Kanchendzonga National Park Gangtok (Entry Fee, Timings, Entry Ticket Cost, Phone, Price)

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An UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Khangchendzonga National Park is located in the state of Sikkim. It is one of the most popular national parks in the country. This national park has been named after Mount Khangchendzonga (also called Kanchenjunga) – the third highest mountain peak in the world that lies inside it.

The park has a varying elevation from 1829 m to 8586 m above sea level, and it adjoins the Khangchendzonga Conservation Area in Nepal and Qomolangma National Nature Preserve in Tibet.

The Khangchendzonga National Park was established with an aim to protect the biosphere of the state of Sikkim. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this park serves as a Mixed Heritage location.

It protects the wildlife in the reserve, especially more than 300 species and three endemic bird species, and at the same time protects the Himalayan mountain range and Mount Kanchenjunga.

The park has thus been identified as an important bird area in India. Hence, it was always felt important by the authorities to protect the diverse ecosystem of the region from human encroachment so that the flora, fauna and the natural wonders of the region remain intact and flourish.

Also called the Kanchenjunga Biosphere Reserve, the national park is home to about 18 glaciers, which includes the massive Zemu Glacier that spreads across 26 km, around 19 Himalayan mountain peaks and more than 17 alpine lakes offering scenic vistas and a diverse landscape for trekking expeditions.

Blessed with a unique biodiversity, the park has rich fauna that includes exotic animal species such as snow leopard, red panda, Great Tibetan sheep, musk deer, etc. It also has a number of bird species including Tibetan snow cock, black-necked crane, gray peacock pheasant, satyr tragopan, Himalayan monal pheasant and grus nigricollis, among others.

Since the national park consists of mountains, streams, lakes, rivers, glaciers and steep-sided valleys, its habitat varies from subtropical to alpine, and this varied habitat gives way to different wildlife species. The park is also home to more than 425 species of medicinal plants as well.

There are many legends associated with this national park comprising a number of natural elements (lakes, rivers, caves, etc.) that are worshiped by the natives of Sikkim. The holy meanings of these mythological practices and stories are an intricate part of the Buddhist beliefs and form the basis for the identity of the Sikkimese people.

The region where the park is located is called ‘Beyul’ meaning ‘the hidden sacred land’ by the Buddhists and ‘Mayel Lyang’ meaning ‘the Land Blessed by God’ by the Lepchas.

The main reason why the national park receives so many visitors is the opportunity they get here for hiking and trekking, which is simply outstanding. Over that it is the prospect of trekking to the base camp of the third highest mountain in the world that excites adventure seekers. The majestic vistas of the vast and varied landscape of the Khangchendzonga National Park are nothing short of a dream.

History of Khangchendzonga National Park Gangtok

The Khangchendzonga National Park was declared as a National Park in 1977. In the beginning, the area of the park was only 850 sq km, but later on, it was extended up to 1784 sq km.

The park also holds religious significance in Buddhism. It is believed that the area where the park has been established was once a sacred area, where the Buddhist masters had hid religious texts and treaties, destined to be discovered later on by people.

As per the religious experts, these hidden treasures are called ‘Ters’ and predicted to be discovered by ‘Ter-Tons’, meaning treasure travelers. This belief has in a way ensured that the religious places inside the park have remained safe and preserved. The Khangchendzonga National Park was identified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 2016.

Things to do in Khangchendzonga National Park Gangtok, Sikkim

The Khangchendzonga National Park is known for its natural beauty, and what can be better than exploring its flora and fauna and its astounding landscape.

1. Flora

The flora found inside the national park can be broadly divided into three zones:

• Temperate broad-leaved forest (found up till 2730 m): This forest type is home to small to medium trees like Acer Campbellii, Quercus Lineata and Juglans Regia.
• Alpine scrub above (found up till 3650 m): This alpine forest type includes medicinal plants and common herbs such as Rheum emodi and Picrorhiza.
• Mixed coniferous forest (found up till 3650 m): This forest type is home to several varieties like Junipers, Abies Densa and Rhododendrons.
  Its flora also includes endangered species like birch, willow, oak and maple along with many other rare medicinal plants.

2. Fauna

The national park is home to a diverse range of animal species with many of them being categorized under endangered species. This includes snow leopard, musk deer, barking deer, blue deer, rodents, wild dogs, blue sheep, Tibetan wild ass, sloth bear and red panda, which is the state animal of Sikkim. Its wildlife also includes reptiles like Russell’s viper and rat snakes.

The avifauna of the national park includes more than 550 species and subspecies of birds including Asian emerald cuckoo, osprey, monal pheasants, tragopan pheasant, Tibetan snow cock, falcons, rock pigeons, Himalayan griffon and blood pheasants, which is the state bird of Sikkim. A new bird species named Himalayan forest thrush was found in this region in 2016.

3. Trekking

The park is well known for offering some of the popular treks in the region. However, to indulge in any of the trekking expeditions, tourists need to acquire permits from the Wildlife Education and Interpretation Center at Yuksom. This place serves as the starting point of most of the treks. During these trekking expeditions, some of the must-visit places in the region include:

Yuksom Valley: It is a quaint village, situated towards the upper part of the Khangchendzonga National Park. The best time to explore this place is from February to November. About an hour from the valley is located the Dubdi Monastery, which is one of the oldest monasteries of Sikkim. Trekking to this monastery can be a wonderful excursion.

Goechala: Goechala is among the highest mountain passes of the mighty Himalayas. Perched at an altitude of about 4947 m, this mountain pass is one of the popular treks from Yuksom. The trek to this mountain is known to offer some mesmeric views of the Samiti Lake, mountain peaks and beautiful rhododendron trees.

Khecheopalri Lake: A pilgrimage spot, Khecheopalri Lake is another spot that is worth trekking to. This lake holds religious significance for both Hindus and Buddhists, and it receives thousands of pilgrims each year during the month of March for Maghe Purne festival and in October for Chho-tsho festival.

A Buddhist Pagoda located close to the lake is also definitely worth a visit. Tholung Monastery is another sacred shrine that lies in the buffer zone of the national park.

The state government in association with private agents organizes these treks. Some of the popular treks on offer are:

• Dzongri Base Camp - Rathong – Khangerteng
• Yuksom - Tshoka - Dzongri
• Orar - Labdang - Tashiding
• Thangshing - Lam Pokhari - Kasturi
• Bakim - Dzongri - Thangshing - Samuteng - Goechala
• Lachen-Thasngu - Muguthang - Thay La - Khyoksa La - Rest Camp - Green Lake
• Lucanes Jakchen-Yabuk-Rest Camp (Marco Polo Camp) - Green Lake

Gangtok Khangchendzonga National Park Timings and Entry fee

There are certain restrictions and regulations on entry into the Khangchendzonga National Park. As per the rules, Indian nationals require to obtain an inner-line permit and the foreign nationals need to obtain a restricted area permit from the Ministry of Home Affairs to visit this national park.

In addition, another permit is required to be obtained from the Chief Wildlife Warden, Government of Sikkim as per the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. This permission is required to visit the national park for tourism, scientific research, photography and wildlife studies.

There are applicable fee for these permissions:

• The fee for Indian nationals per person for the first seven days is Rs. 300 and Rs. 40 for additional days.
• The fee for foreign nationals per person for the first seven days is RS. 560 and Rs. 80 for additional days.
• The fee for students is Rs. 80 for the first seven days and Rs. 20 for additional days.
• The guide charge per day is Rs. 10
• The charge for tents in the park is Rs. 50 per day.
• The charge per bed at the Log Hut is Rs. 100 per day.
• The charges for Photography/Videography are Still Camera – Rs 30, Video Camera - Rs. 1000 and Movie Camera – Rs. 35000.

The national park remains open from Monday to Saturday. It remains open 24 hours on these days; however, timings on Wednesday differ from time to time. Tourists visit this national park from March to May and then again from September to mid-December.

However, most visitors come here between March and May, when the temperature remains mild and the skies are clear. This is the time when trekking past the majestic mountains is simply surreal.

Most of the year, this area receives snowfall. Therefore, the local Forest and State Department, based on the prevailing weather conditions, organize different treks in the region for tourists as well as adventure seekers.

How to reach Khangchendzonga National Park Gangtok

By Air: The closest airport to the Khangchendzonga National Park is the Bagdogra Airport in West Bengal. It is at a distance of about 122 km from Gangtok. The city of Gangtok is around 50 km from the national park.

Even though there is the Pakyong Airport in Gangtok, the preferred airport for most tourists is the one at Bagdogra as the former receives fewer flights due to the fluctuating weather in the area. Tourists can hire private taxis from the Bagdogra Airport to directly reach the national park.

By Rail: The nearest railhead to the Khangchendzonga National Park is the New Jalpaiguri Station at Siliguri in West Bengal. This station receives trains from across the country on a regular basis. It lies at an approximate distance of 120 km from the city of Gangtok while it is at a distance of around 170 km from the town of Yuksom in Sikkim.

The town of Yuksom is about 34 km from the national park. Tourists can head to either Gangtok or Yuksom by availing a taxi from top car rental companies in Gangtok or bus service. It takes about 4 hours and 5 hours, respectively by bus from Siliguri to Gangtok and Yuksom while a taxi ride till Gangtok can be covered in about 2 hours.

By Road: The nearest highway to the Khangchendzonga National Park is the National Highway 31A (renamed NH10) that connects Sevok in Darjeeling to the city of Gangtok. Tourists coming from Bagdogra Airport or New Jalpaiguri Station can head to the National Highway 31A to travel by road till the national park.

Things to keep in mind while visiting Khangchendzonga National Park Gangtok

• Requisite permits and permissions should be obtained in advance to trek in the region.
• Sticking to permitted natural trails while trekking is advised.
• Swimming in the rivers and lakes inside the park and protected areas is prohibited.
• Playing loud music or use of loudspeakers is not allowed.
• Littering or polluting the national park and protected areas should be strictly avoided. Any non-biodegradable item carried along, should be brought back from the trek and disposed of appropriately.
• Kindling any kind of fire or use of firewood in the forest areas is prohibited.
• Plucking saplings or flowers along the way in the park is not allowed.
• Keeping quiet and not harassing the animal when sighted is advised.
• Carrying warm clothes is advisable for tourists, who plan to visit the national park in winters.
• Limited accommodation is available at the national park. Range office should be contacted in advance for bookings.

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Location Map for Kanchendzonga National Park Gangtok