Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary - History, Timings & Entry Fee

At a distance of 20 km from Gangtok SNT Bus Station, Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife reserve located in the East Sikkim district of the state of Sikkim in India. It is one of the famous wildlife sanctuaries in Sikkim and among the best Gangtok Tourist Places.

At an altitude ranging between 1524 to 2749 m, Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary was established in the year 1984. It spreads over an area of about 52 sq. km above the road between Singtam and Dikchu. Recognized as an extension of Khangchendzonga National Park, the sanctuary comprises few small hamlets including Dikchu, Pangthang, and Mangan. It is maintained by the State Forest Department of Sikkim.

The Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary houses a variety of flora and fauna. The sanctuary is very rich in natural vegetation and comprises of various dense forests of katus, oak, champ, kimbu, ferns and bamboo. One can also find here various numbers of rhododendrons, mosses, orchids and lycopodium. Due to varied type of landscape, the sanctuary makes an appropriate place for several species of birds and butterflies. Some of the commonly sighted birds in the forest include Black Eagle, Maroon Oriole, Yellow billed Blue Magpie, Satyr Tragopan, Kalij Pheasant, Owl, Green Pigeon, Collared Broadbill, Nepal Tree Creeper, Titmice, Brown Wood Owl etc. The sanctuary is also rich in animals like red panda, barking deer, yellow-throated marten, and Himalayan brown bear.

Bird watching is the most exciting activity in Fambong Lho. There have been various towers being built in the forest for visitors to acquire the best view of colorful birds and animals. The sanctuary also offers some ideal trekking trails for adventure lovers. There are four jungle trails inside this sanctuary. If tourists want to explore the beauty of these jungles, then they will have to hire a trail guide or forest guide. Visitors who want to closely experience the wilderness of the forest can find their accommodation in the neighboring log house at Golitar or Tumin at an affordable tariff. Visitors need to obtain stay permit and carry their foods including lunch, dinner, snacks as there are no shops or restaurants.

The best time to visit the sanctuary is from April to July, when the rhododendrons are in full bloom and the sanctuary turns into a riot of colors. Permission is required from the Forest Department for National as well as Foreign Tourists.

Timings: 8 AM to 3 PM

Entry Fee: Rs.5 per person

Log House Cost: Rs. 50 for person per night