Kyongnosla Alpine sanctuary is situated at a distance of about 30 km from Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim. The sanctuary is located in the vicinity of the Tsomgo Lake, a popular tourist spot. It is also known as Tsongmo or Changgu Lake. It forms a natural border with Tibet and Bhutan towards the north-east. The sanctuary was established in the year 1977.

Flora
Forest covers: Subtropical Broadleaf Hill Forest and Alpine Moist Pasture.
Medicinal plants: Kutki, Nilo Bikh, Jatamasi, etc.
Other species of flora: rhododendron, primulas, silver fir, Cypripedium tibeticum, rare panax, orchid, wild strawberries, gentians, Rhododendron nevium (Sikkim’s state tree).

Fauna
Himalayan Marmot, Himalayan Black Bear, Red Panda, Leopard, Yellow throated Martens Weasel, Musk Deer, etc.

Avian Fauna
Laughing Thrushes, Satyr Tragopan, Redbilled Choughs, Snow Partridges, Sunbirds, Monal Pheasant, Forktails, etc

Getting There
It is about one and a half hours drive from Gangtok to Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary. The sanctuary falls on the route towards Nathula and Tsongmo Lake.

Tourist Information
There are no accommodation facilities within the sanctuary. The visitors can halt at certain points while driving towards Nathula and Tsongmo Lake to have a glimpse of the sanctuary. Proper accommodation facilities are available at Gangtok.
No pets and littering are allowed inside the forest. The Kyongnosla sanctuary is trekkers’ delight. It has several undulating topography that are ideal for trekking. One can have a spectacular view of Mt. Norsing and Mt. Pandim (towards the south) and Kanchenjunga peak (in the west) from the Kyongnosla sanctuary. Kyongnosla waterfall is also located near the sanctuary.

Additional information
Location: Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary, East Sikkim district, Sikkim
Area: 31 sq km
Altitude: 3292 to 4116 meters above sea level
Ideal time to visit: October to November
Timings: 8.00 am to 6.00 pm (subject to change)
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