KANCHENJUNGA NATIONAL PARK AND WILDLIFE SANCTUARY - INDIA

Kanchenjunga National Park, Sikkim - A yet unexplored and virtually undisturbed wilderness still finds place in the heavenly state of Sikkim in the form of the Kanchendzonga National Park. Situated in the northern region of the state, on the highest elevation range of 1829 to 8585 meters, the park is spread over a sprawling area of 850 sq. km. The western boundary of the park is straddled by Mount Kanchendzonga, the third highest peak in the world. The park also has to its credit; one of the longest and most awesome glaciers namely the Zemu Glacier. Three most beautiful peaks of Mount Kanchendezonga named Mt. Pandim, Mt. Narshing and Mt. Siniolchu also lie in the park area.

Mount Kanchenjunga, one of the world's most spectacular mountains, is renowned as the queen of mountains. Kangchenjunga, the third highest peak on the planet, can boast of varied ecological zones, from the subtropical land to glacial wilderness. Mighty Kangchenjunga glacier is the most famous attraction of Kanchenjunga. Great valleys, encircled by high peaks, are another feature of Kanchenjunga. Mt. Kanchenjunga is a massif with its highest peak reaching 8,586metres. It is encircled with dozens of peaks, each of them competing with their queen.

Yet unexplored by man, the reserve is home to Snow Leopard, Himalayan Black Bear, Tibetan Antelope, Wild Ass, Barking Deer, Musk Deer, Flying Squirrel and Red Panda who find a blissful refuge amongst Magnolias, Rhododendrons and Pine forests. More than 550 species of avifauna also find shelter in the park. Some of the major birds( Kanchenjunga bird sanctuary) found here include Blood Pheasants, Satyr Tragopan, Osprey, Himalayan Griffon, Lammergeier, Snow Pigeon, Impeyan Phesants, Sun birds & Eagles.

An exceptional topography and awesome peaks in the park contribute to attract a large number of nature lovers. But entry to the park is strictly restricted to mountaineers and to more serious expeditions.

Location: North Sikkim District
Area: 850 sq km
Attraction: Wide range of flora and fauna
Significance: Largest Park in Sikkim

The Kanchenjunga National Park is famous for being one of the few high altitude national parks in India. Established on 26th August, 1977, the park is located within the Kanchenjunga Biosphere Reserve that occupies almost 40% of the State of Sikkim in India. The park is located in the North Sikkim district. It was named after the highest mountain peak of India and also the third highest in the world, Mt. Kanchenjunga, which is about 8,585 metres tall. The Kanchenjunga National Park covers a huge area of about 850 square kilometres and remains at an elevation of 1829 m to over 8550 m.

The Kanchenjunga National Park has rich natural vegetation. The vegetation of the park includes the temperate broadleaf and mixed forests. The trees like Oaks, Fir, Birch, Maple, Willow etc. are the predominant species found in this park. Apart from these trees, the alpine grasses and shrubs, along with many medicinal plants and herbs, can also be found at higher altitudes of the park. The Kanchenjunga National Park is home to many important mammal fauna species, including the endangered, critically endangered, or threatened species. Some of the most important mammal fauna species found in the park include Musk Deer, Snow Leopard, Himalayan Tahr, Wild Dog, Sloth Bear, Civet, Himalayan Black Bear, Red Panda, Tibetan Wild Ass, Himalayan Blue Sheep, Serow, Goral, Takin, etc. Apart from these, some reptile species like Rat Snake and Russell`s viper are also found in the Kanchenjunga National Park.

Apart from the rich natural vegetation and mammal fauna species, the Kanchenjunga National Park also provides natural habitat to several bird species. The park is home to about 550 species of birds, out of which, several is considered as threatened or endangered. Some of the most important bird species found in the Kanchenjunga National Park include the Blood Pheasant, Satyr Tragopan, Osprey, Himalayan Griffon, Lammergeier, Tragopan Pheasant, Green Pigeon, Tibetan Snow Cock, Snow Pigeon, Impeyan Pheasant, Asian Emerald Cuckoo, Sunbird, Eagle, etc.

The Kanchenjunga National Park is recognised as a popular tourist destination among the nature lovers, for the past several years. The main reason behind this is definitely its rich bio-diversity and wonderful scenic beauty. As the park is located at a high altitude, the trekkers also like to visit the park, often. Most of the trekking routes in the area pass through the Kanchenjunga National Park. The management of the Kanchenjunga National Park has also arranged for several facilities for the tourists like trekking, lodging, boating, etc. Snowfall is heavy in this park during the winter months, and the monsoon showers during the months of May to mid October. The months of April and May are the best time to visit the Kanchenjunga National Park.

Kanchenjunga National Park can be termed as a huge asset to the ecological conserve of India. Sited on the threshold of Mt. Kanchenjunga, the National Park got its name from this third highest peak of the world. This park of national importance, also embraces the gigantic Zemu glacier in its periphery. Sprawled across an area of 850sq km, Kanchendzonga National Park is known to be the largest wildlife reserve in Sikkim. Kanchenjunga Park is extended in a large expanse and due to this; most of its part has not been explored yet. In order to explore this vast park, one is required to obtain permit and fulfill other formalities, which are required by the government of Sikkim. Ranging between altitudes of 1829 to 8585 meters, Kanchenjunga National Park (KNP) touches the feet of Mt Kanchendzonga on its western border. The term Kanchenjunga literally means 'the Abode of Gods consisting of Five Treasure Houses'. These five treasure houses imply the five lofty peaks of Mt Kanchenjunga including Mt Narshing, Mt Pandim, Mt Siniolchu, Mt Simvo and Mt Kabru. The first three peaks are the most beautiful amongst all of them and stand tall in the locale of KNP. The varied elevation has given a perfect base to the rich collection of flora and fauna in the Park.

Coming to the fauna of this park, one can find animals like Snow Leopard, Himalayan Black Bear, Tibetan Antelope, Wild Ass, Barking Deer, Musk Deer, Flying Squirrel Clouded Leopard, Blue Sheep, Himalayan Thar, Lesser Cats, Tibetan Wolf, Serow, Great Tibetan Sheep, Red Panda and many more. Regarding avifauna, the park comprises almost 550 species of birds including Blood Pheasants, Satyr Tragopan, Osprey, Himalayan griffon, Lammergeier, Snow Pigeon, Impeyan Phesants, Sunbirds and Eagles.

The forested area of the park is adorned by Qurcus Spp, Schima Spp, Castanopsis Spp, Acer Spp, Birch Betula Spp, Himalayan Larch, Lari griffithi etc. KNP also has many medicinal plants along with shrubs of Mecohopsis, Primula, Rhododendron, etc. The trekking route that moves from KNP scrolls from Dzongri, Thangshing, Gochala, Chaurigang (Khanchendzonga Base Camp) to Green Lake, Jakthang and eventually to Yabu