Fambong Lho is a 51 sq km wildlife sanctuary of broadleaf and conifer forest on the ridge west of Gangtok, rising from about 1,524 m to 2,749 m at Tinjure. Set up in 1984, it is the nearest big forest to the capital for birding and day hikes. Visit with a guide and forest permission.
Best months
March–May and October–December
Nights we suggest
Day trip from Gangtok
From Gangtok
≈ 25–30 km · 1–1.5 h
Altitude
≈ 1,524–2,749 m
Known for
Birding, broadleaf forest, Tinjure ridge, red panda habitat
Permit
Forest department permission and entry fee; guide advised
Fambong Lho covers about 51 sq km of forested ridge on the far side of the Ranka valley from Gangtok, roughly 25–30 km away by road. It was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1984. The altitude runs from about 1,524 m to 2,749 m at Tinjure, the highest point, and streams from its slopes drain to the Teesta and the Dikchu river.
The forest changes with height: subtropical broadleaf trees lower down, then oak, magnolia, rhododendron and bamboo, and conifers near the ridge. The sanctuary is known for birds, with records of the satyr tragopan, fire-tailed myzornis, minlas, barwings, scimitar babblers and even a rare hornbill. Mammals include barking deer, yellow-throated marten, red panda and Royle's pika.
Visitors come for day walks and birding rather than sightseeing. There is a forest log house inside the sanctuary, and trails lead up towards Tinjure ridge. You need forest department permission and, in practice, a local guide who knows the paths. March to May brings flowering rhododendrons and magnolias; October to December gives clear views.
Highlights
What to see and do
Birding close to the capital
Within about an hour of Gangtok, Fambong Lho's mixed forest holds minlas, barwings, laughingthrushes, scimitar babblers, the satyr tragopan and, with luck, the fire-tailed myzornis. Early mornings from October to May are best. A local bird guide doubles your sightings.
Tinjure ridge
The highest point of the sanctuary, at about 2,749 m, Tinjure gives views over the forest towards the Kangchenjunga range on clear days. Trails climb steadily through oak, rhododendron and bamboo. Parts of the ridge are still recovering from the 2017 fire.
Spring flowers in the forest
From March to May, rhododendrons and magnolias flower through the middle and upper forest, and orchids bloom on the trunks lower down. It is the most colourful time to walk, though afternoon showers start in May.
The forest log house
A forest department log house stands inside the sanctuary, a base for walks deeper into the forest. Beyond it, the trail climbs through uninhabited forest towards the ridge. Ask us about current arrangements, as access and bookings are managed by the forest department.
Red panda country
Bamboo thickets in the upper forest are red panda habitat, and forest records note the animal here, along with barking deer, yellow-throated martens and Royle's pikas. Sightings of the panda are rare; go with low expectations and a quiet group.
The story of Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary
A forest at the meeting of two worlds
Fambong Lho sits where two of the great biological realms meet: the Palearctic of temperate Asia and the Indomalayan of the tropics. Within a few kilometres of trail you climb from forest that feels almost subtropical, with ferns and broadleaf evergreens, into cool oak, magnolia and rhododendron, then conifers on the ridge. The sanctuary's Wikipedia entry and Sikkim forest department material list five ecoregions, from subtropical grassland to sub-alpine conifer forest, inside an area smaller than many city districts. That mix is why birders value it: species of the warm valleys and of the high forest overlap here, close enough to Gangtok for a morning trip. The forest is not untouched. On 4 February 2017 a major fire broke out on Tinjure ridge, and helicopters spent several days dropping water before it was brought under control. Parts of the ridge are still recovering.
Source: Wikipedia: Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary; Sikkim Forest Department
Little known
Things most visitors never hear
Fambong Lho was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1984 and covers about 51 sq km, from 1,524 m to 2,749 m at Tinjure.
Source: Wikipedia: Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary
In February 2017 a fire on Tinjure ridge inside the sanctuary burned for several days; 18 helicopters were sent to help put it out.
Source: Wikipedia: Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary
Birders have recorded a rare hornbill and the fire-tailed myzornis in Fambong Lho, both prized species in the eastern Himalaya.
Source: Wikipedia: Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary
Experiences
Hours worth planning in Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary
There is no regular shared transport into the sanctuary. Shared jeeps run from Gangtok towards Ranka and Rumtek, but you would still need to walk or hire a car to reach the trailhead. For a day hike, a reserved car is far more practical.
Private car
A reserved small car from Gangtok to the sanctuary edge and back costs about ₹2,500–3,500 for the day, including waiting time. The drive of 25–30 km on the Ranka side takes 1–1.5 hours. We arrange forest permission and a local guide in advance.
From Bagdogra / NJP
Fambong Lho is a day trip from Gangtok. From Bagdogra or NJP, allow 4–5 hours to Gangtok on NH10, which closes in the monsoon, then visit on a later day. Check current status before you travel.
Permits in East Sikkim
Indian travellers need no permit for Gangtok, Rumtek, Lingdum, Martam or Sang. Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir need a protected-area permit through a registered agent, usually filed the day before with ID and photos. Nathu La is for Indian nationals only, about ₹200 per person, usually Wednesday to Sunday. Cho La opened to domestic tourists in September 2025 on limited, escorted trips. Foreigners need the Sikkim restricted area permit, applied online on the e-FRRO portal, and may visit Tsomgo on a one-day pass in a group of two or more. Sikkim also charges a ₹50 tourist fee at hotels. Check current status before you travel.
Most visitors stay in Gangtok and go for the day. The Hidden Forest Retreat at Sichey, with its orchid nursery and birdlife, suits nature lovers; Netuk House on Tibet Road is a characterful base; Mintokling Guest House and Hotel Sonam Delek suit budgets. For a quieter base on the same side of the valley, Martam village homestays are about an hour away beyond Rumtek. Overnight stays inside the sanctuary depend on forest department arrangements; ask us.
It lies on the forested ridge west of Gangtok, across the Ranka valley, about 25–30 km by road and 1–1.5 hours away. It covers about 51 sq km, from 1,524 m to 2,749 m at Tinjure, and is managed by the Sikkim Forest Department.
Do we need a permit for Fambong Lho?
You need permission from the Sikkim Forest Department and pay a small entry fee. No protected-area permit like Tsomgo's is required for Indians. Foreigners with the Sikkim Restricted Area Permit can usually visit. We arrange permission and a guide in advance. Check current status before you travel.
What animals live in Fambong Lho?
Recorded mammals include barking deer, yellow-throated marten, red panda, Himalayan striped squirrel and Royle's pika, with musk deer and red fox higher up. Birds are the main attraction, including the satyr tragopan, minlas and laughingthrushes. Mammal sightings are uncommon.
Is Fambong Lho good for families?
For families who enjoy walking, yes. Short forest walks with a guide suit children over about eight. The longer climb to Tinjure is not suitable for young children. There are no cafés or toilets inside, so carry everything you need and plan to be out for half a day.
What is the best time to visit Fambong Lho?
March to May for flowers and birdsong, October to December for clear weather and views. January and February are cold but often clear. June to September is monsoon: leeches, slippery paths and heavy rain make walking difficult, and we usually suggest other options.
How much does a Fambong Lho trip cost?
Expect about ₹2,500–3,500 for a reserved small car from Gangtok for the day, ₹2,000–3,500 for a local guide, and a small sanctuary entry fee. A packed lunch adds ₹200–400 per person. Prices are indicative and vary with season and route.
Can we stay overnight in Fambong Lho?
A forest log house exists inside the sanctuary, managed by the forest department. Availability and booking rules change, so ask us before you plan an overnight stay. Most visitors stay in Gangtok or at a Martam homestay and visit for the day.
Is Fambong Lho the same as Fambong La?
Yes. The sanctuary's name appears in several spellings, including Fambong Lho, Fambong La and Fambonglho. All refer to the same 51 sq km wildlife sanctuary west of Gangtok. Its Wikipedia article and most government material use Fambong Lho.
Can we see red pandas in Fambong Lho?
Red pandas live in the upper bamboo forest, but they are shy and rarely seen. Treat a sighting as a lucky bonus. For a certain view, visit the Himalayan Zoological Park at Bulbuley in Gangtok, which keeps red pandas in large forested enclosures.
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