Khangchendzonga National Park

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Established in 1977, the Khangchendzonga National Park, named as Biosphere reserve, is the largest national park in Sikkim. It covers the entire expanse of north-west. The park gets its name from Khangchendzonga mountain, which stands tall at 8585 m.

The Park offers a stunning and magnificent vista of unique Indian Wildlife in their most untouched and unspoiled high altitude ecosystem. The altitude ranges from 1829 m to over 8550 m. The reserve is bounded by mountain peaks and glaciers, except on the western border.

On the western border is the Khangchendzonga, while on the northern side, the peaks and glaciers include the Nepal, Talung, Tent peaks and the Zemo. The Park is also surrounded by Simyo glaciers and other peaks like Pandim, Narshing, Siniolchu, and more.

Around 19 protected species of mammals such as Bharal Pseudois nayaur, Himalayan Tahr Hemitragus jemlahicus, TibetanWolf Canis lupus have been reported. The reserve also shelters the musk deer and rare to spot snow leopard. Some 550 species of birds are found inside the park. The park hosts a wide variety of butterflies.

Flora: oaks, fir, birch, maple, willow, alpine grasses and shrubs of medicinal values.

Fauna: Musk deer, snow leopard, Himalayan Tahr, wild dog, sloth bear, civet, Himalayan black bear, red panda, Tibetan wild ass, Himalayan blue sheep, serow, goral and takin, as well as reptiles including rat snake and Russell's viper.

Avian-Fauna: Blood Pheasant, Satyr Tragopan, Osprey, Himalayan Griffon, Lammergeier, Tragopan Pheasant, Green Pigeon, Tibetan Snowcock, Snow Pigeon, Impeyan Pheasant, Asian Emerald Cuckoo, Sunbird, Eagle, and more.

Major Attractions:

Zemu Glacier: In the Eastern Himalaya, Zemu Glacier is the largest glacier, about 26 km long. It’s found at the base of the Kangchenjunga, and said to be one of the sources of River Teesta.

Khangchendzonga National Park and Biosphere Reserve is located near Chungthan in North Sikkim district of Sikkim.

Area: 850 sq. km

Route: Nearest railway junctions are in Jalpaiguri and Silguri. The nearest airport is in Bagdogra. Regular bus services are available from Bagdogra to Gangtok. Gangtok is also well-connected with Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Siliguri, Kokatta, and Guwahati.

Best Time to Visit: March - May and September - November.

Other Places to Visit:

Chungthang: This picturesque hamlet is located nearly at a distance of 95 km from the state capital Gangtok at an elevation of around 1,700 m. Chungthang is an absolute stunner when it comes to natural beauty. It’s bounded by high peaks, and houses a legendary rock. According to the locals, it is currently the seat of Guru Rinpoche. The rock has a small cavity that remains filled with spring water. Some of the exotic orchards are found here. You can also visit Lachung and Lachen from Chungthang.

Things to keep in mind:

• Foreign nationals require a restricted area permit from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, Delhi to visit the park and the regions nearby.

• 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 for visitors visiting the park.

Keep in your Trek Bag:

• Walking stick
• Hiking shoes
• Woolen clothes
• Water, juices, snacks
• Electric torch
• Medical kit
• A good compass
• An extra pair of clothes