|
About Khangchendzonga
National Park
Th e
Khangchendzonga National Park, now named as Biosphere reserve in
Sikkim may be aptly called the haven of prized Musk Deer, elusive Snow
Leopard and the shy Himalayan Tahr, the Shapi of Sikkim. The National
Park occupies a place at the apex amongst the high altitude National
Parks in the country and is endowed with one of the most magnificent
high altitude ecosystems in the world. The Park which has an elevation
of 1829 m to over 8550 m.
above mean sea level was commissioned on 26th August, 1977
having considered the floral, faunal, ecological, geomorphologic
importance and the wildlife potentiality of the area. This park which
also came into existence through the generosity of heart and purse of
idealists who having realised the beauties and ecstasy of the region,
is probably the largest biologically intact continuous tract of
mountainous land with valleys of lush green forests, meadows, alpine
lands reserved primarily for the conservation of its native wildlife.
It nestles a luxuriant flora and galaxy of magnificent fauna of rare
varieties. There lies the primitive wilderness, natural lakes,
tumbling tributary streams, flowered fields and imposing canyon. The
snow-cum-cloud spangled mountains and peaks encircling the Park and a
few falling inside it rear their majestic heads high with all the
magnificent fauna of their own- a community of distinctive animals as
if singled out by nature to withstand the acute intensity of cold for
mountain living. The National Park's untapped potentiality is far
beyond the ken of knowledge of many a man which needs to be tapped
with the drill of intelligence and austere devotion.
Permits and
Routes
Yuksom in West Sikkim which is connected by vehicular road is fast
developing into a take off point for mountaineers and trekkers. The
trek routes from Yuksom are :
-
Bakim - Dzongri -
Thangshing - Samuteng - Goechala
-
Dzongri Base Camp -
Rathong - Khangerteng
-
Thangshing - Lam
Pokhari - Kasturi Orar - Lapdong - Tashiding (Road Head).
T hese
places in the Khangchendzonga National Park are generally included in
their itineraries in West Sikkim. Dzongri which is two days trekking
from Yuksom is the nearest place of tourist interest. These are
unrestricted areas. Indian nationals do not require any permit to
visit unrestricted areas in Sikkim but for those places which are
inside the National Park and Sanctuaries, permission of the State
Chief Wildlife is required and this can be obtained on payment of
entry fees. Mountaineers and trekkers conducting expeditions in the
above areas or in that part of the region may obtain permit on payment
of fees from the Check Post or Wildlife Education and Interpretation
Centre at Yuksom. Foreign nationals in a group of four or more are
permitted to trek to Dzongri on the basis of their visas through
conducted tours. State Tourism Department and Travel Agents organise
treks to this park of the region. Similarly, another areas which
epitomizes the trekkers for their unique experience is the Green Lake
in the Khangchendzonga National Park in North Sikkim. Lachen, a
village connected by vehicular road is the take off point for trekkers
and mountaineers for Green fake which takes four to six days to reach
there through treacherous route. The traditional route of mountaineers
is Lucanes Jakchen-Yabuk-Rest Camp (Marco Polo Camp) - Green Lake .
Another detour traverse but murderous route is Lachen-Thasngu
(13,695') Muguthang (16,000') - Thay La (17,000') - Khyoksa La
(18,000') Rest Camp-Green Lake. Green 1,ake area is again is again
developing into a take off point for mountaineering expeditions to the
peaks of the surrounding area. Areas beyond Chungthang towards Lachen,
Green Lake are prohibited areas. Foreign nationals would require a
restricted area permit from the Ministry of Home Affairs. Government
of India, Delhi to visit areas in this part of the region. Indian
nationals are required to obtain an Inner-Line Permit from the State
Home Department. Permission of the State Chief Wildlife Warden is also
mandatory since the areas beyond Lachen towards Green Lake are in the
Khangchendzonga National Park. Travel Agents can help organize
trekking and mountaineering expeditions to this part of the region.
Permission and
Fees
In accordance with the provisions of the principal Wildlife
(Protection) Act. 1972. and Wildlife Rules made there on the Chief
Wildlife Warden who is the authority to implement the Act and the
Rules in the State grants permission to visitors intending to visit
the National Park and Sanctuaries for the purpose of studying
wildlife, photography, scientific research, tourism and for the
transaction of lawful business on payment of prescribed fees.
Mountaineers, trekkers, Photographers and other visitors entering the
National Park would require to pay. |
