Wildlife, Nature & Eco Tourism

Wildlife & Nature in Sikkim

Sikkim is one of India’s richest biodiversity hotspots, home to rare wildlife, dense forests, alpine meadows, and diverse ecosystems. As part of the Eastern Himalayas, it hosts a variety of endangered species, vibrant flora, and untouched landscapes.

Whether you're a wildlife enthusiast, birdwatcher, or nature lover, here are the best places to experience Sikkim’s incredible biodiversity:

1. Kanchenjunga National Park – A UNESCO World Heritage Site

✅ Location: North & West Sikkim
✅ Best For: Trekking, wildlife spotting, Himalayan views
✅ Why Visit?

• A UNESCO World Heritage Site and a biosphere reserve, covering 1,784 sq. km.
• Home to rare species like Snow Leopards, Red Pandas, Himalayan Tahr, and Musk Deer.
• Dense forests, glaciers, and the stunning Kanchenjunga mountain range.
• Goecha La & Dzongri treks pass through this breathtaking park.

 Top Attractions: Green Lake Trek, Tholung Monastery, Tikip Chu River.
 Best Time to Visit: March – May & September – November.

2. Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary – Close to Gangtok

✅ Location: 20 km from Gangtok
✅ Best For: Birdwatching, short hikes, Red Panda spotting
✅ Why Visit?

• A dense subtropical & temperate forest, perfect for a nature getaway near Gangtok.
• Home to Red Pandas, Barking Deer, Himalayan Black Bears, and Clouded Leopards.
• A birdwatcher’s paradise, with species like Blood Pheasants, Sunbirds, and Flycatchers.

 Top Attractions: Tinjure Viewpoint (Kanchenjunga views), Lepcha villages.
 Best Time to Visit: March – June & September – November.

3. Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary – The Valley of Flowers

✅ Location: Yumthang Valley, North Sikkim
✅ Best For: Flora lovers, photographers, nature walks
✅ Why Visit?

• Over 40+ species of rhododendrons, blooming in April-May.
• Scenic landscapes with snow-covered peaks and meandering rivers.
• A chance to spot Himalayan Blue Sheep, Red Pandas, and rare Pheasants.

 Top Attractions: Yumthang Hot Springs, Zero Point (for snow lovers).
 Best Time to Visit: April – May (for full bloom), October – November (for scenic beauty).

4. Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary – The Land of Rare Orchids

✅ Location: Near Tsomgo Lake, East Sikkim
✅ Best For: Alpine landscapes, orchids, snow leopards
✅ Why Visit?

• Home to rare Himalayan orchids, rhododendrons, and primulas.
• Houses Himalayan Monals, Snow Leopards, and Musk Deer.
• Best visited during spring (for flowers) or winter (for snow-covered landscapes).

 Top Attractions: Tsomgo Lake, Nathula Pass.
 Best Time to Visit: April – June (flora) & December – February (snow lovers).

5. Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary – The Best Place for Red Pandas

✅ Location: South Sikkim, near Ravangla
✅ Best For: Red Panda spotting, trekking, birdwatching
✅ Why Visit?

• A biodiversity hotspot featuring Red Pandas, Himalayan Bears, and Leopards.
• Maenam La Trek leads to Maenam Peak (10,500 ft) for breathtaking views of Kanchenjunga.
• A great place to explore medicinal plants, herbs, and rare butterflies.

 Top Attractions: Ravangla Buddha Park, Ralang Monastery.
 Best Time to Visit: March – May & October – December.

6. Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary – A Trekker’s Dream

✅ Location: West Sikkim, near Hilley
✅ Best For: Trekking, rhododendron lovers, offbeat travelers
✅ Why Visit?

• A stunning forest covered in blooming rhododendrons (March-May).
• Home to Red Pandas, Himalayan Black Bears, and Flying Squirrels.
• A short, scenic trek from Hilley village leads to Barsey ridge with panoramic views.

 Top Attractions: Singalila Ridge, Hilley Forest Trail.
 Best Time to Visit: March – May (flower season) & October – November (for trekking).

7. Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary – A Lesser-Known Gem

✅ Location: East Sikkim, near Zuluk
✅ Best For: Birdwatching, offbeat travel, mountain views
✅ Why Visit?

• Home to Himalayan Griffons, Blood Pheasants, Red Pandas, and Wild Dogs.
• A great alternative to crowded wildlife parks.
• Spectacular sunrise views over Zuluk’s winding Silk Route.

 Top Attractions: Kupup Lake, Thambi Viewpoint.
 Best Time to Visit: March – June & September – November.

8. Kitam Bird Sanctuary – A Paradise for Birdwatchers

✅ Location: South Sikkim, near Namchi
✅ Best For: Birdwatching, nature walks, photography
✅ Why Visit?

• Home to more than 200 bird species, including Himalayan Bulbuls and Green Magpies.
• The only low-altitude bird sanctuary in Sikkim, open year-round.
• A perfect place for gentle nature walks and photography.

 Top Attractions: Namchi Char Dham, Temi Tea Garden.
 Best Time to Visit: October – April (for migratory birds).

Wildlife You Can Spot in Sikkim