Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary

Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected forest area located near Pangthang, about 20 km from Gangtok in East Sikkim. Covering about 51.76 sq km between 1,524 and 2,749 meters elevation, it was notified in 1984. The sanctuary protects Eastern Himalayan temperate forests with oak, rhododendron and bamboo, and is known for Himalayan black bear, red panda, civets and diverse birds, offering trekking and nature viewing near Gangtok.

Visitors can expect a dense temperate Himalayan forest with oak, pine, rhododendron and bamboo, spread across steep hills between 1,524m and 2,749m. The sanctuary has marked nature trails, viewpoints including Golitar and Tinjurey, watchtowers and a forest rest house. Wildlife sightings may include Himalayan black bear, red panda, barking deer, civets and over 200 bird species. The experience is primarily trekking, birdwatching and nature photography in a quiet forest setting near Gangtok.

Notified as a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1984 by the Government of Sikkim, covering 51.76 sq km in East Sikkim district. Established to conserve the Eastern Himalayan temperate forest ecosystem and its fauna, including Himalayan black bear, red panda and leopard cat, and to protect the watershed forests near Gangtok.

Located in the cultural landscape of East Sikkim inhabited by Lepcha, Bhutia and Nepali communities, the forests are traditionally respected and form part of the natural heritage around Gangtok, close to Buddhist monasteries and villages that reflect Sikkimese culture.