Explore Sikkim Wildlife At Top 8 Sanctuaries and National Parks In 2025
A multilingual state in Northeast India since 1975, Sikkim had designed its journey as delightfully as its beauty. Bordered by three neighbouring countries, Tibet, Bhutan, and Nepal, Sikkim has never failed to attract the world with its appealing beauty and fascinating history.With a serene view of the mountains and hills with the silver caps, Yak riding, and trekking, Sikkim Wildlife is truly blessed with nature’s bounty. Additionally, the pleasant sun the bright sky of summer and the snowfalls during the winter attract tourist from worldwide.
8 Wildlife Sanctuaries And National Parks In Sikkim
Unscramble Sikkim’s wildlife, snow-capped mountains, and ancient forests, and you will have a lot to explore in the unseen universe of this vast land. If you are a trekking enthusiast, these highlands can be perfect for long walks and hikes. Lying in the lap of nature, here is the list of famous national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in Sikkim, where beauty and peace are at their peak.
- Khangchendzonga National Park
- Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary
- Barsey Rhododendron Wildlife Sanctuary
- Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary
- Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary
- Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary
- Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary
- Kitam (Bird) Wildlife Sanctuary
1. Khangchendzonga National Park
Image Credit: Dibyendu Ash for Wikimedia Commons
Perched at an elevation of 8,586 meters along a section of the Himalayas, Khangchendzonga is one of the best places to visit in North Sikkim. It was declared a National Park in 1977 and is known as Kanchenjunga. Khangchendzonga is one of the popular National Parks of Sikkim, has a total area of 1784 km and is dedicated to protecting and conserving the region’s biodiversity.
Khangchendzonga is home to numerous varieties of trees, plants, flowers, and animals. This National Park in Sikkim offers a Jeep safari, from which you can witness the astonishing landscapes, chilling waterfalls, and many animals, such as Red Pandas and Himalayan Birds.
- Best Time to Visit: Between March and May | September and mid-December
- Timings: 10 AM to 4 PM
- Entry Fee: INR 200 for Indians (7 days trip) | INR 400 for Foreigners
Also Read: Paragliding In Sikkim
2. Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary
Image Credit: Dibyendu Ash for Wikimedia Commons
Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary in East Sikkim is a notable landmark in the hilly state. It covers an area of about 124 square km and is surrounded by the Pangolakha Range and the Chola Range, respectively. Enriching the wildlife of Sikkim, this place is a must-visit.
Pangolakha is a notable name for Sikkim Wildlife, home to some of the most exotic animals, such as the Asiatic Black Bear, Red Fox, and about 300 Red Pandas. It also has rare flora species, including the Silver Fir, Oak, Bamboo, and Rhododendron. With about 101 species of trees in its forests, it is also a paradise for birdwatchers and nature photographers.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Timings: 8 AM to 5 PM
- Entry Fee: NA
3. Barsey Rhododendron Wildlife Sanctuary
Image credit: Dibyendu Ash for wikimedia commons
Considered one of the famous wildlife sanctuaries in Sikkim, Barsey Rhododendron Wildlife Sanctuary is located in West Sikkim and covers an area of about 104 square km. It is surrounded by some of the best lakes in Sikkim, the Singalila Range, and shares its border with Nepal, a neighbouring country.
It is home to exotic wildlife, including the Himalayan Langur, Leopard Cat, and Himalayan Palm Civet. The diverse and abundant flora and fauna, especially the exotic plant species such as Rhododendron, appeal to many nature lovers. Its variegated species of migratory birds attract countless bird lovers and birdwatchers throughout the year.
- Best Time to Visit: November to May
- Timings: 8 AM to 4 PM
- Entry Fee: Free
Related Post: Things To Do In Yuksom
4. Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary
Image credit: Dibyendu Ash for wikimedia commons
Away from human disturbances and maddening crowds, Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the famous Sikkim wildlife sanctuaries and offers the best of Sikkim’s Wildlife exposures. It covers an area of about 52 square km. It remains famous globally for its Avocado trees and is home to Tinjurey Peak, the highest Peak in the region.
This Sanctuary is an extension of the Kangchendzonga National Park in Sikkim. Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary in Sikkim is a paradise for birdwatchers as it shelters bird species like the endangered rufous-headed hornbill and laughing thrush. Additionally, this sanctuary is inhabited by various fauna like red pandas, barking deer, yellow-throated marten, and Himalayan brown bears, and in flora with an abundance of rhododendrons and orchids.
- Best Time to Visit: April to July
- Timings: 8 AM to 3 PM
- Entry Fee: INR 5 onwards
5. Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary
Image credit: Mathias Appel for wikimedia commons
Located in the eastern part of Sikkim, Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary is home to many rare and endangered species of plants. In addition to ground slipper orchids and Rhododendrons (Sikkim’s state tree), tourists can encounter rare trees such as Oaks, Champs, Ferns, and Orchids.
You can find a glimpse of species of musk deer, Himalayan black bear and red panda frequently in this sanctuary. To spot or encounter rare animals quickly, you must be at the right place and time. This place is also surrounded by some of the best temples in Sikkim.
- Best Time to Visit: April – August, and October- November
- Timings: 8 AM to 6 PM
- Entry Fee: INR 200 for Indian Nationals| INR 400 for Foreign Nationals
Related Post: Sikkim In December
6. Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary
Image credit: Spattadar for wikimedia commons
Among the most beautiful wildlife sanctuaries, Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary grabs the attention of every visitor. It is home to colourful floral species, including orchids and rhododendrons, making it one of the must-visit Sikkim wildlife sanctuaries.
This sanctuary is also a favourite place for adventure and nature lovers. People from different parts of the world visit the attraction in Sikkim to get a glimpse of the brightly coloured flowers, including pink, maroon, cream, purple, and red. This place adds to the diversity and wildlife of Sikkimand is a must-visit for bird watchers.
- Best Time to Visit: April and May (in this time, enjoy the beauty of the blooming flowers)
- Timings: 8 AM to 5 PM
- Entry Fee: INR 300 for Adults| INR 150 for children
7. Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary
Image credit: Mousam ray for wikimedia commons
Established in 1987 and spread over 14 square kilometres, Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most popular wildlife sanctuaries in Sikkim. Rich in varieties of medicinal plants, the Wildlife Sanctuary is a treat for nature lovers. A paradise for nature lovers, you may encounter its rich flora and fauna.
Wandering among its forests and exploring diverse flora and fauna are the best things to do in Sikkim. The Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary will soon be home to the first-of-its-kind wildlife skywalk in India.
- Best Time to Visit: Morning hours are recommended
- Timings: Open 24 hours
- Entry Fee: INR 55 for Indians | INR 110 for Foreigner
Related Post: Restaurants In Sikkim
8. Kitam (Bird) Wildlife Sanctuary
Kitam Bird Sanctuary is a protected wildlife sanctuary in Sikkim, located near Namchi. This peaceful, riverside nature conservation area is a paradise for tourists who want to see peafowl and other species in their natural habitats. It is one of the best places to visit in Sikkim in May and is popular for the great trails you can walk to observe these many birds.
Tumbol Schor, the highest point of Kitam Bird Sanctuary, is popular for offering great panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Therefore, it is also regarded as one of the best sanctuaries in Sikkim, keeping bird and animal watchers hooked during their entire visit.
- Best Time to Visit: Between October to May
- Timings: 8 AM to 6 PM
- Entry Fee: INR 100 for Adults| INR 50 for children
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Misty mountains, pleasant rivers and waterfalls, mesmerizing views, a plethora of wildlife—the kind that is rare and hard to find anywhere else—and most importantly, the National Parks, besides popular wildlife sanctuaries spread in the tiny state, are the precious gems of this place. You can truly make the best of memories during your trip to Sikkim, as you’ll be surrounded by nothing but pure nature and its countless marvels!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Sikkim Wildlife
What animals can be found in Sikkim’s wildlife reserves?
Sikkim's wildlife reserves are home to diverse range of animals, including the iconic red panda, snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, musk deer, and various bird species like the blood pheasant and Himalayan monal.
What is the best time to visit Sikkim for wildlife tourism?
For wildlife tourism in Sikkim, the best time to visit is from March to May and again from October to mid-December when the weather is pleasant and wildlife viewing opportunities are good.
Are there trekking options available in Sikkim’s wildlife sanctuaries?
Yes, Sikkim's wildlife sanctuaries, like Maenam and Fambong Lho, offer trekking opportunities. The Maenam trek is a popular choice, and the Tinjurey trek in Fambong Lho is a good option for a day hike.
What is the significance of Khangchendzonga National Park?
Khangchendzonga National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and India's first Mixed Heritage site. It is significant for its exceptional natural beauty, biodiversity, and cultural significance. It encompasses the world's third-highest peak, Mount Khangchendzonga and is home to nearly half of India's bird diversity, wild trees, orchids and rhododendrons and one-third of the country's flowering plants.
What are the major wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in Sikkim?
Here is the list of major wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in Sikkim: 1.Khangchendzonga National Park 2. Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary 3. Barsey Rhododendron Wildlife Sanctuary 4. Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary 5. Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary 6 .Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary 7. Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary 8. Kitam (Bird) Wildlife Sanctuary
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