includes the Royal Palace. Growing up, I had heard many tales of the wild safaris that His Majesty would take Their Royal Highnesses on.
Manas National Park
A collection of dilapidated homes that were originally used as guest houses makes up the park compound. The department of Forest and Park Services has additional offices. We came upon several tiny houses that were built all the way back in the 1980s when we entered the land. They appeared to merge with the surroundings with moss-covered walls.
Everyone picked up stones and started throwing them at the trees when they spotted mango and tamarind trees. From biting into the small hard mangoes, to walking by the small houses – all these moments gave me a sense of nostalgia as I reminisced about my childhood in the warm foothills of Sarpang.
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