Sikkim

We take a closer look at some of the birding sites of Sikkim:

1. Pelling & Pemayangste Monastery, Khecheopalri & Yuksom : At an altitude of 2100m above sea level, these are well wooded temperate forests with plenty of waterfalls and lakes providing a variety of birds.

2. Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary : At an altitude of 2500m above sea level, these forests are thick with Oak & Rhodendron dominating the landscape.

3. Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary : In the Southwest corner of Sikkim, at around 3000m above sea level, lies a Wildlife Sanctuary with treasures for a birdwatcher. These beautiful Rhododendron forests are surrounded by Important Bird Areas, creating a microcosm of habitat where the ecosystem yet thrives. Majestic views of the Kanchendzonga mountains soothe the eye from here on clear days. The vegetation is a combination of Sub-Tropical Moist Deciduous Forests, Wet Temperate Forest with Bamboo, Sub-alpine forest & beautiful Alpine Meadows with bird species which inhabit the area across these landscapes.

4. Lachen, Thangu, Gurudogmar Lake & Tso Lhamo Lake : In the Northern part of Sikkim lie Sub-tropical broad leaf forests, Bamboo clusters, Sub-alpine to Alpine Rhodendron and culminating in the Trans Himalayan plateaus – this birding area is a key birding area of the India and the world with several rare birds and even more rare mammals occurring in this biodiversity hotspot. Altitude commences from 2700m heading upto 5500m above sea-level covering bird and mammal species across the spectrum.