About Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary
Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected Himalayan sanctuary in Pakyong District, Sikkim, near Rongli town at the tri-junction of Sikkim, West Bengal and Bhutan. Notified in 2002 and covering about 128 sq km from 900m to 4,100m altitude, it forms a contiguous forest corridor with Neora Valley National Park and Bhutan forests. It is notable for red panda, Himalayan black bear, rhododendron forests, high-altitude lakes and rich birdlife.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect dense temperate and alpine forests, rhododendron groves, high-altitude lakes such as Jore Pokhari, and rugged Himalayan terrain with steep trails. The sanctuary offers wildlife viewing and birdwatching opportunities, forest check posts, and trekking routes through pristine wilderness. Views of surrounding valleys and on clear days the Kanchenjunga range can be seen. Access is controlled and exploration is typically done with a registered guide on designated trails.
Key highlights
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Contiguous transboundary forest corridor linking Neora Valley National Park and Bhutan forests
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Important habitat for red panda, Himalayan black bear, goral and leopard cat
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Rich birdlife with over 130 recorded species including blood pheasant and satyr tragopan
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High-altitude lakes including Jore Pokhari and extensive rhododendron forests
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Trekking and nature photography in pristine Eastern Himalayan landscape
History of Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary
Notified as a Wildlife Sanctuary in 2002 by the Government of Sikkim, Pangolakha was established to protect the high-altitude Eastern Himalayan ecosystem and serves as a critical corridor connecting Neora Valley National Park in West Bengal with forests in Bhutan, forming part of the larger Kangchenjunga landscape conservation area.
Route
| By air | Nearest airport is Pakyong Airport (PYG) near Gangtok; Bagdogra Airport (IXB) near Siliguri is the major airport commonly used, then road to Rongli |
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