Khangchendzonga National Park
The Khangchendzonga National Park, 130 km from Gangtok encloses the peaks of Mount Khangchendzonga, Mt. Narsing, Mount Simvo and Mount Sinolchu, with the edge of the Zemu glacier and the Tent Peak forming its northern boundary. Mount Narsing and Mount Pandim in the Lamaongden range form the park’s southern boundary. This closed ecosystem measuring 1784 sq km is further protected by a buffer zone in the Lhonak Valley, West Chungthang-lachen, Tholung valley and the catchment areas of the Rangit and Tista rivers.
The KNP sustains a large variety of birds, rare animals and butterflies. The Snow Leopard, the Himalayan Black Bear, Red Panda Barking Deer and the Himalayan Tahr or ‘shapi’ reside in the national park.
The Khangchendzonga National Park is accessible from Yuksom in West Sikkim from where treks to the core of the park can be organized The Green Lake within the park is a popular destination for trekkers for the wonderful experience that it offers. The Lachen-Thasngu-Muguthang-Thay La – Khyoksa route covers a treacherous climb over peaks ranging from 13,000 to 17,000 ft, and is recommended only for regular mountaineers. The period between March to May, and again between September and November is the most favorable for treks to the park.
Trekkers of Indian nationality have unrestricted access to the KNP from Dzongri from Yuksom, and foreigners in groups of four under the guidance of tour operators are allowed into the park. |
