Jigme Khesar Strict Nature Reserve

Jigme Khesar Strict Nature Reserve (formerly Toorsa Strict Nature Reserve) is in the Haa district in western Bhutan.

Understand

This reserve covers an area of 650 km² and is a reserve without human settlements.

It borders Sikkim and Tibet to the west and is connected to Jigme Dorji National Park via a "biological corridor".

Landscape

Jigme Khesar contains the westernmost temperate forests of Bhutan, from broadleaf forests to alpine meadows and the small lakes of Sinchulungpa, at altitudes ranging from 1,400 metres (4,600 ft) to 4,800 metres (15,700 ft).

Flora and fauna

This diverse ecosystem is home to various endangered species such as the Tibetan Snow Cock, Red Panda, Snow Leopard and Rufous Necked Hornbills.

There are mountain evergreen deciduous forests, mountain deciduous forests that shed their leaves in winter, mountain coniferous forests, tropical meadows, alpine and subalpine meadows, subalpine and alpine scrub and shrubs.

The White Poppy is endemic.

See

• The lakes of Sinchulungpa
• The dzong in Haa

Buy

The town of Haa (Ha, Has) on the banks of the Haa Chu River, has a small bazaar.