Kanchenjunga National Park is located near the beautiful Himalayan mountain ranges in the state of Sikkim. This park is endowed with bountiful flora and fauna making it as one of the best ecosystem in the region. Located in the majestic Himalayas, Kanchenjunga National Park is a breathtaking natural wonderland. This stunning park is home to an array of rare flora and fauna and offers visitors a wide range of activities for them to enjoy. From trekking trails and camping sites to museums, shopping, and local dining experiences, Kanchenjunga National Park has something for everyone! In this article, we’ll explore the highlights of this magical park so you can plan your own adventure.
Kanchenjunga National Park
Kanchenjunga National Park is one of the most beautiful natural parks in the world, located in the majestic Himalayas. This vast park is home to an array of rare flora and fauna and offers visitors a wide range of activities for them to enjoy.
The park is divided into three main zones – core zone, buffer zone, and tourism zone- each offering a different experience. The core zone is a protected area that allows the local wildlife to roam freely, while the buffer zone provides recreational activities such as hiking and bird watching. The tourism zone offers various facilities such as a museum, trekking trails, camping sites and picnic spots.
Visitors to Kanchenjunga National Park can marvel at its spectacular views of the Himalayan peaks, explore its diverse cultural heritage and take advantage of local shopping and dining opportunities from the Kanchenjunga Bazaar to traditional restaurants and artisanal handicrafts.
For those seeking an adventure filled with outdoor recreation, Kanchenjunga National Park has something for everyone! From leisurely strolls through peaceful woodlands to daring treks up challenging peaks, there’s something for every kind of explorer. And for those looking for something a bit more relaxing, you can rest easy knowing that all visitors are welcome here in this majestic natural paradise.
Overview of Kanchenjunga National Park
Kanchenjunga National Park is an integral part of bigger Kanchenjunga biosphere reserve. This park was officially commissioned by an act ratified by Sikkim state government in August month of 1977, to protect and conserve the animal and plant life from the wrath of human’s ruthless exploitation.
Initially the total area of the park was 50 square kilometers, but later by considering the abundant life in its surroundings the total area was extended to 1784 square km. Kanchenjunga National Park became the maiden “Mixed Heritage” site of India by getting added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.This Park got its name after the Mighty peak Kanchenjunga which is located in this region. The term Kanchenjunga literally means ‘abode of the Gods’ indicating the holy mountains of Siniolchu, Nepal Peak, Twins, Tent Peak, Mt Padim, Mt Narsing.
All of these peaks are located within the premises of National Park. Trekking at this place will leave an ultimate and wonderful memories . Kanchenjunga is the third highest peak in the world. Kanchenjunga National Park has nearly 18 glaciers; out of these Zemu Glacier is a massive one measuring nearly 26 km long and 300 M wide. Besides it other Glaciers here include Simya, Tent Mountain and Telung Glaciers. The park also consists of several high altitude lakes.
Geography
Kanchenjunga National Park is located at an altitude of 1829 m. This park stretches across Lhonak Valley and the Lachen Ridges to Yuksom. IT runs along the Nepal-Sikkim border to the west. To the south it extends till Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary. The most unique feature of this park is, different altitudinal ranges are characterized by different types of vegetation ranging from Broad-leafed at the bottom to Alpine in the highest points.
Trekking at Kanchenjunga National Park
Trekking at Kanchenjunga National Park will give an incessant Adrenaline rush galvanize the trekkers to move ahead. The starting points for trekking routes are located in the Yuksom region of Gangtok.
Indian Nationals should obtain a permit letter from Sikkim State home department to visit this park. Foreign citizens need to have a permission letter from ministry of Home Affairs to enter the park.
It is also mandatory for everyone to have a permission letter from Chief Wildlife Warden of Kanchenjunga National Park and it can be obtained at Check post of Yuksom from Wildlife Education and interpretation centre.
Trekkings in the region are organized by the state government and National park officials. The popular trekking routes in the region includes-
- Bakim- Dzongri- Thangshing-Samuteng-Goechala
- Thangshig-Lam Pokhari- Kasturi orar- Labdang – Tasiding
- Dzongri Base camp – Rathong – Khangerteng
- Yuksom – Tshoka – Dzongri
- Lachen – Thasngu – Moguthang- Thay La- Khyoksala rest camp- Green Lake
Flora at Kanchenjunga National Park
Kanchenjunga National Park is almost unaffected by human activities and stands as a perfect example for wilderness. It serves as a home to exotic group of plant species.
At different altitudinal ranges one can find different types of vegetation due to to change in temperature and topography. This park consists of vegetation ranging from Broad-Leafed to Alpine forests.
Some of the plant species which are abundant in the park includes- Fir, Willow, Alpine Grass, Oak, Birch, Shrubs.
IN addition to these this park also consists of various medicinal plants like Cordyceps, Sinensis and various other shrubs.
Fauna at Kanchenjunga National Park
This park serves as a shelter to many endemic animal species and endangered species. It houses nearly 5,500 varieties of plant and animal species accounting to 30%of total varieties of species found in Indian Sub-continent.
Animals– Snow Leopard, Red Panda, Musk Deer, Great Tibetan Sheep, Bharal, Wild Dog, Goral, Himalayan Tahr, Himalayan Black bear, Serow, Civet, Takin and Sloth Bear.
Avi-Fauna– Himalayan Snow Cock, Blood Pheasant, Tibetan snow cock, Himalayan Monal Pheasant, Grey Peacock pheasant, Black-necked crane, Satyr Tragopan, Sunbirds, Snow Pigeon and Asian Emerald Cookoo etc.
How to Reach?
By Road– This Park had good road connectivity with the major towns and cities in the region. A number of private and government vehicles are available to reach this park.
By Rail– Jalpaiguri Railway Station is the nearest Railway Station located at a distance of 221 km from Kanchenjunga National Park. From here you can reach National park by private cabs.
By Air– Bagdogra Airport is the closest Airport located at a distance of 222km from Kanchenjunga National Park.
Accomodation
Lodging facilities are provided by forest officials at Range office located near National Park. Contact the Range office for prior booking of rooms.
Best Season to Visit
The best time to visit this place is during the months of April to May. Because during this period the temperature will be moderate and allow visitors to explore the beauty of park without any hassles.
