Wildlife and Birds You’ll See in Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek

The Kanchenjunga Conservation Area is in the far Eastern part of Nepal, sharing boundaries with Sikkim and Tibet. Due to this mixture of altitudes and climates, Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek Wildlife has a great diversity.

Particularly rare mammals and birds of the Himalayas, which are not easily found in Nepal. Primarily subtropical lowlands but also including alpine highlands above 5,000 meters, it spans an area of more than 2,035 square kilometers.

You will also hike through thick forests, alpine meadows and high-altitude ridgelines, which harbour some of the rarest animals and bird species on the earth.

As a wildlife lover, birder or trekker, this trek will give you a rare opportunity to experience nature as it is and unadulterated. 

Mammals in Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek 

Kanchenjunga is a place of abundant rare and interesting mammals. These creatures, which include the elusive snow leopard and the timid red panda. 

They occupy various altitudes and habitats along the trail. That is what makes them so exciting and a wonder to behold towards the end of your journey.

Snow Leopard

A legendary animal is the snow leopard that dwells in the high Himalayas. The snow leopard is a rare large cat that survives in the alpine and subalpine areas.

Typically, at an elevation of over 3,500 meters, it includes the areas of Lhonak Valley and Pangpema, which are located near the Kanchenjunga Base Camp.

The wild sheep and goats are hunted by the snow leopard, usually during the morning time or evening when they are most active.

The best time to see them is in late autumn (October-November) and in early spring (March-April), when clear skies and abundant prey are observed.

Red Panda

The red pandas stay in the dense and cool bamboo forests, which are between 2,200 and 3,500 meters. Along the hike, the regions between Gyabla and Amjilosa are the perfect habitat for these elusive mammals who live in trees.

They come out more in the early morning and evenings, especially during spring and autumn when bamboo shoots are fresh.

Himalayan Black Bear

The Himalayan black bear stays within the mixed broadleaf forests at mid-elevations (2,000 meters to 3,800 meters), such as areas around Chirwa, Sekathum, and Amjilosa. These bears feed on fruits, insects and small animals.

Although they are usually nocturnal, you can easily find one early in the morning or late afternoon in spring and summer.  

Musk Deer

The musk deer inhabits the woods at elevations between 2,500 and 3,500 meters near Ghunsa and Sele La Pass. At night or in the morning, these deer are shy and ordinarily undertake activities in their vicinity. 

Himalayan Goral Great and Blue Sheep

Himalayan Goral inhabits rocky forested slopes of 2,000-3200 meters. Whereas blue sheep occur on grassy alpine slopes with cliffs, particularly the Lhonak and Pang Pema areas above 3,000 meters.

They are both sources of food for the snow leopard, and it is wonderful to see them.

Himalayan Wolf

Himalayan wolves are very few, and they can be found in the highlands of Kanchenjunga. Especially in those areas that are not frequently visited. 

Those areas that are occupied by alpine regions that have altitudes that are more than 4000 meters. They attack wild sheep and smaller mammals, but they can avoid human contact. 

Birds in Kanchenjunga Region

Kanchenjunga region is the heaven to bird watching fauna, and it has more than 250 species of it. Forests, rivers, and alpine zones are rich habitats for a great number of very colourful and rare birds. 

Satyr Tragopan

Bright red and blue feathered pheasant are commonly found on rhododendron forests around Gyabla, Amjilosa and Ghunsa at a range of 2,500 to 4,000 meters. Males ought to be observed in their colourful mating displays in spring (April-May).

Blood Pheasant

Blood pheasants occur only above 3,000 meters at Lhonak and Pangpema and are shy, exotic-looking birds with rusty red plumage. When they are the most visible, they are in autumn and early mornings. 

Himalayan Monal

The Himalayan Monal is the national bird of Nepal that is available at an altitude of 3,000-4,500 meters, especially around Sele La and Ghunsa. Trekkers particularly love it because of its glossy, multi-coloured feathers. 

Other Birds

Other popular species are the Spotted Nutcracker, Rufous-gorged Flycatcher, Fire-tailed Sunbird and White-throated Tit. 

You can also find various warblers, finches and woodpeckers along riverbanks and forest boundaries in Sekathum and Amjilosa regions.

Reptiles and Amphibians

The amphibians and reptiles in Kanchenjunga might not be the most outstanding. But they also have their own specifics and are more suitable to the cool climate and altitude changes in that area. 

These animals live unobtrusively in forests, running water, and rocky terrains, making the ecosystem complete. 

Himalayan Pit Viper

This poisonous snake inhabits the temperate forests at an altitude of 1,800-2,800 metres, particularly in between Chirwa and Amjilosa.

It is like dwelling in rocks, leaf litter, and fallen logs. The viper usually becomes active during spring and early summer, mainly after rains, when it feeds on small rodents and amphibians.

Mountain Frogs and Toads

Several frogs and toads will be found in the vicinities of streams or ponds and the damp forest floor, at 1,500 to 2,800 metres, notably around Ghunsa and Gyabla.

They are easier to hear but not seen because their calls fill the air during the monsoon season (July to September). These frogs contribute significantly to the local ecology in that they regulate the insect population.

Himalaya Agama Rock

A tiny, multi-coloured lizard that climbs onto sunny rocks and walls at middle altitudes of 2,000 to 3,000 meters.

Himalayan rock agama is a warm-weather animal that is active in spring and summer. It lives principally on insects and is commonly observed to be running swiftly among rocks.

Snake Mountain

This non-venomous snake lives in cooler climates and appears around streams and moist forest areas, 2,000-3,000 meters. Mountain keelback is timid and diurnal, preying on small amphibians and insects.

Himalayan Tree Frog

A small species of frog’s dwell in forests and water bodies, which are in altitudes of between 2,000 and 2,800 meters.

The Himalayan tree frog is also nocturnal and sings loudly during monsoons, which fill the night of the forest with sounds.

Insects and Butterflies

The Kanchenjunga region bursts into life during spring and monsoon seasons when the forests and meadows become colourful with a variety of insects and butterflies.

Many species of butterflies, such as the Common Peacock, Red Admiral, Indian Tortoiseshell, and the rare Blue Apollo, flutter through flowering areas between 1,200 and 2,800 meters, especially near places like Chirwa, Amjilosa, and Gyabla.

Along with butterflies, you may also notice beetles, fireflies, dragonflies, and various moths around streams and dense vegetation.

These insects play an important role in pollination and are a vital part of the local ecosystem, adding charm and vibrancy to the trekking experience.

Best Time for Wildlife Spotting and Birdwatching

March to May and September to November are the most suitable seasons to observe the wildlife and to birdwatch on the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek.

Springtime is mild, and most animals and birds get busy, particularly in mating periods.

Some birds, such as Satyr Tragopan and Himalayan Monal, are more visible because they show their colourful feathers.

The autumn also provides clear skies and better visibility chances of finding elusive wildlife, such as snow leopards, at even higher altitudes.

The monsoon, with its greenery and multitude of insects, amphibians and reptiles, is also a better trek time, however.

To get the maximum wildlife experiences, begin hikes either early in the morning or late in the afternoon when most animals and birds are going about, and you will always need to go quietly such that you do not scare them.

Facts about Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Flora Fauna 

• Kanchenjunga Conservation Area was formally announced on the Jestha 27, 2054 BS (June 10, 1997). 
• The area has15 species of gymnosperms, 28 Indigenous flowering plants, 30 species of rhododendron, and 69 species of medicinal plants such as Sunakhari.
• There are more than 15 species of mammals, including snow leopard, red panda, Himalayan black bear, musk deer, goral, and blue sheep.
• Conservation is leading to a population boost of the red pandas in the Region.
• A wildlife research center aimed at researching rare animals such as snow leopards and red pandas is set up within the Kanchenjunga base to hold some form of research.
• Approximately 13-21 snow leopards occur within the Olangchungola, Yangma, Khambachen, Ronalk, and Cheram regions of the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area.

Similar Post You May Like: 6 Most Beautiful Conservation Areas of Nepal

Tips for Visiting Wildlife in Kanchenjunga Area

• The best times to see wildlife are Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November). 
• Bring Binoculars and a telephoto camera lens to have improved views
• Do not make excessive noise; walk slowly to have a greater chance of sighting.
• You should always use marked trails to stay safe and to preserve wildlife habitats, too.
• It is a good idea to hire a local nature guide who knows the area and animals.

Author

Himalayan Masters

Himalayan Masters has been established by travel and trekking experts with several years of experience. Our consultants have travelled extensively and have in-depth knowledge of the region you will be traveling in.