Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary

Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary is located at a distance of 31 km from Gangtok. Situated on the way to the Tsomgo Lake, this sanctuary ranges from altitudes between 3,292 and 4,116 metre. Due to variance in altitude, the sanctuary boasts a wide variety of flora and fauna.

This sanctuary comprises flora of rare and endangered species, which include tall juniper, ground orchid, rhododendron and silver fir. In addition, the sanctuary is also a home to different species of irises, wild strawberries, poppies, primulas, orchids, gentians, rare panax and rhododendron.

Medicinal plants such as Nilo bikh' (Aconitun Ferox), 'Kutki' (Picrorhiza Scrophulariflora) and 'Jatamasi' (Nardostachs Graandiflora) can also be found in this sanctuary. Before the arrival of winter, the first snowfall in the region is anticipated by Polygonum, which is the last flower that blooms. Owing to the presence of dense bushes of bamboos, the place is a perfect home for Red Panda.

Besides flora, fauna existing in this sanctuary is also in plenty, owing to variance in altitude. Some of the species of animals that are found in this sanctuary include Serow, Musk Deer, Goral, Himalayan Black Bear, Blood Pheasant, Leopard, Lesser Cats and Himalayan Marmot. In addition, the sanctuary is also home to Satyr Tragopan, Common Langur, Tibetan Fox, Martens Weasel and Impeyan Pheasant.

Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary is also a home to wide avifauna, which includes Monal Pheasant, Tragopan, Rose Finches, Redbilled Choughs, Forktails, Satyr and Laughing Thrushes. Some of the other species found in this sanctuary are Redstarts, Blackwinged Kite, Kestrel, Blood Pheasant, Firetailed Sunbirds, Lammergeier and Griffon vulture.

The best time to visit this sanctuary extends from the months between April to August and from October to November.