Home | INFORMATION | Tiger Reserves | Other National Parks | Wildlife Sanctuaries | Bird Sanctuaries | Elephant Reserves | Endangered Species
Shingba Rhododendron Wildlife Sanctuary
Introduction
Shingba Rhododendron Wildlife Sanctuary is a premier protected wildlife reserve located in Sikkim, safeguarding rare bio-regions and indigenous forest species.
Quick Facts
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| State | Sikkim |
| Districts | Forest Division of Sikkim |
| Year of Notification | 1978 (Wildlife Protection Act) |
| Total Area | 245.50 sq km |
| Landscape | Sub-alpine temperate broadleaf forest, oak-rhododendron woods, Himalayan fir ridges, alpine Bugyals, and mountain gorges. |
| Major Rivers & Waterbodies | Teesta River, Rangeet River, Lachen River, Lachung River |
| Nearest Airport | Pakyong Airport Gangtok (PYG) / Bagdogra International Airport (IXB) – 30 to 105 km |
| Nearest Railway Station | New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) – 105 to 135 km |
| Best Time to Visit | October to April |
Location
The wildlife sanctuary lies in the Forest Division of Sikkim region of Sikkim. Well connected via state highways and district road networks in Sikkim.
History
Notified as a Wildlife Sanctuary under the Indian Wildlife Protection Act to conserve native wildlife corridors, watersheds, and forest ecosystems in Sikkim.
Landscape, Geography & Habitat
Covering an exact area of 245.50 sq km, the sanctuary’s terrain features Sub-alpine temperate broadleaf forest, oak-rhododendron woods, Himalayan fir ridges, alpine Bugyals, and mountain gorges.
Flora
Dominant vegetation and floral species include: Banj Oak (Quercus leucotrichophora), Brown Oak (Quercus semecarpifolia), Rhododendron arboreum, Bhojpatra (Betula utilis), Deodar Cedar (Cedrus deodara), Chir Pine (Pinus roxburghii)..
Fauna
The sanctuary harbors a diverse array of mammalian, reptilian, and avian wildlife:
- Primary Mammals: Himalayan Musk Deer, Snow Leopard, Himalayan Brown Bear, Himalayan Black Bear, Bharal (Blue Sheep), Himalayan Tahr, Serow, Goral, Barking Deer, Red Fox, Yellow-throated Marten.
- Predators & Carnivores: Snow Leopard, Indian Leopard, Himalayan Brown Bear, Himalayan Black Bear, Red Fox, Yellow-throated Marten.
- Herbivores & Ungulates: Himalayan Musk Deer, Bharal (Blue Sheep), Himalayan Tahr, Serow, Goral, Barking Deer.
- Reptiles & Amphibians: Himalayan Pit Viper, Rock Agama, Mountain Skink, Bamboo Viper.
Other Wild Animals & Avifauna
- Resident Woodland Birds: Himalayan Monal (State Bird), Koklass Pheasant, Cheer Pheasant, Snow Partridge, Golden Eagle, Bearded Vulture (Lammergeier), Kalij Pheasant.
- Raptors & Owls: Golden Eagle, Bearded Vulture (Lammergeier), Himalayan Griffon Vulture, Mountain Hawk-Eagle.
- Migratory Species: Wallcreeper, Grandala, Snow Finch, Rosefinch, Altai Accentor.
Rivers & Water Bodies
The lifeline of Shingba Rhododendron Wildlife Sanctuary is sustained by: Teesta River, Rangeet River, Lachen River, Lachung River.
Other Attractions
Major nearby tourist attractions and historic viewpoints include: Nathula Pass, Tsomgo Lake, Rumtek Monastery, Gurudongmar Lake.
Weather & Climate
Subtropical climate with pleasant winters (12°C to 26°C) and warm summers (24°C to 38°C).
How to Reach
- Nearest Airport: Pakyong Airport Gangtok (PYG) / Bagdogra International Airport (IXB) – 30 to 105 km
- Nearest Railway Station: New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) – 105 to 135 km
- Road Connectivity: Well connected via state highways and district road networks in Sikkim.
Best Time to Visit
The optimal season for visiting Shingba Rhododendron Wildlife Sanctuary is from October to April.
Accommodation
Forest Rest Houses and State Tourism eco-lodges near Forest Division of Sikkim.. Advance booking through official portals is recommended.
Conservation Highlights
Key conservation zone protecting native wildlife corridors and forest watersheds in Sikkim.
Visitor Tips
Obtain necessary entry permits from the local forest division office prior to visiting.
Did You Know?
- Official protected Wildlife Sanctuary in Sikkim notified under Indian wildlife conservation acts.
- Preserves key wildlife species including Himalayan Musk Deer and native avifauna.
- Covers an exact area of 245.50 sq km along the Teesta River watershed.
Last Updated: August 2026