Witness the extraordinary wildlife of the Himalayas
Nestled in the foothills of the eastern Himalayas, the state of Sikkim boasts a rich wildlife inhabiting a diverse variety of flora and fauna. From endangered species of red panda to a diverse huge variety of Himalayan birds, Sikkim is a paradise for nature lovers offering to explore the unspoiled beauty of nature in the lap of Himalayas.
Placed in the northern part of Sikkim, Lachung is one of the favourite tourist destinations popular for its natural beauty and pristine lakes. However, the region is also popular among bird lovers inhabiting more than 400 species of Himalayan and migratory bird species. Being located at an altitude of 2,900m the valley is home to rare and endangered bird species that cannot be found elsewhere. Black Bulbul, Red-vented Bulbul, Amur Falcon, Yellow-billed Blue-Magpie, Speckled Wood-Pigeon, White-winged Grosbeak, Black-throated Tit and White-throated Laughing thrush are some of the popular birds of this region.
Surrounded by lush Oak and Rhododendron forests, Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the prominent places to see Himalayan bird species. Being located at an elevation of 2500m above sea level, the wildlife sanctuary is home to approximately 220 bird species. Green Shrike-Babbler, Red-faced Liocichla, Brownish-flanked Bush Warbler, Russet Sparrow, Black Redstart, Nepal Fulvetta and Scaly Laughing thrush are some of the popular bids of the region.
Situated on the western part of Sikkim adjoining Singalila Range, the Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary is a paradise for bird lovers. Steeped with verdant hills and vibrant rhododendron forest, the sanctuary is home to a wide number of bird species that can be sighted from various parts of the region. Some of the bird species of this region are Black-throated Parrotbill, Striated Laughing thrush, Red-vented Bulbul, Golden-breasted Fulvetta, Gray-hooded Warbler, Indian White-eye, Yellow-cheeked Tit and many others.
With a distance of 40 km from the capital city of Gangtok, Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary offers the breathtaking beauty of the surrounding hills. Along with that, the sanctuary is also considered one of the best places for bird watching. Chestnut Crowned Laughing thrush, Ashy Drongo, Gray-sided Laughing thrush, Black-faced Warbler, Black-throated Tit, Golden-breasted Fulvetta, Rufous Sibia, Rufous-winged Fulvetta and Blyth's Swift are some of the bird species that have been sighted in this wildlife sanctuary. Being located in the heart of Sikkim, the place can be easily travelled allowing the best sight of the Himalayan birds at any time of the year.
Spread across 850 sq km of land, the Kanchenjunga National Park is home to diverse flora and fauna that make it stand as one of the best national parks of Northeastern India. Although summers are known to be the best time to visit to experience birding, during winters the place welcomes the Himalayan species that are rare and hardly found in other areas. Some of the popular bird species of this national park are Snow Pigeon, Yellow-billed Chough, Alpine Accentor, Russet Sparrow and Rufous-bellied Niltava.
The national park is also home to nocturnal bird species that can be sighted with night safari.
Placed in the southern valleys of Sikkim beside the Rangeet River, Kitam Bird Sanctuary is considered among the best places to witness the true charm of nature. Besides natural beauty, the place is also famous for inhabiting a wide variety of bird species. Barred Cuckoo-Dove, Red Jungle fowl, Frutescent Prinia, Lesser Necklaced Laughing thrush, Green-backed Tit, Whistler's Warbler, White-rumped Munia, Common Iora, Indian Peafowl and Nepal House-Martin. Summer is considered the best time to indulge in a birding experience.
Located on the iconic old Silk Route, the Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary is a popular destination among adventure seekers and travel enthusiasts. However, the sanctuary is also home to more than 200 bird species that can be sighted in various parts of this sanctuary. With an altitude range of 1,760 to 4,390 m, the region is home to native as well as Himalayan bird species. Some of the beautiful birds that can be sighted in this region are the Blood Pheasant, Satyr Tragopan, Kalij Pheasant, Hill Partridge, Himalayan Monal, Great Parrotbill, Fulvous Parrotbill, Himalayan Owl, Himalayan Shortwing, Lesser Shortwing and many others.
Placed at an altitude of 2000m, the Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary is home to a vast variety of rhododendron forests and offers a panoramic view of the snow-capped mountains. The sanctuary besides natural beauty is home to rare and exclusive animal species one of which is Red Panda. The northern part of the sanctuary is surrounded by bamboo and alpine vegetation making it a perfect habitat for these living creatures.
Located in the eastern part of Sikkim, the Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary offers stunning mountain views with is home to rich flora and fauna. With an incredible altitude of over 3,600m the sanctuary is home to various wild animals such as Red Panda and Snow Leopard along with a diverse variety of bird species attracting nature lovers and birdwatchers in huge numbers. According to the survey conducted by WWF, the eastern part of Sikkim is home to more than 20-25 red pandas that are highest in the state.
Kanchenjunga National Park is situated in the northern part of Sikkim with an elevation range of 1829m to 8550, which makes it a natural habitat for various Himalayan birds and animals. Apart from mountain views and rich flora, the national park is home to an extinct Himalayan species red panda which has made it a popular attraction site in the state. Steeped with misty hills and rich bamboo vegetation, the national park is home to the largest population of red panda in the state.
Although Yumthang is called as Valley of Flowers, the valley is also known for inhabiting rare and endangered Himalayan animal and bird species. This includes Red Panda, Snow Leopard and many others. The valley is filled with off-road trails and the Rocky Mountains, therefore visitors need to trek through the lush green valleys to sight these animals in their natural habitat. There are numerous committees that are dedicatedly focused on preserving these creatures by promotion and conservation of nature.
Situated in the city of Gangtok, the Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary is a place steeped with diverse flora and fauna making it one of the popular attractions sites in this region. Apart from lush greenery, the wildlife sanctuary is also home to numerous animal species such as Red Panda, Snow Leopard, Himalayan Brown Bear and many more. There are no transportation roads therefore visitors need to trek to witness the beauty of this wildlife sanctuary.
Situated on the way to the iconic Everest base camp, the trek to Green Lake is the most preferred choice for trekkers of this region. The 12-day trek will take you through the combination of natural beauty and spectacular views of the Himalayas while offering numerous adventurous opportunities. Surrounded by steep snow-fed mountains and glaciers, this trek is sure to challenge your limits while offering the experience of a lifetime.
Goechala is one of the most popular names when it comes to trekking in Sikkim. The trek lasts for 7-8 days during which you will be immersed in a world of pure adventure. From walking past miles of inclined hills to camping amidst the vastly stretched Himalayan vistas, Goechala is a hotspot for trekkers and adventure seekers.
The substitute for the Goechala Trek, the Yuksom-Dzongri trek is the best trekking route for people trying to witness the diverse landscape and wildlife of the Himalayan region. With a duration ranging from 5-6 days, the trek starts from the capital city of Gangtok and ends in the verdant valleys of Yuksom offering a thrilling experience and exceptional views of the Himalayan peaks.
Unlike other treks, the Kasturi Labdang trek is a circuit trek that takes you a whole round of the Goechala, Dzongri and Thangshing. The duration of this trek can range from 10-13 days and covers some of the most offbeat trails of the region. These are the best trekking options for people seeking to explore the beauty of nature while having an adventurous journey.
