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| Shingba
Rhododendron Sanctuary |
| Shingba
Rhododendron Sanctuary, One of the most beautiful sanctuaries
in Sikkim the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary is situated
in the famous Yumthang Valley in North Sikkim. It is bordered
by the high rugged Chuba-Sagochen mountain ranges on the
east and Chomzomei Tso extending upto Lava in west Sikkim.
The sanctuary is bounded on its |
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| southern periphery by
the Yakchey La and on the northern periphery by the Yumthang
Valley known for its alpine meadow and hot springs.The beautiful
and highly endangered Spotted Linsang or Tiger-Civet has been
spotted here you may have to spend days here with a naturalist
to witness the same. The chance is one a thousand.,Popular Wild
Life Goral, Serow, Blue Sheep, Red Panda, Himalayan Black Bear,
Weaselse, Martens, Common Lanur, There seem to be two races
of Musk Deep: One grey with white specks in the alpine region
and one with a dark ashy coat in the fir and rhododendron forests
BIRDS:Blood Pheasant (the STATE BIRD), Impeyan or Monal Pheasant,
Satyr Tragopan, snow Partridge, snow pigeon, Choughs, Blue Magpie,
Raven, Blackbirds, Rose Finches, snow Finches and many |
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others
including lbisbills, migratory ducks and waders. Almost
40 species of rhododendron are recorded from here as the
sanctuary is known for its unique abundance of Rhododendron
trees and plants. April and May sees the entire valley
flourishing with a riot of Colour with blooming flowers.
Permit from the Forest Department is a must. |
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| The Kanchendzonga
National Park |
| The Kanchendzonga
National Park (KNP) is situated in the North of Sikkim,
with total 850 sq. kms. The area of the park has spectacular
wilderness with one of the highest mountain peaks towering
, virtually above the undisturbed forest range. There
are many glaciers in the park area. Zemu Glacier is the
longest |
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| and most awesome. The lofty Mt. Kanchendzonga
(8585 m) which defines 'Abode of Gods consisting of five Treasure
Houses' including the five peaks are Narshing, Pandim, Simvo,
Kabru & Siniolchu. The most beautiful amongst these peaks
are Mt. Pandim, Mt. Narshing and Mt. Siniolchu which exist in
the park area. The forest wilderness in the national park forms
the main attraction in the KNP which attracts nature & adventure
lovers from all over the world. The fauna of the state consists
of almost 550 species of birds many are to be found in huge
numbers in the KNP like Blood Pheasants, Satyr Tragopan, Osprey,
Himalayan griffon, Lammergeier, snow pigeon, Impeyan phesants,
sunbirds & eagles. |
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Himalayan
Larch,In the park area is the famous Snow Leopard (Panthera
Uncia) which holds the leading position. The other best
known animals are Clouded Leopard, himalayan black bear,
Red panda, Blue Sheep , Musk deer, Himalayan thar, Lesser
Cats, Tibetan wolf, Serow, Great Tibetan sheep. The |
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| trekking spot that falls under the KNP
are Dzongri - Thangshing-Gochala-Chaurigang (Khanchendzonga
Base Camp), Green Lake-Jakthang-Yabuk etc. |
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| Gurudongmar Lake |
| Gurudongmar
Lake.The highest lake is the Gurudongmar in North Sikim
5,370 m (17,600 feet). The way to Gurudongmar seems almost
surreal with the road going between two high ranges you
will know what was in store for u only later. The journey
is above the treeline the only visible vegetation is scrawny
scrubs covered with snow…the vehicle will |
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be mostly in first gear enroute, you
will witness the breathtaking views of the high ranges as you
move onwards. Military barrage will do the clearance you have
to be lucky for the road to be in workable clear conditions,
get prepared for the sight that will greet .A little beyond
and above the checkpost, the road takes a curve and puts on
an absolutely desolate barren windswept lunar Plateau with high
mountains looming in the distance.The Diesel system has a crystallization
point of -25C and the diesel may start freezing if temperature
falls, also the oxygen here is very thin.Expect Killer Winds,
The picturesque view turns out to be absolutely wonderful.
The landscape here looked like a queer mix of Antarctica, Central
Asia and the surface of the moon. The frozen lake with the backdrop
of the twin Gurudongmar peaks in the backdrop is breathtaking,
Some parts of the lake do not freeze as a blessing by Guru Padmasambhava
and if you are lucky you may expect a glance at rare Brahmini
ducks swimming on the waters. They live at altitudes where no
vegetation survives @ 17,600 feet almost on top of the world
with no-one around for miles. Further to Gurudongmar lake there
is a Trek up to Tso-Lhamu, another lake just 7kms away (18000
feet !) Return journey to Thangu takes less time as the road
is downhill every year in Thangu Valley An annual Yak race takes
place once in summer. |
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Sikkim Travel |
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