Pangolakha: Sikkim's Gateway to Himalayan Wilderness

The Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary is the largest wildlife sanctuary in Sikkim. It is regarded as an important hotspot for biodiversity of high altitude Himalayan range.

What is Pangolakha?

The Pangalokha Wildlife Sanctuary is situated at the tri-junction of Sikkim, Bengal, and Bhutan. The Pangolakha range in the east separates Sikkim from Bhutan.

Where is it?

Pangolakha is linked to Neora Valley National Park of West Bengal, forests of Samtse and Haa district in Bhutan.

Connectivity

Pangolakha is home to various rare species, including red pandas, snow leopards, Himalayan musk deer, goral, and black bears.

Biodiversity

Pangolakha features high-altitude lakes which are a treat to visit. The area also including Lake Tsongmo, a biodiversity hotspot for migratory birds.

Lakes

Major rivers like Rangpo and Jaldhaka originate from nearby lakes within the sanctuary and play a crucial role in the ecosystem.

Rivers

While tigers are not considered a staple at Pangolakha, sightings of a tiger in the sanctuary has been reported through two images captured by camera traps laid by the forest officials in 2018.

Tiger sightings