Sikkim

Tourism
Ecotourism in Sikkim

Sikkim where nature smiles

-By B Rohith Kumar

9th Newton
Lakes in Sikkim
Sikkim has many beautiful lakes dotting its landscape. Most of the lakes in Sikkim are considered sacred and are
revered by the people. The North Sikkim plateau adjoining Tibet has a number of mountain lakes of which
Gurudongmar and Chho Lamo are the most famous. Chho Lamo is the source of the Teesta River. The Tsomgo
Lake in East Sikkim is the most popular with tourists while Khecheopalri in West Sikkim is one of the most
beautiful and sacred. Some of the must visit lakes in Sikkim are following:

:: Tsomgo Lake ::

The most visited lake in Sikkim is the Tsomgo Lake in East Sikkim. Located 35 km from Gangtok and at an
altitude of 12,000 ft, the ethereally beautiful Tsomgo Lake is a must on every visitors itinerary Embedded in steep
and rugged mountain terrain, the lake is covered with snow cover from early winter to late spring. For the tourist a
visit to the lake offers a wonderful outing. Rides on colourfully decorated yaks and mules are offered at the lake
site. The lake also provides the perfect backdrop for the holiday photo.

:: Menmecho Lake ::

Located twenty kilometres ahead of Tsomgo is the much larger Menmecho Lake at an altitude of 12,500 ft. It is a
stunningly beautiful lake with snow cover from early winter to late spring. It is surrounded by a rich, varied forest
and some rather interesting rock formations. The lake is famous for its trout and a farm to cultivate these fish also
exists nearby. Fishing is allowed at Menmecho Lake but you have to obtain a permit from Gangtok and ascertain
the availability of fishing gear. Accommodation for the visitors coming here is available at the dak bungalow and
tourist lodge near the lake.

:: Lampokari Lake ::

The Lampokari Lake at Aritar in East Sikkim saddled on the top of a hill. This serene Lake, surrounded by lush
greenery is considered one of the oldest in Sikkim and is about 350 meters in length and 75 meters wide. Shaped
curiously like a human foot, this lake, although natural, has been recently provided with artificial embankment to
facilitate boating, a first for Sikkim.

:: Khecheopalri lake ::

Altitude: 1799 meters another holy lake is Khecheopalri in West Sikkim. Located between Gyalshing and Yuksum
and surrounded by hills, Khecheoplari Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Sikkim and is considered as
sacred by both Buddhists and Hindus. Also known as the Wishing Lake, it is visited by a large number of people
all year through. The green and clear waters of the lake along with the serene atmosphere make it a very popular
tourist destination. A trekkers hut has been built near the lake for the convenience of tourists.

:: Gurudongmar Lake ::

At 17,100 ft, Gurudongmar is revered by both Buddhists and Hindus as a sacred lake. Encircled all around by
snow-covered mountains the lake freezes during the winter, except at one spot said to be blessed by Guru
Rimpoche. The water of the lake is believed to have the miraculous power of granting children to issueless
couples.
Hot Springs

Sikkim has many hot springs known for their therapeutic value. High in Sulphur content, the waters are believed

to have great medicinal properties with the average temperature of the water in these hot springs close to 50c.

There are some well known hot springs in North Sikkim. The Yumthang Hot Spring is located some distance

away from Yumthang village. To reach the hot spring one has to walk a few hundred yards from the road and

across a pedestrian bridge on the River Lachung. For the convenience of bathers, there is a hut with two pools

which contains hot spring water. Hot water rich in sulphuretted hydrogen gas from a spring just behind the hut

and is diverted to the pools.

A 25 kilometre drive up from Yumthang takes you to the Yume Samdong Hot Spring at the base of the Donkia-la

Pass.

Another popular hot spring is the Reshi Hot Spring, located about 25 kms from Gyalshing, near Reshi, on the

banks of the Rangeet River. The water of these springs, being high in sulphur is believed to have special curative

powers for skin diseases. There are trekkers' huts for the convenience of the tourists. Close by is Kah-do Sang

phu or the cave of the occult fairies considered sacred by the people.

Borong and Ralong Hot Springs are located within a distance of 7 kms from each other. Popular with visitors from

all over the region, these natural spas are said to have curative powers. Ralang Cha-chu can be reached after an

hour long walk from Ralong monastery while Borang Cha-chu is reached after a 7 km drive to Ralong and then a

40 min walk downhill. For overnight stay temporary huts are available but you have to carry your own bedding

and cooking utensils.

Flora and Fauna

:: Flora ::

The glory of Sikkim is its breathtaking array of flowers. Sikkims geographical positioning has gifted it a repository

of over 5000 species of flowering plants. Forests of magnolia, blue poppies, primulas, gentians and geraniums

create a spell-binding floral spectacle. Orchids, gladioli, poppies, azaleas and camellias add to the heady

collection. Its great variety of rhododendron ranges from shrubs at ground level to towering specimens that set

the terrain ablaze in a riot of colours.

The first study of the flora of Sikkim was undertaken by Sir Joseph Hooker, the noted English botanist. Hooker
traveled to the interiors of Sikkim, including remote mountain regions in 1848-49. His expedition resulted in

amazing new discovery of numerous plant and animal life in the area. He published the Rhododendrons of
Sikkim in 1849 while his record of his travels in Sikkim published as Himalayan Journals is the most

comprehensive guide to the botanical splendour of the region.

Hooker divided Sikkim into three botanical zones, the tropical from almost sea level height to around 5000 ft, the

temperate from 5000 feet to 13000 feet, and the alpine from 13000 feet upwards.

The tropical vegetation, mostly along the banks and valleys of the rivers Tista, Rangit and their tributaries,

consists mostly of figs, laurels, sal trees, ferns and a variety of bamboo. The temperate zone has oak, chestnut,

maple, birch, alder, magnolia and silver fir, at the higher regions, while the lower alpine zone has juniper,

cypresses and rhododendrons.

Sikkim has a rich heritage of different kinds of flowers. While these include poppies, gentians and primulas, the

real treasures are the orchids and rhododendrons. Available in different colours and shapes they are found

abundant in the region. Of the 5000 species of orchids known in the world, 600 can be found in the lower reaches

of Sikkim alone, along with 30 species of rhododendron.

:: Fauna ::

The dense forests of Sikkim are home to a variety of animals. The Musk Deer, the munjak or the Barking Deer

roam the jungles in the upper temperate zone while the Himalayan Black Bear is found in forests of the lower

valleys to around 12,000 feet.

Also found here is the Red Panda, belonging to the raccoon family, the Red Goral, a horned animal closely

related to the Serow, the Blue Sheep or bharal, the Shapi, belonging to the Himalayan Tahr family and the

elusive Snow Leopard, an almost mythical animal, found in the arid cold alpine region. Another animal found

mostly in the alpine zone is the Yak. These animals are domesticated and reared in North Sikkim and provide

useful service. They are used mainly as beasts of burden over mountain terrain and can survive even sub-zero

temperatures.

Sikkim is rich in avifauna too and is considered to be a birdwatchers paradise. Its avian population extends to

almost 550 species. The avifauna of Sikkim is comprised of the Impeyan pheasant, the crimson horned

pheasant, the snow partridge, the snow cock, the lammergeyer and griffon vultures, as well as golden eagles,

quail, plovers, woodcock, sandpipers, pigeons, Old World flycatchers, babblers and robins.

Sikkim also has a rich diversity of arthropods, much of which remains unexplored even today. The best studied

group remains the butterflies, with 50 per cent of the 1,400 butterfly species recorded in the Indian sub-continent

found in the state. These include the endangered Kaiser-i-hind, Yellow Gorgon and the Bhutan Glory amongst

others
Wild Life Sanctuaries

Kanchendzonga National Park (KNP)

KNP encompasses an area covering 1784 sq km. It is bounded in the north by the Tent Peak and the ridge of the

Zemu glacier. The eastern boundary of this park comprises of the ridge of the Mountain Lamaongden. The

southern boundary includes Mount Narsing and Mount Pandim. The western boundary comprises of the mighty

Kanchendzonga which presides over its namesake park and the Nepal Peak. Being bounded by such formidable

features, it is no wonder that the park has remained ecologically untouched and therefore has provided a natural

protection to the flora and fauna it shelters. The fauna includes the Snow leopard, Himalayan Black Bear, Red

Panda, Barking deer and many other species. The KNP is surrounded by biosphere which combines nature

conservation with sceintific research, environmental training, environmental education monistoring and

demonstration. Many places in this park have perhaps never been trod by man and it is very likely that new

species may be discovered here.

Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary

This is located about 20 kilometres from Gangtok and covers an area of about 5200 hectares above the road

between Singtam and Dikchu with the highest point at a place called Tinjure where a wooden observation tower

of the Forest Department exists. The Sanctuary is the home of Himalayan Black Bear, Red Panda, Civet cat and

many varieties of birds and butterflies.

Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary

It is located in South Sikkim above the town of Rabongla and covers an area of about 3500 hectares with its
highest point being at Maenam at 10,600 ft. It shelters the Red Panda, Leopard cat, civet cat, blood pheasant,
black eagles and other animals of the temperate forest.
Singba Rhododendron Sanctuary

It is located near Yumthang in north Sikkim and contains a vast variety of rhododendrons. When in blossom the

rhododendrons provide a riot of colour to this small 33 hectare park.

Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary

It is situated around the area adjoining the Changu Lake and covers an area of about 400 hectares.

Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary

This Rhododendron Sanctuary lies in the West corner of Sikkim.

Bird Watching

Sikkim is rich in avifauna and is considered to be a birdwatchers paradise. Its avian population extends to almost

550 species. The climate varies between the tropical heat of the valleys and the alpine cold of the snowy regions.

The altitudinal zones of vegetation range from tropical, sub-tropical, temperate to Alpine. Sikkim has the great

variety and abundance of the resident bird life, making this area arguably one of the richest areas of its size

anywhere in the world.

West Sikkim offers great birding opportunities. Barsey, located at 3300 m, on a massive ridge covered with

protected forests of Silver Fir, hemlocks, magnolia, and Rhododendrons is one of the best birding areas in

Sikkim.

Around Pemayangste and the nearby village of Pelling there are several excellent birding sites and hikes. Some

important species like the Maroon-Backed Accentor, Red-faced Liocichla etc are found around these forests.

The Khecheopheri Lake hosts migrant ducks and occasionally some rare species such as Black-necked Crane,

Black-tailed Crane and many others.

For those who are enthusiastic about trekking in the high Himalayas, the best way to see higher altitude birds is

to take the 10 day Dzongri. Some of the birds seen on this trip are Blood Pheasant, Himalayan Monal, Brown

Parotbill, Fire-tailed Myzornis, Cutia, Sapphire flycatcher, White browned Bush Robin, Grandala, Rufous -

breasted Accentors, White winged and collared Grosbeaks, Spot-winged Rosefinch,

In South Sikkim is the Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary starts from

2000m, with a sub-tropical forest, gradually taken over by moist temperate forest at around 2500-3000m and then

sub-alpine conifer forests at altitude higher than 3000m. Rabongla to Maenam top is about 12km and a further

1km trek will take one to Bhaledhunga, a cockscomb shaped stone. Important birds in this trek include satyr

Tragopan, Kalij pheasant, rusty-bellied Shortwing, Minivet, Yuhina, flycatchers etc.