Wildlife, Nature & Eco Tourism

Top Wildlife Destinations in Sikkim

Sikkim is a biodiversity hotspot in the Himalayas, home to rare wildlife, alpine forests, high-altitude meadows, and rich flora & fauna. With its diverse ecosystems, the state has multiple wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, offering visitors an unforgettable nature & wildlife experience.

Here are the top wildlife destinations in Sikkim for nature lovers, birdwatchers, and adventure seekers.

1. Kanchenjunga National Park – A UNESCO World Heritage Site

✅ Location: North & West Sikkim
✅ Why Visit?

• A UNESCO World Heritage Site and biosphere reserve covering 1,784 sq. km.
• Home to rare species like Snow Leopards, Red Pandas, Himalayan Tahr, and Musk Deer.
• Features glaciers, dense forests, and trekking routes like Goecha La & Dzongri.

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

 Best Activities: Trekking, wildlife photography, birdwatching.

2. Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary – A Nature Lover’s Paradise

✅ Location: 20 km from Gangtok
✅ Why Visit?

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

 Top Attractions: Tinjure Viewpoint, Lepcha heritage villages.
 Best Time to Visit: March – June & September – November.

 Best Activities: Short hikes, nature photography, birdwatching.

3. Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary – The Valley of Flowers

✅ Location: Yumthang Valley, North Sikkim
✅ Why Visit?

• Home to over 40 species of rhododendrons, blooming from April – May.
• Features lush green meadows, hot springs, and stunning snow-covered peaks.
• Houses 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 flowers), October – November (for scenic beauty).

 Best Activities: Trekking, sightseeing, nature photography.

4. Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary – Land of Rare Orchids

✅ Location: Near Tsomgo Lake, East Sikkim
✅ Why Visit?

• Best place to see rare Himalayan orchids, rhododendrons, and medicinal plants.
• 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).

 Best Activities: Trekking, wildlife spotting, birdwatching.

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

✅ Location: South Sikkim, near Ravangla
✅ Why Visit?

• A biodiversity hotspot featuring Red Pandas, Himalayan Black Bears, and Leopards.
• Maenam La Trek leads to Maenam Peak (10,500 ft) for stunning Himalayan views.
• 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.

 Best Activities: Trekking, wildlife photography, nature walks.

6. Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary – A Trekker’s Dream

✅ Location: West Sikkim, near Hilley
✅ 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).

 Best Activities: Trekking, camping, birdwatching.

7. Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary – A Lesser-Known Gem

✅ Location: East Sikkim, near Zuluk
✅ 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.

 Best Activities: Offbeat trekking, wildlife spotting, photography.

8. Kitam Bird Sanctuary – A Paradise for Birdwatchers

✅ Location: South Sikkim, near Namchi
✅ 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).

 Best Activities: Birdwatching, photography, eco-tourism.

Wildlife You Can Spot in Sikkim