Kanchenjunga National Park situated in the lap of the mighty Himalayas in the north of Sikkim, Kanchenjunga National Park is named after the world’s third highest mountain peak, Kanchenjunga peak. Kangchenjunga National Park is a high altitude national park and the country’s first “mixed-heritage” site. Which has recently been included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Kangchenjunga National Park is also known as “Khangchendzonga National Park”, situated at an altitude of 8586 meters.
Spread over a vast area of 850 square kilometres, Khangchendzonga National Park is home to some of the most endemic and rare species of flora and fauna including the snow leopard and the Himalayan tahr. Unique in biodiversity, this place is a paradise for trekking with a diverse landscape and breathtaking views. Which has become a center of attraction for tourists and wildlife lovers. And for your information, many glaciers are also seen inside the Kanchenjunga National Park, out of which the Zemu Glacier with a length of twenty-six kilometers is the most important. Kangchenjunga National Park is one of the most prominent places to visit in Sikkim, which plays host to thousands of tourists every year. For the journey related to Kangchenjunga National Park, you must read this article completely:
History of Kanchenjunga National Park
Kangchenjunga National Park was declared as a national park in 1977. Initially, the area of the national park was 850 km sq which was later extended to 1784 km sq. The name Kangchenjunga National Park was derived from the name of the world’s third highest peak, the Kangchenjunga peak.
Flora and Fauna of Kanchenjunga National Park
Surrounded by exquisite beauty, Kangchenjunga National Park is home to many rare medicinal plants as well as endangered flora species such as oaks, birches, willows and maples. Apart from these, you can also find alpine grasses, and shrubs found in this region. And talking about wildlife species, more than 550 species of birds alone live in this region, including green pigeon, tragopan pheasant, blood pheasant, Tibetan snowcock and Himalayan griffon. And in 2016 a new species of bird called the Himalayan Forest Thrush was discovered. While there are reptiles, mammalian species include Himalayan tahr, Himalayan blue sheep, wild dog, snow leopard, red panda, Tibetan wild ass, and sloth bear.
Kanchenjunga National Park Trek
There are many popular trekking options in Kangchenjunga National Park, which play an important role in the attraction of Kangchenjunga National Park. And a large number of tourists are seen enjoying adventure activities like trekking. Let us tell you that before going on the trek you have to get permission from the Wildlife Education and Interpretation Center in Yuksum which is the starting point of most of these treks. In addition, the state government also organizes treks for tourists in collaboration with private agents. Which provides an opportunity to make your trip to Kangchenjunga National Park exciting.
Tips to visit Kanchenjunga National Park
- If you are planning to visit Kangchenjunga National Park, then before leaving on your trip, get all the necessary permissions and permits to trek in that area.
- Avoid using firewood from any type of fire in forest areas.
- You will not be allowed to play loud music or use loudspeakers.
- Avoid swimming in lakes and rivers located inside national parks and protected areas.
Permits and Fees
If you are planning a trip to Kanchenjunga National Park with your family or friends, then it is very important for you to know this. Entry to Kangchenjunga National Park is restricted and regulated. To visit this park, you need to obtain a permit from the Chief Wildlife Warden, Government of Sikkim.
For which you have to pay the following permit fee
- Indian nationals: Rs 300 per person for the first seven days
- Foreign Nationals: Rs 560 per person for the first seven days
- For students: Rs.80 per head per head for the first seven days
- Tent rent: Rs 50 per day
- Guide Charge: Rs.10 per day
- For Camera: Rs.30
- For video camera: 1000 rupees fee is fixed.
Best time to visit
If you are looking for the best time to visit Kangchenjunga National Park, a popular tourist destination in Sikkim. So let us tell you that the best time to visit Kangchenjunga National Park is between March to May and September to mid-December. While the trek is also organized by the forest and state department according to the prevailing weather conditions.
Where to stay
If you are planning to visit the famous Kanchenjunga National Park in Sikkim with your family or friends, and wondering where should we stay during our trip? So let us tell you for your information that the Range Office in the National Park provides accommodation options with four houses with twenty beds each. And also, all types of hotels are available from low budget to high budget around Kanchenjunga National Park or in Gangtok, which you can choose as per your convenience-
- Vamoose Rabangla – (Vamoose Rabangla)
- Ifseen Villa – (Ifseen Villa)
- Sanu Homestay
- Martam Luxury Farmhouse – (Martam Luxury Farmhouse)
- Laliguras Village Homestay – (Laliguras village homestay)
How to reach
Kangchenjunga National Park is a famous tourist destination and major national park in the state of Sikkim in India. And it attracts a lot of tourists visiting Sikkim every year. If you are also planning to visit Kangchenjunga National Park and want to know how you can reach Gangtok, then read the information given below thoroughly.
If you want to go to visit Kanchenjunga National Park by air, then let us tell you that this city does not have its own Gangtok airport and hence direct flight to Gangtok from major cities of the country is not possible. Kangchenjunga National Park The nearest airport to Gangtok is at Bagdogra in West Bengal, which is located at a distance of 124 km from Gangtok. You will get flights from major cities of the country to this airport. And after reaching Bagdogra airport, you can travel by bus or taxi to reach your destination.
How to reach Kanchenjunga National Park by road
If you want to go to Kangchenjunga National Park Gangtok by your personal car, then let us tell you that it will be most convenient to go to Gangtok through National Highway 31A route. The best advantage of going by road is that you can stop anywhere if needed. Several ATMs, fuel pumps and food are easily available along the way to help the travelers traveling by road.