Sikkim is known for its stunning landscapes, including the Himalayan mountains and diverse ecosystems. While Sikkim is relatively small, it has made efforts to preserve its natural heritage through national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. Khangchendzonga National Park is the only national park in Sikkim.
1. Khangchendzonga National Park
- Khangchendzonga National Park is located in the Mangan district and Gyalshing district in the Indian state of Sikkim.
- It is situated in the eastern Himalayas, bordering Nepal to the west and Tibet to the north.
- It is also known as Kanchenjunga National Park.
- It is named after Mount Khangchendzonga, the third highest peak in the world.
- In 1977, Khangchendzonga National Park was established as a protected area.The park was initially known as Kanchenjunga National Park but was later renamed Khangchendzonga National Park to reflect the local pronunciation and spelling of the mountain’s name.
- In 2000, it was declared a biosphere reserve by Indian government.
- In 2016, Khangchendzonga National Park’s core zone was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the “mixed” category (first from India in this category), recognizing its outstanding universal value.
- In 2018, the Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve was included in the UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserve.
- Area: It covers an area of approximately 1,784 square kilometers (688 square miles). The park area encompasses 25% of the state of Sikkim.
- The park has an elevation of 1,829 m (6,001 ft) to over 8,550 m (28,050 ft). It is one of the few high-altitude National parks of India.
- Hills: Some notable hills and mountain ranges found within or near park:
- Khangchendzonga Range
- Singalila Range
- Goecha La
- Tendong Hill
- Glacier: Few notable glaciers found within or near the park:
- Zemu Glacier
- Talung Glacier
- Rathong Glacier
- River: Some notable rivers that flow through the park:
- Teesta River
- Rathong Chu River
- Prek Chu River
- Talung River
- Tribe: This park is home to various indigenous communities and tribes, particularly the Bhutia and Lepcha people.
- Bhutia
- Lepcha
- Flora: Rhododendrons (Rhododendron niveum, Rhododendron arboreum, and Rhododendron campanulatum), Coniferous Trees (Himalayan pine, blue pine, spruce, and fir), Medicinal Plants (Aconitum ferox, Rheum australe, and Swertia chirayita), Orchids,Alpine Meadows, Mosses and Lichens etc.
- Fauna: Indian Leopard, Clouded Leopard, Snow Leopard, Musk Deer , Himalayan Tahr, Dhole, Sloth Bear, Himalayan Black Bear, Red Panda, Tibetan Wild Ass, Himalayan Blue Sheep, Mainland Serow, Goral, Blood Pheasant, Himalayan Griffon, Tibetan Snowcock, Himalayan Newt, Himalayan Pit Viper etc.
- The Tholung Monastery is situated inside the Khangchendzonga National Park.