Nature · Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary
Rhododendrons and magnolias in spring
A gentle spring walk in the middle forest of Fambong Lho, when magnolias and rhododendrons flower and orchids open on the tree trunks. The most colourful time to visit, and an easy add-on to a Gangtok stay in March or April.
Photo: Paulmathi Vinod · CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Spring arrives in Fambong Lho from mid-March. The white and pink flowers of magnolia trees show first against the still-bare canopy, followed by rhododendrons in red and pink higher up. Lower down, epiphytic orchids bloom on mossy trunks. Birds are in full song, and the forest is at its most alive.
This walk keeps to the middle forest, with modest climbing and plenty of time to stop and photograph. Your guide will point out trees, orchids and birds. Afternoon cloud and showers become common from late April, so start early and plan to be back at the car by early afternoon.
Flowering times shift with the year by a week or two, and with altitude. If you miss the peak in Fambong Lho, the higher Kyongnosla forest on the Tsomgo road flowers later, usually from mid-April to late May. Do not pick flowers or collect orchids; it is illegal in the sanctuary.
Good for
Questions travellers ask
Before you book
When do magnolias flower in Fambong Lho?
Usually from mid-March to early April in the middle forest, often before the trees come into leaf. Rhododendrons follow from late March into May, higher up. Timing varies with the year. Ask us for recent reports before you plan a spring walk.
Is the spring walk in Fambong Lho easy?
It is one of the easier ways into the sanctuary: a few hours with modest climbing on forest paths, at a gentle pace. Paths can still be uneven and muddy after rain, so wear shoes with grip. Older children and active seniors usually manage well.
Can we see orchids in Fambong Lho?
Yes. Epiphytic orchids grow on trees in the lower and middle forest and flower mainly in spring and early summer. Your guide can help spot them. Collecting orchids is illegal in the sanctuary; buy licensed plants from nurseries in Gangtok if you want one.
Also in Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary
More hours worth planning
Nature
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 …
Wildlife and birds
Birding morning in Fambong Lho
An early start with a local bird guide in one of the best forest birding sites near Gangtok. Mixed flocks of minlas, …
Adventure
Climb towards Tinjure ridge
A longer, harder walk up through Fambong Lho to the area of Tinjure, at about 2,749 m the sanctuary's highest point. For …
Price your own route
Tell us dates, people and budget. We send a day-by-day plan with every cost shown. StartNot sure where to start?
We match districts to your month, your budget and the people travelling with you. StartAsk the Gangtok desk
An itemised quote within one working day. No payment to start. StartGet my price
Tell us your dates and your budget
Who is travelling, when, and roughly what you want to spend. The Gangtok desk replies within one working day with a day-by-day plan and an itemised price.
- No payment to start
- Permits handled through registered partners
- Every hotel, car and fee listed