Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary

Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary covers 51 sq km about 30 km west of Gangtok and adjoins Khangchendzonga National Park. Managed by the state forest department, it rises from 1,524 m to 2,749 m, with Tinjure as its highest point and Chuli hamlet at its top; streams flowing through it feed the Teesta and Dikchu rivers. Its habitats range from subtropical broadleaf and pine forest to subalpine conifers and alpine scrub.

Lying where the Palearctic and Indomalayan realms meet, the sanctuary holds a wide range of mammals and birds. Barking deer, yellow-throated martens, Himalayan brown bears and red pandas are seen regularly, Himalayan striped squirrels and Royle's pikas are common, and takin, red fox and musk deer live higher up. Birds include the satyr tragopan, hill partridge, fire-tailed myzornis, scaly laughingthrush and red-headed bullfinch, and the rufous-headed hornbill has been recorded. In February 2017 a large fire on Tinjurey Ridge took several days and 18 helicopters to put out.