Adventure · Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary
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 fit walkers who want a proper forest climb and, on clear days, mountain views, within a day of Gangtok.
Photo: Dibyendu Ash · CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Tinjure is the highest point of Fambong Lho, at about 2,749 m. The route up climbs steadily through oak, magnolia, rhododendron and bamboo, with the forest becoming cooler and more open near the ridge. Above the log house there are no settlements, just forest, so you must be self-sufficient for the day.
Expect a long day of 7–9 hours with substantial climbing, depending on where you start and the route your guide chooses. On clear days in October to December, the upper ridge gives views over the forest towards the Kangchenjunga range. Parts of the ridge are still recovering from the major fire of February 2017.
Go only with a local guide and forest permission, and start early to be off the ridge before afternoon cloud. Carry plenty of water, food, a warm layer, a rain jacket, a headtorch and a basic first-aid kit. This walk is not suitable in the monsoon or after heavy rain.
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Questions travellers ask
Before you book
How high is Tinjure in Fambong Lho?
Tinjure is the highest point of Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary, at about 2,749 m (9,019 ft). The sanctuary's lowest areas are around 1,524 m. The walk up involves a long, steady climb through several forest types, so it suits fit, experienced walkers.
Is the Tinjure walk suitable for beginners?
Not really. It is a long day with substantial climbing on forest paths, little shelter and no shops or settlements on the upper section. Beginners should try the shorter forest day hike first. Fit walkers with some hill experience will enjoy it with a guide.
What happened in the 2017 Fambong Lho fire?
On 4 February 2017, a major forest fire broke out on Tinjure ridge inside the sanctuary. It took several days to control, and 18 helicopters were sent to help douse it. Parts of the ridge are still recovering.
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