Template:Infobox protected area Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary in East Sikkim, India. It is situated around the area adjoining the Tsomgo (Changu) lake along the Nathula Road. Located about Template:Convert east of Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, this sanctuary covers an area of about Template:Convert, and extends from the "15th Mile" police check point up to and along the ridges bordering the Rong Chu Valley and Lake Tsomgo.
Rich in both flora and fauna, rare, endangered ground orchids and rhododendrons interspersed among tall junipers and taller silver firs are among the important plants present.[1] Rhododendron niveum (the State Tree of Sikkim) and Cypripedium tibeticum (the ground slipper orchid), which is on the verge of extinction, have also been introduced here.
Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary is part of the Sacred Himalayan Landscape.[2][3]
The best time to visit the sanctuary is in May, June, October and November, when the climate is pleasant, dry and warm.[4]
References
- ↑ Evaluating high-altitude Ramsar wetlands in the Sikkim Eastern Himalayas. Global Ecology and Conservation({Template:Date).
- ↑ Conservation Biology in Asia{{#if:|, {{{last}}}}. Nepal Society for Conservation Biology, Asia Section and Resources Himalaya Foundation(2006). ISBN 99946-996-9-5
- ↑ Integrating ethnobiological knowledge into biodiversity conservation in the Eastern Himalayas. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine({Template:Date).
- ↑ Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary Sikkim | Wildlife Tourism Sikkim. www.tourmyindia.com. Retrieved 2021-06-10.
- Ecodestination of India-Sikkim Chapter. Envis Centre Sikkim(2006-06-04). Retrieved 2006-12-01.