The park supports a rich diversity of wildlife including several endangered species. Notable mammals include the snow leopard, red panda, Himalayan tahr, blue sheep, and Himalayan black bear. The park is also home to over 550 species of birds, including the magnificent Himalayan monal, blood pheasant, and various birds of prey. Several species of butterflies, including the rare Kaiser-i-hind, inhabit the park. The region's isolation and varied habitats have helped preserve numerous rare and endemic species that are threatened elsewhere in their range.
The park hosts an exceptional diversity of plant life across its various ecological zones. The vegetation ranges from subtropical broadleaf and conifer forests at lower elevations to alpine meadows and perpetual snow at higher altitudes. Notable species include rare orchids, rhododendrons (over 40 species), primulas, and medicinal plants like Aconitum and Nardostachys. The park is home to over 1,500 species of vascular plants, with many being endemic to the region. Temperate forests feature oak, maple, and magnolia, while higher regions showcase unique alpine vegetation adapted to extreme conditions.
The park showcases dramatic geological features shaped by glacial action and tectonic forces. It encompasses diverse landscapes including deep valleys, glaciers, lakes, and towering peaks of the Eastern Himalayas. The region's geology is characterized by high-grade metamorphic rocks, including gneisses and schists, formed during the Himalayan orogeny. Notable glaciers include Zemu Glacier, the largest in Eastern Himalayas. The park's terrain ranges from subtropical valleys to perpetually snow-covered mountains, creating unique microclimates and ecological zones.
Khangchendzonga National Park, established in 1977, is deeply intertwined with Sikkimese culture and Buddhist traditions. The park and its surrounding areas have been considered sacred by the indigenous Lepcha people for centuries. It was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016, becoming India's first 'Mixed Heritage' site, recognized for both its natural and cultural significance. The park's name comes from Mount Khangchendzonga, the world's third-highest peak, which has been worshipped by local communities as their guardian deity since ancient times.
Mount Khangchendzonga (8,586m), the world's third-highest peak, dominates the park's landscape and is considered sacred by local communities. The park features numerous high-altitude lakes, including Green Lake and Samiti Lake, which are of both ecological and cultural significance. The ancient Silk Route passed through parts of what is now the park, leaving behind historical traces. Sacred caves, ancient monasteries, and religious sites dot the landscape, reflecting the deep cultural connections between the local communities and their natural environment. The park also contains important pilgrimage routes and offers stunning views of the entire Khangchendzonga range.
The park experiences diverse climatic conditions due to its dramatic elevation range (1,220m to 8,586m). Summers (May-September) are mild at lower elevations but remain cold at higher altitudes, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 20°C. Winters (October-April) are severe, with temperatures dropping well below freezing at higher elevations and snowfall being common. The monsoon season (June-September) brings heavy rainfall, making many trails impassable. The best time to visit is during spring (March-May) and autumn (October-November) when the weather is relatively stable and views are clearest.
India
27.5830°, 88.1670°
1977
1784
Khangchendzonga National Park is centered around Mount Khangchendzonga, the third-highest peak in the world. The park features a unique diversity of plains, valleys, lakes, glaciers and spectacular snow-capped mountains. It hosts numerous rare and endangered species including the snow leopard, Himalayan tahr, and red panda.