Birding at Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary (ii) | Padamchen / Phadamchen, Zuluk / Dzuluk, Gnathang / Nathang

This is the place bounded between Bedang Tso or Bedang lake and Nathu La complex of North-east Sikkim. The total area that falls under upper Pangolakha region can be segmented broadly into five different regions based on human habitat.

• Nimachen - Nimachen is a small hamlet after Lingtam on Old-Silk Route at an altitude of 6000 ft. The famous Keokhola falls which mixes with Rangpo river below passes through this area. This place is at a distance of 4 Km from Lingtam.

• Padamchen (or Phadamchen) - Padamchen, is a small hamlet in the old silk route, at a distance of 5.5 Km from Nimachen, which has 60 families and a small school along the northern slope of the hill. Entire population in this hamlet is as many as 300 as of 2014. Altitude of Padamchen is around 7000 ft and mostly covered by temperate broadleaf forests with thick undergrowth vegetation.

• Zuluk (or Dzuluk) - Zuluk has an army cantonment set up along side a very small human population. Stay options in Zuluk are homestays only. This place is at an altitude of 9000 ft and mostly covered by pines and steppe grassland. Few places have isolated forest patch due to ease of army surveillance. The main attraction of this area is the zigzag road. On clear days one can see the magnificence of mighty Kanchenjunga from a nearby Tambi viewpoint. This place is at a distance of 10 Km from Padamchen. Few areas in Zuluk are restricted for photographers, since those areas lie under army surveillance. From Padamchen to the highest point at Zuluk, one will cover more than 5000 ft within an hour car drive. All credits go to the magnificent zig-zag road architecture by BRO.

Zuluk Zig-Zag Road | Photographed during birding tour of May '14 | GoingWild

• Gnathang Valley - Gnathang valley, in one word, is a heaven! As soon as you cross Laxman Chowk, you will notice that vegetation in most of the places are covered by rocky outcrops, rhododendron shrubbies, steppe grassland and high-altitude marsh land. Gnathang Valley is at a distance of 22Km from Zuluk but lies above the snowline, ice shield covers this place for almost four months. When monsoon takes over lower regions, snow blisters and hail storm would take place in this area during that period. Altitude of Gnathang Valley is around 14000 ft and oxygen level is also lower by 1/3rd than that of plains. Since this place is a must visit for high altitude birders, GoingWild mentors will assist you for your successful birding trip in this cold desert climate.

Gnathang Valley | Photographed during birding tour of May '14 | GoingWild

• Kupup - Kupup is the last bordering village in Old-Silk Route at an altitude of 14200 ft and at a distance of 18 Km from Gnathang Valley. Jelep La pass (now in China) and Bhutan hills are within one's visible range. Though few places have restricted access for photographers, most of the places are so beautiful, that, it will be a memory to cherish all over your life. 

For birding and bird photography, this place is truly a heaven in East Sikkim.

Click here >> Bird list consisting of 91 Birds.

Below are the 6 Key birds that has been photographed in this area in the month of May '14:-

Himalayan Monal

Snow Pigeon

Red-billed Chough

Fire-tailed Myzornis

Golden-naped Finch

Dark-breasted Rosefinch

Other Helpful Information:

1. Where to Stay: Stay options are very limited. Arrangements are made in prior notice only. On twin and triple sharing basis home stays are arranged for enthusiasts by GoingWild.
2. Best time to visit: Try to avoid this place in the months of monsoon, otherwise it is a premium location for rest eight months. Early November to late May is the best time for birding and bird photography.
3. Point of Contact: Send a mail to support@goingwild.in
   One can also reach to +91-9681417974 or +91-8017804277 or +91-9163631493 for guided birding all over the Old-Silk Route. Arrangement for clean and subtle home stays, dedicated car for entire birding trip along with a naturalist-cum-birder are done by GoingWild.