Nature · Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary
Day hike through Fambong Lho forest
A guided day walk through Fambong Lho's layers of forest, from broadleaf trees and ferns into oak, magnolia, rhododendron and bamboo. Steady climbing, birdsong and almost no other walkers, about an hour from Gangtok.
Photo: Dibyendu Ash · CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
We start early from Gangtok and drive about 25–30 km to the sanctuary edge on the Ranka side. With a local guide and forest permission, the walk follows forest paths uphill. Lower down, the trees are broadleaf evergreens hung with ferns, mosses and orchids; higher up, the forest turns to oak, magnolia, rhododendron and stands of bamboo.
The pace is gentle, with plenty of stops for birds, plants and views. A typical day covers 8–12 km with 500–800 m of climbing, depending on the route your guide chooses and the season. Packed lunch is eaten in a clearing or near the forest log house. Paths can be muddy and steep in places.
From March to May, rhododendrons and magnolias flower; from October to December the air is clearest. In the monsoon, leeches and slippery paths make walking hard, and we usually suggest other options. Carry water, rain gear and warm layers, as the upper forest is several degrees colder than Gangtok.
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Questions travellers ask
Before you book
How difficult is the Fambong Lho day hike?
It is moderate: about 8–12 km with 500–800 m of climbing, on forest paths that can be steep, rooty and muddy. Reasonably fit walkers, including active older children and seniors, manage it at a gentle pace. Good shoes with grip and a walking pole help on descents.
Do we need a guide for Fambong Lho?
Yes. Trails inside the sanctuary are not signposted, branch frequently and pass through dense forest. A local guide keeps you on track, arranges forest permission and spots birds and wildlife you would miss. Expect about ₹2,000–3,500 for a day.
Are there leeches in Fambong Lho?
Yes, from about May to September, especially after rain. Wear leech socks or tuck trousers into socks, and carry salt or a lighter to remove leeches. They are harmless but unpleasant. From October to April, leeches are rare and walking is much more comfortable.
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