>>  KHANGCHENDZONGA NATIONAL PARK AND BIOSPHERE RESERVE  [ IBA ] PDF

The Khangchendzonga High Altitude National Park extends from the cold deserts of Lhonak valley and the ridges of Lachen from the cold deserts of Lhonak valley and the ridges of Lachen in the North District to the historical place at Yoksom. The Western boundary of the park runs along the international boundary with Tibet.

 The park covers an area of 1,784 sq. kms and occupies as much as 25.14% of the land area of Sikkim. This area lies within reserved forests and except for a small Tibetan village community of other village settlements inside the park.

 The park has spectacular wilderness with one of the world’s highest peaks towering above virtually undisturbed forests. In fact, Mt.Khangchendzonga (commonly spelt as Kanchenjunga) is the finest example of an independent mountain having its own glacial system radiating from its several summits. It has about 18 glaciers – including the huge, fearsome, awesome and turbulent Zemu Glacier that is 300 mts. thick and 26 kms. long. Besides, there are over 17 high altitude lakes and 19 mountains and peaks. The most magnificent attraction is the Mt. Khangchendzonga (8,585 mts) itself. The name literally means the “Abode of the Gods” consisting of five treasure houses indicating the five peaks and the guardian deity of Sikkim. Mt. Khangchendzonga is flanded by Mt. Narsing (5,825mts.) Mt. Pandim (6,691mts.) and Mt. Kabur on the southern side, the Twins (7,350 mts), Nepal peak (7,150 mts.) and Tent peak (7,365 mts.) on the northern side, and Mt. Simvo (6,811 mts.) and Mt. Siniolchu (6,886 mts.) on the eastern side. All these mountains and peaks lie wholly or partly within the park.

The area of the park broadly comes under Champion and Seth’s classification type.

Sub-Group IIB – Northesrn Montane Temperate Forests: and

Group 12 – Himalayan Moist Temperate Forests:Sub-Alpine Scrub Forests, Alpine Scrubs and Pastures. Thus, the flora of the park can be broadly subdivided into three forest zones. 

1. Temperate Broad-leaved Forest (1,829-2,730 mts) dominated by Quercus Lineata, Quercus Lamellosa, Quercus Pachyphylla, Schima Wallichii, Castanopsis species, Acer Campellii, Engelhardtia Spicata, juglans Regia, Michelia cathcartii, Magnolia Cambellii and Cinnamounm Obtusifolium.
2. Mixed Coniferous Forest (2,730-3,650 mts) dominated by fir, Abies Densa, Maple, Acer species, Spruce, Picea Morindoides and junipers (Juniperous species) with associates of taller varieties of Rhododendrons and Bamboo (Arundinaria species)
3. Alpine Scrub and Grass (above 3,650 mts.) dominated by common shrubs and herbs like Meconopsis species, Primula species, Prostrating junipers, Iris Gentiana, Anemone and Delhpinum.

Besides, there are many medicinal herbs too – like Aconitum species, Picrorhiza Kurrooa, Orchis Latifolia, Nardostachys Jatamansi, Rheum Emodi and Panax Pseudogingseng.

The Khangchendzonga (High Altitude) National Park is a reservoir of diverse habitats – including some rare and endangered species like the Snow Leopard, Himalayan Red Panda (Sikkim’s State Animal), Musk Deer, Nayan or the Great Tibetan Sheep.

 Bharal or the Blue Sheep, Himalayan Thar, the Shapi of Sikkim, Micro Polo sheep (reported), Leopard, Goral, Serow, Barking Deer, Lesser Cats, Wild Dogs, Lesser Cats, Wild Dogs, Tibetan Wold, Mountain Fox, Tibetan Fox, Himalayan Black Bear, Marmots and monkey.

The State is rich in bird-life with around 550 species and sub- species – like the flamboyant high-altitude pheasants which include Monal pheasants, Tragopan pheasants and Blood pheasants (the State Bird); Tibetan Snow Cock; Snow partridge; Hill partridge; Lammergier, Forest Eagle-Owl; Tibetan Horned Eagle-owl; Eagles; Falcons; Hawks; and Snow & Rock Piqeons. Most of these birds are physically adopted for high mountain climatic conditions and come down to lower elevations during winter when the upper reaches are covered with snow and most vegetation has died down.

Sikkim is the most humid region in the whole Himalayan Range because of its proximity to the bay of Bengal. Humidity ranges from 77% during December to 92% in July, the annual mean being around 82%. The annual rainfall varies from 2,000 mm. At 2,440 mts. (altitude) to 5,000mm below this altitude with the intensity varying from drizzles to torrential rains. The great part of the rainfall is received between April and September, peaking during the month of July. The mean velocity of winds varies from 23 kms/hr in August to 5.4 kms/hr.in April.

 Temperature varies considerably with altitude. Places like Gangtok (the state capital) with a moderate altitude of 6,000 ft. experience temperatures ranging from 22-13 degrees (centigrade) during summer to 16-1 degrees in winter. While in places above 10,000ft. the temperature dose not rise above 16 degrees and remains much below freezing during winters and much of spring and autumn. Because of varied altitudes and temperatures, light woolen garments in summer and heavy woolen and garments in winter are required.

The best season to visit is March to May and September to November.