This one-day trek from/to Bamboo Retreat Hotel takes you into the Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary, with its pristine jungle and stunning views of Kanchenjunga and other Himalayan giants.
The Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of 52 square kilometers. The famous Rumtek Monastery is located on the southeastern border of the reserve. The snow-capped mountain ranges of Kanchenjunga are clearly visible from the starting point of the trek, in the northwestern part of the reserve.
In the morning, we drive to the trekking starting point at about 2,100 meters above sea level in Golitar. From there, we begin a varied hike through the rich jungle and changing vegetation to a viewpoint, our destination for the day. At around 2,300 meters, weather permitting, we will enjoy a breathtaking view of Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Narsing, Mt. Tenzingkhang, and Mt. Jupono.
Along the way, we will experience a diverse range of vegetation. The main vegetation of the forest we hike through includes oaks, Quercus sp. (Nepali: Katus), Castanopsis sp. (Nepali: Champ), Michelia sp. (Nepali: Kawlo), Machilus sp. (Nepali: Kimbu), Morus sp. (Mulberry trees), dense bamboo forests, numerous fern species, and a solitary Tsuga dumosa fir tree in Tinjure. Additionally, tree ferns like Cyathea sp., Rhododendron arboreum, mixed with Lyonia ovalifolia (Nepali: Angeri), are found here. The sanctuary also houses a large number of wild orchids, mosses, and Lycopodium sp.
This diverse vegetation provides a habitat for a wide variety of wildlife, including the Goral, Muntjak, Himalayan Black Bear, Red Panda, Weasel, Marten, Leopard Cat, Jungle Cat, Marble Cat, Large Indian Civet, Palm Civet, and Sloth Bear.
Bird species found here include pheasants such as the Satyr Tragopan and Kalij Pheasant, quails, Brown Wood Owl, Collared Scops Owl, Yellow-billed Blue Magpie, Black Eagle, Green Pigeon, Long-tailed Parakeet, Yellow-bridled Sunbird, Collared Grosbeak, Brown Oriole, Orange-bellied Chloropsis, Red-tailed Minla, Nepal Treecreeper, Oriental White-eye, Laughing Thrush, and Tits.
Duration: 6 – 9 hours (3 hours driving; hiking: 3 – 6 hours depending on fitness and route)
Best time to visit: December to April
Included in the price:
- Transfer in Toyota Innova or similar vehicle with experienced driver
- Trekking permit and entry to the sanctuary, with the accompaniment of a wildlife ranger or guide
- English-speaking local guide
- Packed lunch, snacks, hot tea, and drinking water
- First aid kit
Optional extension with overnight stay: We can also offer this trek as a two-day trekking tour, including an overnight stay in a forest house above the village of Tumin.
Price on request: Varies depending on the number of participants and season
