Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary

Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary covers 124 sq km of Pakyong district in Sikkim and takes in the hamlets of Aritar, Lingtam, Phadamchen, Dzuluk, Gnathang and Kupup. Set up in 2002, it lies about 28 km east of Rorathang and 40 km by road from Rangpo, and ranges in height from 1,760 m to 4,390 m. The Pangolakha range on its east forms the border with Bhutan, and to the south patches of forest connect it to West Bengal's Neora Valley National Park.

High lakes such as Tsongmo draw migratory birds, and the Rangpo and Jaldhaka rivers rise from lakes in the sanctuary; northern streams freeze from December to March. Lying where the Palearctic and Indomalayan realms meet, it holds a wide range of species. Birds include kalij and blood pheasants, several laughingthrushes, minlas, yuhinas and the brown dipper, along with rarities such as the speckled wood pigeon and bay woodpecker. Eco-development committees work in villages including Zuluk and Gnathang.