Sikkim – The land of Rhododendrons is famous for breathtakingly beautiful valleys and some of the religiously most important Buddhist monasteries. Although primarily known for its beautiful valleys, important monasteries, optimum weather of an ideal summer resort and trekking routes, it is equally rich in its biodiversity. The presence of almost 06 sanctuaries and one National Park covering almost 2300 kms of this tiny state, in itself speaks for the rich flora and fauna present here and makes it a nature lover’s delight. Sikkim is rich in its flora, with both temperate and alpine regions, spread over an altitude of 2500 feets to 10500 feets. The biodiversity of the state of Sikkim is being preserved under the following National parks and Sanctuaries:
National Park
1. Khangchendzonga National Park: North, South, West 850 sq. km.
Wildlife Sanctuaries
1. Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, North Sikkim, 43 sq. km.
2. Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary West Sikkim, 104 sq. km.
3. Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary East Sikkim, 31 sq. km.
4. Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary, East Sikkim, 51.76 sq. km.
5. Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary, South Sikkim, 35.34 sq. km.
6. Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary, East Sikkim, 124 sq. km.
Kanchendzonga National Park
Spread over 850 sq kms of area under Sikkim, Kanchendzonga (also Kanchenjunga) National Park is the largest biosphere reserve and the only National Park in the state of Sikkim. Kanchendzonga National Park covers an area of about 25% of the state of Sikkim and is probably one of the most bio diverse National Park of the world, with its altitude ranging from 1300 mts (approx 4000 fts) to 8550 mts (approx 2800 fts). The park in its ambit have the worlds third highest peak in Mt Kanchendzonga (8550 fts), many glaciers (the biggest being Zemu glacier, which is 26kms long and is one of the biggest in North East Himalayas) and other high altitude park.
Kanchenjunga National Park was established on 26 Aug 1977, and since then the Government have done excellent work in maintaining its bio diversity. Kanchendzonga in local language literally means ‘Abode of Gods consisting of five Treasure Houses'. Buddhist believes that the Kanchendzonga in itself, have hidden many important religious scripture and relics. It is also believed that Kanchendzonga is the guardian diety of Sikkim and guard the area along with the other five peaks which are Narshing, Pandim, Simvo, Kabru and Siniolchu. The most beautiful amongst these peaks are Mt. Pandim, Mt. Narshing and Mt. Siniolchu which lie in the park area.
The variation in its altitude between 4000 fts to 28000 fts has resulted in equally varied flora and fauna. The National Park at one end have temperate broad leaved forests and on the other have coniferous trees receding into barren lands, typical of high altitude mountains, in between you have mixed forests displaying the flora of both the extremes.
The temperate broad leaved forest is dominated by Oaks, Fir, Birch, Maple, Willow etc. In the Alpine scrub and grass the common scrubs found are Mecohopsis, Primula Rhododendron, etc. besides these there are many medicinal plants and herbs found in higher Himalayan altitudes.
The variation in altitude, temperature and flora also means rich bio diversity in the animals, reptiles and birds found at Kanchenjunga National Park. The most famous of the animals found here is the Snow Leopard. Apart from Snow Leoplard, other animals of importance found here are clouded Leopard, Tibetan Wild Ass, Musk Deer, Himalayan Tahr, Sloth Bear, Himalayan Black Bear, Civet, Red Panda, Wild Dog, Himalayan Blue Sheep, Goral, Serow and Takin. Kanchendzonga National Park is also home to reptiles like Rat snake and Russell's viper apart from about 550 species of birds, out of which 127 are in endangered list. Some of the rare species found in Kanchenjunga National Park is Blood Pheasant, Satyr Tragopan, Osprey, Himalayan Griffon, Lammergeier,Tragopan Pheasant, Green Pigeon, Tibetan Snowcock, Snow Pigeon, Impeyan Pheasant, Asian Emerald Cuckoo, Sunbird & Eagle, Baer’s Pochard, Pallas’s Fish-Eagle, Lesser Kestrel, and Black-breasted Parrotbill,
Best time to visit Kanchenjunga National Park is from April to May and from September to Novermber, From May to September, it is a period of monsoon and heavy rainfall making it treacherous to travel, while from November to March, the area receives snowfall and experiences very low temperatures.
Kanchendzonga National Park can be explored by trekking only. Yusksom serves as the base for various trekking routes for Kanchenjunga National Park. Yuksom is some 40 kms from Pelling and about 145 kms from state capital Gangtok. The nearest railhead for Kanchendzonga National Park is at New Jalpaiguri at 125 kms while Bagdogra at 147 kms is the nearest airport for the Kanchendzonga National Park. Darjeeling another beautiful town is about 90 kms.
Some of the most popular trekking routes are from Yusksom and Lachen.
• Yuksom - Tshoka – Dzongri
• Bakim - Dzongri - Thangshing - Samuteng – Goechala
• Dzongri Base Camp - Rathong – Khangerteng
• Thangshing - Lam Pokhari - Kasturi Orar - Lapdong - Tashiding.
• Lachen-Yabuk-Rest Camp (Marco Polo Camp) - Green Lake
• Lachen-Thangu (13,695 feet (4,174 m)) - Muguthang (16,000 feet (4,900 m)) - Thay La (17,000 feet (5,200 m)) - Khyoksa La (18,000 feet (5,500 m)) - Rest Camp - Green Lake.
You need to obtain prior permission to visit Kanchenjunga National Park from the Ministry of Home affairs (for foreign nationals) and the Inner Line Permit from State Home Department ( both for Indian and Foreign nationals). Permission of the State Chief Wildlife Warden is also required to visit the National Park.
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