Glimpses of Sikkim | Sikkim Tourism
Flora and Fauna in Sikkim:
Because of the altitude that vary right from sea level to summits that touch the skies ,the flora and fauna naturally covers a wide spectrum. Nowhere in the world in such a small area can one find flora and fauna of all varieties - Tropical to the Alpines. Sikkim's botanical and zoological richness is awe- inspiring, boasting of more than 4000 species of plants and 30% of all the birds found in the Indian sub-continent . No wonder Sikkim has been a dream of naturalists. Dr. J. Hooker during the middle of the last century surveyed in the detail the botanical wealth in Sikkim and his findings were embodied in the publication 'Himalayan Journal' that is still considered as an authoritative document. Dr. Salim Ali an ornithologist has given a detailed account on birds in his book 'The birds of Sikkim'. Besides these there are many books available on the flora & fauna of sikkim.
Plants:
The lowlands in the south, 800'to 5000', experience a tropical climate; lush vegetation such as figs, laurel, Sal trees and bamboos have been cleared in some areas for farming. The temperate forest of oak, chestnut, maple, birch, alder, magnolia and silver fir dominates between 5000; and 13000. Above 13000, is the alpine zone where juniper, cypresses and rhododendrons grow. The perpetual snowline lies at 16000'. Luxuriant forests cover 36% of the land, more than 4000 species of plant have been recorded in Sikkim. Over 600 species of orchids grow in Sikkim, Epiphytal and terresterial types, in the tropical and temperate zones. 35 species of rhododendrons grow in temperate and alpine regions, their flowering from May to August colours hillsides.
Animals:
Amongst the mammals of Sikkim are the rare Snow Leopard, Himalayan Black Bear, Red panda, Musk Deer and Blue Sheep.
Birdlife is abundant with Giant Lammergeier, Vultures, Eagles, Whistling Thursh, Minivets, Bulbuls and Pheasants among the 550 species to be seen in Sikkim.
NAME OF NATIONAL PARK/ SANCTUARIES AND FOREST PARKS
- Kanchendzonga National Park
- FabongLho Wildlife Sanctuary
- Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary
- Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary
- Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary
- Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary
- Biosphere Reserve
Glaciers - Mountains - Passes
The whole Himalayan Range situated in North - West Sikkim
Mt. Kanchendzonga (8586m/28169ft.) - literally means the "Land of Five Treasures" and said to have contain ornaments, salt, grains, weapons & holy scripts. Pang Lhabsol is the festival unique to Sikkim and commemmorates the consecration of Mount Kanchendzonga as the gaurdian deity of Sikkimese people. (A view from West Sikkim)
Mt. Kanchendzonga (8586m/28169ft.) - literally means the "Five Treasures of Great Snow". To the Sikkimese people, it is the most sacred 8000m mountain and revered by them as their protective deity. ( A view from West Sikkim)
The three Kabru sisters - Kabru south, Kabru north & Kabru dome seen closely from Dzongri la pass. (A view from West Sikkim)
The milk-white water as it rushes down from the glaciers nourishes the rich sikkim's Bio-diversity . Pa Khola - On the trek to Tshoka from Yuksom. (A view from West Sikkim)
Zemu Glacier below Mount Kanchendzonga:
Zemu Glacier:
Chiwabhanjang Pass (West Sikkim):
Chiwabhanjang which forms a pass to Nepal is about three hours walk from Phalut. At Chiwabhanjang are two small lakes known as Bhut-Pokaris. An inspection bunglow stands in ruins at Chiwabhanjang as a mute testimony of the British presence here in the old days to keep off the Nepalis from attacking Sikkim. It is also possible to reach Chiwabhanjang from Uttrey in Sikkim in about three hours but the trek from Uttrey to Chiwabhanjang is very steep.