Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary, covering 31-sq.km land, lies at altitudes of 3200 meters to 4200 meters. It is situated 30 km away from Gangtok. The views of Khangchendzonga peak are awesome. To the south lies Mount Norsing and Mount Pandim making the picture complete. While the altitudes of the sanctuary may be physically challenging, the breathtaking sights of the snow-clad mountains elevate your spirits to a different plane. Trekkers frequent this part of the world for the challenge it offers and nature lovers adore this sanctuary for its limitless beauty.
The sanctuary has a rich variety of alpine flowers namely rhododendron, poppies, primulas and magnolias. It is rich in endemic flora of Himalayan ranges. Plants with medicinal properties abound here. The lower altitudes are dense with bamboos, which is home to red Panda and other wild animals. Some of the animals found in the sanctuary include snow leopard, mountain goat, musk deer, Himalayan black bear and many more. The waterfalls and the streams attract a great deal of birds including blood pheasants, warblers, tree-creepers, and minlas and so on. Some other birds found here include snow partridges, laughing thrushes, rose finches and redstarts. Black eagle and kestrel are some of the birds that fly around for prey.
Flowers are in full bloom between March and August. They are feast to your senses with their stunning range of colors. July is the wettest month here. If you love to have clear view of mountains, visit Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary between November and May, as the sky is clear during these months.
