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National Parks in the country and is endowed with one of
the most magnificent high altitude ecosystems in the world. The
Park which has an elevation of 1829 m. to over 8550m. above mean
sea level was commissioned on 26thAugust, 1977 having considered
the floral, faunal, ecological, geomorphologic importance and
the wildlife potentiality of the area. This park which also came
into existence through the generosity of heart and purse of
idealists who having realised the beauties and ecstasy of the
region, is probably the largest biologically intact continuous
tract of mountainous land with valleys of lush green forests,
meadows, alpine lands reserved primarily for the conservation of
its native wildlife. It nestles a luxuriant flora and galaxy of
magnificent fauna of rare varieties. There lies the primitive
wilderness, natural lakes, tumbling tributary streams, flowered
fields and imposing canyon. The snow-cum-cloud spangled
mountains and peaks encircling the Park and a few falling inside
it rear their majestic heads high with all the magnificent fauna
of their own- a community of distinctive animals as if singled
out by nature to withstand the acute intensity of cold for
mountain living. The National Park's untapped potentiality is
far beyond the ken of knowledge of many a man which needs to be
tapped with the drill of intelligence and austere devotion.
Best Season to Visit
March - May and September - November.
Permits and Routes
Yuksom in West Sikkim which is connected by vehicular road is
fast developing into a take off point for mountaineers and
trekkers. The trek routes from Yuksom are :
Bakim - Dzongri - Thangshing - Samuteng - Goechala
Dzongri Base Camp - Rathong - Khangerteng
Thangshing - Lam Pokhari - Kasturi Orar - Lapdong - Tashiding
(Road Head).
These places in the Khangchendzonga National Park are generally
included in their itineraries in West Sikkim. Dzongri which is
two days trekking from Yuksom is the nearest place of tourist
interest. These are unrestricted areas. Indian nationals do not
require any permit to visit unrestricted areas in Sikkim but for
those places which are inside the National Park and Sanctuaries,
permission of the State Chief Wildlife is required and this can
be obtained on payment of entry fees. Mountaineers and trekkers
conducting expeditions in the above areas or in that part of the
region may obtain permit on payment of fees from the Check Post
or Wildlife Education and Interpretation Centre at Yuksom.
Foreign nationals in a group of four or more are permitted to
trek to Dzongri on the basis of their visas through conducted
tours. State Tourism Department and Travel Agents organise treks
to this park of the region. Similarly, another areas which
epitomizes the trekkers for their unique experience is the Green
Lake in the Khangchendzonga National Park in North Sikkim.
Lachen, a village connected by vehicular road is the take off
point for trekkers and mountaineers for Green fake which takes
four to six days to reach there through treacherous route. The
traditional route of mountaineers is Lucanes Jakchen-Yabuk-Rest
Camp (Marco Polo Camp) - Green Lake . Another detour traverse
but murderous route is Lachen-Thasngu (13,695') Muguthang
(16,000') - Thay La (17,000') - Khyoksa La (18,000') Rest
Camp-Green Lake. Green 1,ake area is again is again developing
into a take off point for mountaineering expeditions to the
peaks of the surrounding area. Areas beyond Chungthang towards
Lachen, Green Lake are prohibited areas. Foreign nationals would
require a restricted area permit from the Ministry of Home
Affairs. Government of India, Delhi to visit areas in this part
of the region. Indian nationals are required to obtain an
Inner-Line Permit from the State Home Department. Permission of
the State Chief Wildlife Warden is also mandatory since the
areas beyond Lachen towards Green Lake are in the
Khangchendzonga National Park. Travel Agents can help organize
trekking and mountaineering expeditions to this part of the
region.
Permission and Fees
In accordance with the provisions of the principal Wildlife
(Protection) Act. 1972. and Wildlife Rules made there on the
Chief Wildlife Warden who is the authority to implement the Act
and the Rules in the State grants permission to visitors
intending to visit the National Park and Sanctuaries for the
purpose of studying wildlife, photography, scientific research,
tourism and for the transaction of lawful business on payment of
prescribed fees. Mountaineers, trekkers, Photographers and other
visitors entering the National Park would require to pay.
FAMBONG LHO WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
25 kilometers from Gangtok and at an altitude of 1280 to 2652
mtr., this 5176 hectare Sanctuary hosts Himalayan Black Bear,
Red Panda, Barking Deer, Goral, Serow, Marbled-Cat, Clouded
Leopard, Leopard-Cat and Civet-Cats along with various kinds of
birds. The Binturong or Bear-Cat (Arctictis binturong) is a rare
civet reported from here.
Best Season to Visit
March to late May and September to mid- December.
SHINGBA RHODODENDRON SANCTUARY
(North Sikkim)
Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary is located in North Sikkim in the
famous Lachung Valley at a distance of 137 km from Gangtok. The
sanctuary is bounded on its southern periphery by the Yakchey La
and on the northern periphery by the Yumthang Valley known for
its alpine meadow and hot springs.
It is hemmed in on the east by the high rugged Chuba-Sagochen
mountain ranges and on the west by part of Chomzomei Tso
extending upto Lava pass. The picturesque Yumthang Chhu (river)
flows through the sanctuary, which is known for its unique
abundance of Rhododendron trees and shrubs, 40 species/varieties
of which are recorded from Sikkim alone.
Rhododendron nevium the State Tree occurs only in this sanctuary
which is also rich in ground flora such as primulas, potentillas,
gentians, saxifrages, poppies and aconites. Brown Trout were
introduced into Yumthang Chhu at Phunyi in 1978 and have been
flourishing since. Lachung is the last frontier village before
reaching the sanctuary. There is a Forest Rest House here, as
well as one at Yumthang.
Best Season to Visit
March - May, October - December
KYONGNOSLA ALPINE SANCTUARY
(East Sikkim)
Kyongnosala Alpine Sanctuary is located at a distance of 31 km
east of Gangtok on the way to Nathu La. Its present area of 31
sq km extends from 15th Mile police check post upto and along
the Edges bordering Rong Chu and Tsongu Lake. The sanctuary is
rich both in flora and fauna. Rare, endangered ground orchids
and rhododendrons interspersed among tall junipers and taller
silver firs are among the important plants present. Rhododendron
nevium the State Tree of Sikkim and Cypripedium tibeticum the
ground slipper orchid on the verge of extinction, have been
introduced here.
The area is snow covered often upto May when primulas pop up
through the snow and rhododendrons come into bud. By June July
they are in full bloom. Flowering succession by the many species
continues right through to October when Polygonum is the last to
flower, dries up. First snowfall is normally by December -
January.
Best Season to Visit
April - August and October - November.
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