Art and craft of Sikkim

Sikkim provides a wide variety of diverse natural life. The state’s dense forests, which range in climate from tropical to alpine, provide a safe home for a wide variety of wildlife and avifauna, which also includes several threatened species. Furthermore, Sikkim’s biodiversity offers more than 4000 different species of plants, wildlife creatures, and birds, making it a wonderful vacation spot for nature lovers.

The wetlands in the state mostly enjoy one of the two seasons: wet or dry. Additionally, it is continuously cold here, with temperatures ranging from 14 to 18 degrees Celsius. It is believed that the development of rice, ginger, oranges, and cardamom would be ideally adapted to such a sector.

JOIN US AS WE TOUR ACROSS SIKKIM’S RICH NATURE.

KHANGCHENDZONGA NATIONAL PARK

UNESCO has designated Khangchendzonga National Park as a World Heritage Site. It has a total area of 1784 square kilometres. This national park at a high altitude in Yuksom is renowned for its astounding wild life, where fascinating animal species including the Red Panda, Snow Leopard, Great Tibetan Sheep, Bharal, Musk deer, and others may be seen. Numerous bird species, including the Black-necked Crane, Grus nigricollis, Gray Peacock Pheasant, Himalayan Monal Pheasant, Blood Pheasant, Satyr Tragopan, Tibetan Snow Cock, and Himalayan Snow Cock, may also be seen in the amusement facility. There are about 18 ice sheets in Khangchendzonga National Park, including Zemu Glacier, which is well-known for its large size. The national park also features more than 17 high lakes and a view of the peaks of around 19 Himalayan mountains, including the well-known Mount Khangchendzonga. The cradle area of this national park also has a holy shrine known as Tholung Monastery.

RHODODENDRON SANCTUARY IN SHINGBA

The Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, which is surrounded by the magnificent Himalayan mountain ranges, is well known for housing an incredible variety of rhododendron species. This well-known attraction in Sikkim comes to life in the spring with blooms that spread out widely and span an area of around 43 square kilometres. More than 40 distinct varieties of rhododendron trees may be seen here, and several bird species can also be seen. Due to the abundance of its distinctive vegetation, this refuge is covered with a variety of plants and trees, including potentillas, aconites, primulas, poppies, saxifrages, gentians, and more.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

To witness the budding Rhododendron flowers, April through July is the finest time to visit Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary.

MAENAM WILDLIFE SANCTUARY 

In Namchi, there is a fascinating sanctuary called Maenam. For those who enjoy the opportunity to enjoy spending time in nature, this location is ideal. The asylum occupies a region of 36.34 sq km and is located at a height of around 10,600 feet. Located on the Maenam-Tendong Ridge, this must-see destination is also a location to observe medicinal plants and herbs.  Red Pandas, Gorals, Serows, Barking Deer, Leopard Cats, Civet Cats, Marbled Cats, and many bird species including Common Hill Partridges, Blood Pheasants, Blue Necked Pitas, Magpies, Sunbirds, and Black Eagles may all be found in this sort of moderate forest. In addition to offering tours of untamed life, Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary is a fantastic location for hiking. It is the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts since the paths lead to Maenam Peak and Bhaledunga. Additionally, the Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary offers beautiful views of Mount Kanchenjunga and the Teesta River.

VARSEY RHODODEDRON SANCTUARY

Varsey, a 104-square-kilometer butterfly-shaped rhododendron sanctuary, is brimming with endearing brilliance. There are several distinct species of rhododendron in Geyzing, Sikkim, as well as a few different animal species, including oak, primrose, pine, and magnolia. The fauna in the sanctuary includes the Leopard cat, the Crimson Horned Pheasant, the Himalayan Yellow Throated Marten, the Himalayan Langur, the Himalayan Palm Civet, the Monal Pheasant, the Kaleej, and countless other bird species. The haven, situated on the Singalila Ridge, provides a glimpse of Khangchendzonga’s icy pinnacles. Trekking is a great way to see Varsey at its best. Red pandas, an endangered species, may also be seen while walking towards the valley.

The ideal time to visit Sikkim

Varsey is best visited during the protracted months of October and May. However, April and May are the best months to plan a trip since they see the sprouting of a broad variety of rhododendron blossoms.

FAMBONG LHO WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary, which is thought of as an extension of Khangchendzonga in East Sikkim, is home to a wide variety of warm-blooded animals and bird life. The haven, which covers an area of 51 sq km and rises to a height of 1524 to 2749 metres, also comprises communities, including the well-known tourist attraction of Mangan. Birdwatchers will love Fambong Lho since it has species of threatened and endangered flying animals.

HOW DO I GET THERE?

Because Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary is only 30 kilometres from Gangtok, taxis are always available from the capital city to the sanctuary.