Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary UPSC
Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary is a protected area located in the Indian state of Sikkim. It is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, rich biodiversity, and its role in conservation efforts.
The sanctuary is situated at high altitudes, with elevations ranging from 3,292 meters (10,800 feet) to 4,116 meters (13,504 feet) above sea level.
The sanctuary is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The sanctuary is known for its diverse and lush vegetation. It features subtropical broadleaved hill forests, temperate mixed coniferous forests, and alpine moist pastures. Rhododendrons, primroses, poppies, and various wildflowers, including some rare and endangered species, can be found here.
Apart from its conservation significance, the sanctuary is a popular tourist destination. Visitors can enjoy trekking, bird-watching, and taking in the scenic beauty of the high-altitude landscapes. The Tsomgo Lake, also known as Changu Lake, is a prominent attraction within the sanctuary.
The best time to visit Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary is during the months of April to August and October to November when the weather is relatively pleasant, and the flora and fauna are at their best.
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Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary Location
Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary is located in East Sikkim of Sikkim, India. It is situated approximately 31 kilometers (19 miles) to the east of Gangtok, which is the capital of Sikkim.
The sanctuary is situated along the Nathula Road and is known for its picturesque surroundings and high-altitude landscapes.
Additionally, the sanctuary is adjacent to the Tsomgo (Changu) Lake, which is another popular tourist attraction in the region.
Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary Nearest Airport:
The nearest airport to Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary is Bagdogra Airport, which is located in the neighboring state of West Bengal. Bagdogra Airport is approximately 124 kilometers (about 77 miles) away from Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. From Bagdogra Airport, you can reach Gangtok by road, and from Gangtok, you can make arrangements for transportation to Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary.
Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary Nearest Railway Station:
Sikkim does not have its own railway station, so there is no direct railway station in Sikkim. The nearest major railway station to Sikkim is New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) in Siliguri, West Bengal. NJP is a major railway junction and is well-connected to various parts of India. It is approximately 120 kilometers (about 75 miles) from Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. From NJP Railway Station, you can proceed to Gangtok by road, and from Gangtok, you can make arrangements to visit Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary.
Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary History
Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary has a history closely tied to the region's conservation efforts and its recognition as a protected area. Here is an overview of its history:
Establishment as a Sanctuary: Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary was officially established on August 29, 1984, when the government of Sikkim issued a notification designating it as a protected area under the Wildlife Protection Act of India, 1972. This designation aimed to conserve the unique flora and fauna of the region.
Conservation Significance: The sanctuary was created to protect the fragile ecosystems of the high-altitude Himalayan region, which includes alpine meadows, coniferous forests, and diverse flora and fauna. It was recognized for its importance in preserving the natural heritage of Sikkim.
Tourism: Over the years, Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary has also gained popularity as a tourist destination due to its stunning landscapes, high-altitude lakes, and opportunities for trekking and wildlife viewing. The nearby Tsomgo (Changu) Lake is a major attraction within the sanctuary.
Location Near International Border: Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary's proximity to the international border with China (Tibet) has made it strategically important and required special permits for visitors, especially foreigners, due to its sensitive location.
Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary Area
The Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary covers an area of approximately 31 square kilometers (12 square miles). The sanctuary's diverse landscapes range from subtropical broadleaved hill forests to temperate mixed coniferous forests and alpine meadows, making it an ecologically significant area for conservation and research.
Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary Lake
One of the prominent features of the Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary is the Tsomgo Lake, also known as Changu Lake. This high-altitude lake is located within the sanctuary's boundaries and is one of the major attractions in the region. Here are some key details about Tsomgo Lake:
Location: Tsomgo Lake is situated within the Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary in East Sikkim, India. It is approximately 31 kilometers (19 miles) to the east of Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim.
Altitude: The lake is located at an elevation of about 3,753 meters (12,313 feet) above sea level, making it one of the highest and most picturesque lakes in the Eastern Himalayas.
Scenic Beauty: Tsomgo Lake is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, surrounded by rugged mountains and high hills. The lake's crystal-clear waters reflect the surrounding landscape, creating a breathtaking setting.
Tourist Attraction: The lake is a popular tourist destination and is often visited by travelers who come to enjoy its serene environment, take photographs, and go for short walks around its shores. It's also a stopover point for those traveling to the Nathu La Pass, which is a high-altitude pass connecting India and Tibet.
Religious Significance: Tsomgo Lake holds religious significance for the local Sikkimese people, and it is often associated with traditional rituals and ceremonies. It is considered sacred by both Hindus and Buddhists.
Frozen in Winter: During the winter months, Tsomgo Lake often freezes due to its high altitude and extremely low temperatures. This frozen landscape adds to its unique charm.
Access: To visit Tsomgo Lake, travelers typically need to obtain permits, especially foreigners, due to its proximity to the international border with China (Tibet). Visitors can reach the lake by road from Gangtok, and it's a popular day-trip destination from the capital city.
Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary Flora
The Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary is renowned for its diverse and unique flora, which thrives in its high-altitude Himalayan ecosystems. Here are some of the notable flora species that can be found in the sanctuary:
Rhododendrons: The sanctuary is known for its stunning display of rhododendrons, including various species such as Rhododendron arboreum, Rhododendron niveum, and others. These vibrant and colorful flowers add to the sanctuary's visual appeal, especially during the flowering season.
Primroses: Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary is home to several species of primroses, including Primula spp. These delicate and brightly colored flowers are a common sight in the sanctuary's meadows and forest clearings.
Poppies: Various species of poppies, including Himalayan blue poppy (Meconopsis spp.), can be found in the sanctuary. The Himalayan blue poppy, in particular, is a striking and rare flower known for its distinctive blue hue.
Wildflowers: The sanctuary supports a wide variety of wildflowers, which carpet the alpine meadows and forest understories. These include a range of species like Aconites, Potentilla, Aster, and Iris.
Ground Orchids: Ground orchids are another feature of the sanctuary's flora. These beautiful and intricate orchids add to the sanctuary's biodiversity and floral richness.
Silver Fir and Juniper: In the temperate mixed coniferous forests of the sanctuary, you can find trees such as silver fir (Abies spectabilis) and juniper (Juniperus spp.), which contribute to the forest ecosystem.
Rare and Endangered Species: Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary is known for harboring certain rare and endangered plant species. For example, Cypripedium tibeticum, also known as the Ground Slipper Orchid, is on the verge of extinction and has been introduced to the sanctuary for conservation purposes.
Alpine Grasses: High-altitude meadows within the sanctuary are covered with a variety of alpine grasses, which provide important forage for wildlife and domesticated animals.
Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary Fauna (Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary Animals)
What animals are in the Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary?
The Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary is known for its diverse and unique fauna. The sanctuary's high-altitude Himalayan ecosystems provide habitat for various species of animals, including some rare and endangered ones.
Here are some of the notable fauna species that can be found in the Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary:
Mammals:
- Musk Deer
- Red Panda
- Asiatic Black Bear
- Mainland Serow
- Himalayan Goral
- Himalayan Marmot
- Takin
- Yellow-Throated Marten
- Mouse-Hare
- Siberian Weasel
- Red or Hill Fox
Birds:
- Blood Pheasant
- Himalayan Monal
- Satyr Tragopan
- Himalayan Snowfinch
- Wood Snipe
- Snow Pigeon
- Fire-tailed Sunbird
- Gold-naped Black Finch
- Golden Eagle
- Greater Spotted Eagle
- Brown-headed Gull
- Pallas's Fish-Eagle
- Himalayan Griffon
- Snow Partridge
- Rosy Pipit
- Alpine Accentor
- Plain-backed Thrush
- Kessler's Thrush
- Wallcreeper
- Hodgson's Mountain-Finch
Reptiles:
- Sikkim Keelback
- Himalayan Pit Viper
- Common Skink
Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary UPSC Questions
Q. What is the altitude of Kyongnosla?
A. The Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary is situated at varying altitudes within the East Himalayan region of Sikkim, India. The sanctuary encompasses a range of elevations due to its diverse topography, which includes hills, meadows, forests, and high-altitude lakes. The altitude within the sanctuary can vary from approximately 3,000 meters (9,800 feet) to over 4,000 meters (13,100 feet) above sea level.
Q. What is Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary famous for?
A. The Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary in Sikkim, India, is famous for several reasons:
(i) Rich Biodiversity: The sanctuary is renowned for its diverse and unique flora and fauna. It is home to a variety of plant and animal species, including rare and endangered ones, making it a hotspot for biodiversity in the Eastern Himalayas.
(ii) Red Panda Habitat: Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary is known for being a habitat for the endangered red panda (Ailurus fulgens). This charismatic mammal, with its distinctive red fur, is a highlight of the sanctuary and a species of conservation concern.
(iii) Tsomgo Lake: The sanctuary is home to Tsomgo Lake, also known as Changu Lake, which is one of the most picturesque and high-altitude lakes in the region. The stunning natural beauty of the lake and its surroundings makes it a popular tourist destination.
(iv) Birdwatching: The sanctuary boasts over 230 species of birds, making it a birdwatcher's paradise. Bird enthusiasts visit the sanctuary to spot a variety of avian species, including the state bird of Sikkim, the blood pheasant.
(vii) Scenic Landscapes: The sanctuary's landscapes include alpine meadows, dense forests, steep cliffs, and snowbound areas. The picturesque scenery and panoramic views of the Eastern Himalayas attract nature lovers and photographers.
(viii) Cultural Significance: The region holds cultural and religious significance for the local Sikkimese people, with traditional rituals and ceremonies often associated with the natural features of the sanctuary.
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