Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary is a pristine natural reserve in East Sikkim, spanning over 124 square kilometers. It shares its borders with Neora Valley National Park in West Bengal and extends up to Bhutan and Tibet, forming an essential corridor for wildlife movement. The sanctuary is home to diverse ecosystems, ranging from subtropical forests to alpine meadows, making it a biodiversity hotspot. It shelters red pandas, Himalayan black bears, clouded leopards, musk deer, and various other species. The area is also rich in birdlife, with over 300 species, including the blood pheasant, Himalayan monal, and satyr tragopan. Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary is a dream lannd for trekking and birdwatching in Sikkim: Ideal for nature enthusiasts, with trails offering spectacular views of the Eastern Himalayas.
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Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary Bird Watching In Sikkim Activities Where To Stay
Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary Best Time To Visit Entry Fees Activities Where To Stays Guided Tours
Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary Sikkim Best Time To Visit Entry Fees Activities Where To Stays Guided Tours
Map Of Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary
Frequently Asked Question
Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary- East Sikkiim
BIrdwatching In Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary- Sikkim
The mountain passes of Nathu La and Jelep La serve as migration routes for waterbirds, many of which make stopovers at wetlands in the region, particularly Bedang Tso Lake. The Himalayan Monal (Lophophorus impejanus), locally known as Feydong, was once found in this area, which is how Bedang Tso got its name. Occasionally, there is a mass migration of birds of prey, including Red Kites (Milvus milvus) and various unidentified eagles.
The Sherathang marshes provide a breeding ground for the Brahminy Shelduck (Tadorna ferruginea), while other notable birds in the area include the Eurasian Woodcock (Scolopax rusticola) and the globally threatened Wood Snipe (Gallinago nemoricola), which is occasionally seen along the banks of Bedang Tso. Hill Pigeons (Columba rupestris) are often spotted perching on smoking chimneys of local houses during snowy winters. The Snow Pigeon (Columba leuconota), Snow Partridge (Lerwa lerwa), Himalayan Monal, and Gold-naped Black Finch (Pyrrhoplectes epauletta) are commonly found on the alpine slopes. In 1994, the Pallas’s Fish-Eagle (Haliaeetus leucoryphus) was sighted in the forest patches of the Pangolakha range, and in 1992, Large Cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo) and Bar-headed Geese (Anser indicus) were observed at Bedang Tso.
Another significant bird species in the region is the Tibetan Eared Pheasant (Crossoptilon harmani), a Near Threatened species, reported near Kupup (close to Bedang Tso), below Jelep La. This area, which is part of the Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary, borders Tibet’s Chumbi Valley and is home to one of Southern Tibet’s two endemic birds. The pheasant inhabits mixed broadleaf-coniferous forests, rhododendron, juniper scrublands, and grasslands. Additionally, the Giant Babax (Babax waddelli), another Near Threatened species, has been recorded in this Important Bird Area (IBA).
Due to its vast altitudinal range (1,300m to over 4,000m), this IBA hosts three distinct biomes:
Biome-5: Eurasian High Montane (Alpine and Tibetan) – Found above 3,600m, home to 48 species, 11 of which are recorded in this region.
Biome-7: Sino-Himalayan Temperate Forest – Found between 1,800m and 3,600m, supporting 112 species, with 14 found in this area.
Biome-8: Sino-Himalayan Subtropical Forest – Occurring between 1,000m to 2,000m, where only 2 out of 95 recorded species have been observed in this IBA.
This rich biodiversity makes Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary a crucial conservation area for migratory and resident bird species.
Pangolakha & Silk Route Tour
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+91-9038055530
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email: tabkolkata@gmail.com
Q: What Is the opening and closing time of Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary?
A: Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary is open daily from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. It remains closed at night.
Q: What are the entry charges?
A:The entry charges for Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary are,₹100 per person for Indian visitors,
Q: Is Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary worth visiting?
A:Yes, Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary is worth visiting for its natural beauty and Bird Sightings.
Other Activities To Undertake
Old Baba Mandir & Kupup Lake are two other popular attractions within the Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary. Further ahead you can visit the Tsongo Lake, New Baba Mandir and Nathula Pass (which is the border betwwen China and India.
The Old Silk Route Route tour alsao passes thruogh the Sancutary. Silk route tour packages are avaiable of differnt durations, originating from Kalimpong. Click Here For Silk Route Packages of different durations.
Best Places To Stay
Padamchen, Zuluk and Gnathang are some of most popular places to stay near the Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary, but Padamchen is the most convinitent due to access inside the Sanctuary with muliple trek routes and very low population keeping the natural abience intact.
How To Reach
Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary is located in East Sikkim, near the Indo-Bhutan-Tibet border. The nearest major city is Gangtok, and the sanctuary can be accessed via road. Since it lies in a restricted area, permits are required for entry.
By Air
The nearest airport is Pakyong Airport (PYG), about 30 km from Gangtok. Alternatively, Bagdogra Airport (IXB) in West Bengal (about 125 km from Gangtok) has better connectivity with major Indian cities. From the airport, hire a taxi or shared cab to Rongli check post or Gangtok and then proceed towards the sanctuary.
By Rail
The closest railway station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP), Siliguri, about 120 km from Gangtok.
From NJP, take a shared taxi, private cab, or state-run bus to Gangtok.
By Road
From Gangtok, drive via Tsomgo Lake and Kupup to reach Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary.
The road passes through Nathu La Pass and Jelep La, offering stunning landscapes.
Distance from Gangtok is aproximately 60-70 km (takes 3-4 hours by car). Vehicles such as SUVs or 4WD are recommended due to rough terrain.
Entry Permits REquirements
Inner Line Permit (ILP): Required for Indian nationals (can be arranged through a tour operator in Gangtok). Foreign nationals are not allowed inside ILP area and limited access in the lower areas.
Best Time To Visit
The sanctuary is best explored between March to June and September to November, when the weather is pleasant and wildlife sightings are frequent.