Sikkim - Nature Lovers delight

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. 

Lachung - Land of Rhododendrons

Lachung

Situated about 120kms, 6-7 hrs drive North of Gangtok, Sikkim, at an altitude of 8610 ft, Lachung is the most famous village of North Sikkim, almost synonym of North Sikkim. Joseph Salton Hooker in his definitive, The Himalayan Journal (1855) has described Lachung as "most picturesque village of Sikkim". The snow capped mountains, the multiple rivulets and waterfalls and sparkling clean water bodies never ceases to dazzle you. Lachung is a land of infinite possibilities, Lachung is the land of valley of flowers, where Rhododendron forms the carpet of flowers, transporting you into another world.

Almost inaccessible due to Snowfall and landslides for about 06 months of the year, Lachung is full of natural surprises for those who dare to visit this North Sikkim Paradise. Lachung in itself is a small village and offers limited tourist experience; however it is the only place where you can find decent accommodation to explore the more exotic valleys in the vicinity. Apart from the market, where you can purchase items of your daily needs, Lachung have a small monastery uphill of the village, which provides you the most ideal place to meditate. A Day spent at leisure beside the Lachen Chu river will certainly rejuvenate you and bring you closer to nature.

Lachung is not open to all tourists, you need to take special permits to visit it, referred to as Inner Line Permit/ restricted area permit /Protected area permit ( PAP), which need to be applied in advance. You can visit Lachung only on package tour being organized by authorized agents from the area on a fixed itinerary, that too with a group of minimum 04 people. Lachung, North Sikkim serves an excellent base for the excursion to base to travel to Yumthang valley and its surrounding area such as Katao and Yumasamdong.

Yumthang :

Situated at an altitude of 11800 feet, about 140 kms from Gangtok, Sikkim, Yumthang is one of the most famous valleys of North Sikkim. Popularly known as “Valley of Flowers”, Yumthang is a paradise for nature lovers presenting breathtaking scenic beauty and fascinating flora and fauna. It is at the beginning of the Tibetan plateau and the tree line ends here, however the presence of wild flowers like primulas and Rhododendrons are present in abundance. The best time to visit is the spring season ( April to May end), when Rhododendron are in full bloom, filling the valley with the carpet of bright color flowers, which has earned it the name of “Valley of Flower”.

 Yumthang also offers view of a stunning array of peaks with Pauhunri and Shundu Tsenpa. The valley is rich with the presence of numerous hot water springs scattered all over the valley. These sulphur rich hot water springs (sulphur water springs) are considered to be medicinal and believed to have miraculous healing powers. Nevertheless a bathe in the hot water springs in the middle of cold season is always rejuvenating.

The best season for visiting the valley starts in late February and continues up to mid June, when thousands of colourful flowers are in full bloom. However, if you wish to enjoy a clear sky and brilliant view of snow-capped mountains, the September - December season would be ideal.

The most popular hot spring is the one located on the right side of Yumthang River. Another tourist attraction is he Shiv Mandir situated 06kms further from the Yumthang Valley. Accessible by trek only, you will be exhilarated to see some of the most stunning landscapes enroute. Another 16 kms , one hour drive will take you to Yumesandong. At 16000 ft, on Chinese border, its rugged vegetation free mountains, present a breathtaking scenario. November – December and February March are the best time to visit Yumesandong

Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary

Adjoining Lachung and Yumthang, alongside Yumthang River, Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary is spread over 43 sq kms . The sanctuary is famous for presence of almost 24 species of Rhododendron flowers, which comes in full bloom from April to May end, presenting a riot of colors through the valley and a surreal experience few can surpass. Yumthang River flowing through the sanctuary is also rich Brown Trout and provides excellent opportunities for angling.

Lachung, Yumthang and Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary can be visited only after obtaining due Inner Line permits/ Restricted area permits. Further the area can be visited only in groups through an organized tour, arranged by local travel agents.

Yumthang and Shingba Rhododendron sanctuary does not provide options for accommodation except for a forest rest house. Hotels are available in Lachung, which is used as the base for excursion to Lachung, Yumthang Valley and Shingba Sanctuary.

Lachung is accessible by six to seven hours drive from Gangtok.