Sikkim Wildlife Tourism

Many species of animals may be found in Sikkim’s verdant forests, hills, and mountains, including blue sheep, red pandas, snow leopards, musk deer, and Himalayan black bears. Both encroachments and climate change have put many of these at risk of becoming endangered.

House geckos, Burmese pythons, barking deer, Chinese pangolin, and Himalayan crestless porcupine may all be found in Sikkim’s lowland forests.

Here you may also find the red junglefowl, chestnut-breasted partridge, great pied hornbill, or “hongraio” as it is called locally, and several other bird species.

Wild Life in Sikkim

In sub-tropical regions, one may find red pandas, red fox vulpes, the golden jackal, leopards, Asiatic black bears, palm civets, flying squirrels, wild boars, japalura lizards, cobras, kraits, mountain pit vipers.

The gaur has been seen at Pangolaka Wildlife Sanctuary, home to some of India’s biggest bovids. Sikkim, one of the top adventure destinations in the nation, is also an excellent spot to go bird-watching.

Over 550 kinds of birds may be found there, with some of them listed as endangered. Here you may find a good number of India’s 1,400 species of butterflies, including the stunning, but very endangered, Kaiser-i-Hind, the Yellow Gorgon, and the Bhutan splendor. They may be seen in the Khangchendzonga National Park and the four wildlife sanctuaries of Sikkim.

Sikkim’s remarkable biodiverse topography supports over 22 restricted-range bird species, including at least 19 endemic to the region and bird species that are unique to the whole world.

Because of its unique geographic position, Sikkim has a bird list with about 550 species, which is almost as diverse as those of Bhutan or Nepal, despite its small size.

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Most Popular Sanctuaries And National Parks In Sikkim

Khangchendzonga National Park

Kanchenjunga is another name for Khangchendzonga, which is located in North Sikkim. It continues to hold its ranking as the 3rd tallest peak in the globe in addition to being the highest mountain in India.

Elevating to a height of 8,586 meters along a portion of the Himalayas, it was designated as a National Park in 1977. The 1784 km² total area of this national park is devoted to the preservation and protection of the biodiversity of the area.

One of the main highlights of your magnificent trip with Sikkim wildlife is Kanchenjunga. It supports a wide range of magnificent trees, plants, flowers, and animals. The most calming are the breathtaking vistas and icy waterfalls.

A jeep safari, which is still a very enjoyable journey in and of itself, offers the opportunity to witness hundreds of species of animals, like the Red Panda and Himalayan Birds, among others. You have to go there to experience a connectedness to nature that will last a lifetime. In Sikkim, this is also one of the most visited national parks.

Also Read: Best Time to Visit Sikkim

Barsey Rhododendron Wildlife Sanctuary

Known as one of the most well-known wildlife sanctuaries in Sikkim, this charming sanctuary spans around 104 square kilometers and is situated in West Sikkim. It borders Nepal, a neighboring nation, and is encircled by some of the finest lakes in Sikkim, the Singalila Range.

It is home to a variety of unique fauna, such as the Himalayan Palm Civet, Leopard Cat, and Himalayan Langur.

Additionally, migratory birds of the variegated variety are reported to call it home. Because of this, it draws a plethora of birdwatchers and enthusiasts throughout the year. This reserve, meanwhile, is not like the other Sikkim wildlife sanctuaries.

Even though this wildlife sanctuary isn’t as well-known as others in the area, many nature enthusiasts are drawn to it because of its rich and varied flora and animals, particularly its exotic kinds of rhododendrons.

From there, one can also see the magnificent Singalila range, and everyone is mesmerized by the hazy Mount Kanchenjunga. They provide an amazing view.

Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary

Various rare and endangered plant species may be found in this wildlife sanctuary, which is situated in the eastern region of Sikkim.

In addition to the state tree of Sikkim, the rhododendron, and uncommon trees including oaks, champs, ferns, and orchids, travelers may also come across. Additionally, this refuge usually offers visitors a glimpse of red pandas, Himalayan black bears, and musk deer.

You have to be in the correct location at the right moment if you want to readily see or come across unusual creatures. Surrounding this location are some of Sikkim’s finest temples.

Also Read: Places to Visit in Gangtok

Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary

One famous sight in the mountainous area of East Sikkim is the well-known Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary. It is encircled by the Pangolakha Range and the Chola Range, respectively, and has an area of around 124 square kilometers.

In addition to the woods of the neighboring state of West Bengal, it has a special relationship with the forests of Bhutan. In its middle are also a few tiny communities. Adding to Sikkim’s fauna, this location is a must-see.

Renowned for housing some of the world’s most unusual creatures, including the Asiatic Black Bear, Red Fox, and over 300 Red Pandas—the most in one location anywhere in the world—Sikkim Wildlife is a noteworthy name.

Additionally, it has unique plant species, such as rhododendrons, bamboo, oak, and silver fir. Its woodlands are home to around 101 different types of trees.

The Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary in Sikkim attracts a large number of photographers due to its diverse array of birds, which includes endangered species.

Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary

With the greatest Sikkim wildlife exposures available, this sanctuary is located apart from the hectic crowds and human disturbances. It is around 52 square kilometers in size. The year 1984 marked its establishment some decades before.

It is still well-known around the world for its avocado plants. The tallest hill under its grounds is Tinjurey Peak, which rises to a height of 2130 meters. It is thought considered as the Kangchendzonga National Park’s expansion.

They are surrounded by a few tiny settlements called Mangan, Dikchu, and Pangthang. They never cease to be the tourists’ major point of interest. Travelers frequent this Sikkim wildlife refuge more than any other destination.

Also Read: How to Reach Sikkim

Buddhist Religious Beliefs (IBA)

Sikkim’s high proportion of land formally preserved as Important Bird Areas (IBA) or protected areas (PA) is a result of the government’s creative conservation efforts, supported by the very altruistic Buddhist religious beliefs of the locals.

The state legally protects significant bird habitats via a network of 22 IBAs and almost as many PAs.

Also Read: Best Places to Visit in Lachen

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the famous wildlife sanctuary in Sikkim?

For those who like the outdoors, Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary is a fascinating location, tucked away in Sikkim, India’s eastern Himalayas. With an area of more than 120 square kilometers, this wildlife sanctuary is home to a stunning variety of flora and fauna, including rare species like the Himalayan black bear and the red panda.

What is special in tourism of Sikkim?

Sikkim’s natural beauty and kind hospitality captivate visitors with sights like high mountain passes steeped in Silk Route history, shimmering lakes reflecting hillsides and rhododendron sanctuaries, and monasteries brimming with culture.

What is the national animal of Sikkim?

Early in the 1990s, the red panda was designated as the official animal of Sikkim and served as the festival’s mascot. Several states that are part of the Red Panda Range have included it on their stamps and coins.

What is the famous bird of Sikkim?

Bird of State: Blood Pheasant
The blood partridge is another name for the blood pheasant. This little, short-tailed bird is typical in the Himalayan area. This species is in risk of extinction. The body of this bird is colored deeply.