Sikkim is a perfect destination for adventure lovers with its verdant green cover with thick forests and snow-capped peaks. Sikkim, unlike Ladakh, is an area which received heavy rainfall with waterfalls and streams at every turn. It is unrivaled in its collection of flora and fauna with exotic birds and butterfly species. Sikkim is home to around 5,000 species of flowering plants, 515 rare orchids, 60 primula species, 36 rhododendron species, 11 oak varieties, 23 bamboo varieties, 6 conifer species, 362 types of ferns and ferns allies, 8 tree ferns, and over 424 medicinal plants. A variant of the Poinsettia, locally known as "Christmas Flower", can be found in abundance in the mountainous state. The Noble Dendrobium is the official flower of Sikkim, while the rhododendron is the state tree.
The fauna of Sikkim include the snow leopard,[60] musk deer,Himalayan tahr, red panda, Himalayan marmot, Himalayan serow,Himalayan goral, muntjac, common langur, Asian black bear,clouded leopard,[61] marbled cat, leopard cat,[62] dhole, Tibetan wolf, hog badger, binturong, and Himalayan jungle cat. Among the animals more commonly found in the alpine zone are yaks, mainly reared for their milk, meat, and as a beast of burden.
The avifauna of Sikkim include the Impeyan pheasant, crimson horned pheasant, snow partridge, Tibetan Snowcock, bearded vulture and griffon vulture, as well as golden eagles, quails, plovers, woodcocks, sandpipers, pigeons, Old World flycatchers, babblers and robins. Sikkim has more than 550 species of birds, some of which have been declared endangered.
The awesome presence of the great Himalaya thrusting its snowy peaks deciphers the strength of its bulging muscles to reach this towering height and also its vulnerability to change. No less than 14 such peaks soar majestically to 20,000 ft. plus. The center of attraction, of course, remain the Kanchenjunga. There are many peaks like Kabru, Yokhum, Ratong, which gives us some breathtaking view of natural beauty.
The trek to Goechala falls under the Kanchenjunga National Park. The trek follows a pictorial route lush with flora and fauna leading on to the bushes and grasses in the higher reaches and plain rocky landscape above the treeline.
Reckoned to be one of the most romantic treks in India, Goecha La is an unforgettable trek for many trekkers. This easy trek begins from the mesmerizing Yuksam and covers destinations like Bakkhim and Phedang and runs through Oak forests that are mostly festooned with rhododendron, magnolia pine and maple. The trek is often tagged as the paradise for trekkers because of its impeccable beauty. The view of Mt. Pandim, Thangsing River and Mt. Kanchanjunga makes it one of the best trekking trails in Sikkim. The walk through the Tshoka rhododendron forests along with the blue water of Samiti Lake and the sprawling meadows in Thangsing are the highlights of this trek. When you walk through the icy trail that finally leads to Goecha La, there is no better feeling than that! The trail covers destinations like Yuksom, Sachen, Tshoka, Phedang, Dzongri, Kokchurang, Thangsing and Lamune.
For more details, contact leaders: Mahesh Kadam – 9892831479 or Sandeep Chougaonkar - 9967722556 |
