Sal forests cover 70% of the area and there are about 600 species of plants and are home to the only significant number of one-horned rhinos and other endangered species like the Royal Bengal Tiger, the Gangetic Dolphins and the Gharial Crocodile. There are altogether over 43 species of large mammals, 526 species of birds, 150 different types of butterflies, 126 species of fish and 49 species of reptiles.

Mountaineering & White River Rafting

This area is specially suited for mountaineering and trekking and these along with pilgrimage tours are the main tourist attractions. Waterfalls, lakes and the Tamur River offer opportunities for white water rafting. The Milke Jajale ridge forms the border between Kanchenjunga and Terathum and this area is known for its biological diversity including the world’s largest natural rhododendron forest with the highest number of rhododendron species for any place in the world.

Flora & Fauna

Juniper and Himalayan Larch can be found in the forests in this area. With more than 1200 species of flowering plants, Kanchenjunga is also rich in wildlife including the snow leopard, red panda, Himalayan musk deer and the Himalayan black bear.

Ancient Gompas

The richness of the cultural heritage of Kanchenjunga is reflected in the Buddhist gompas such as the 400 year old Diki Chhyoling gompa of Olangchung Gola which houses a life size Avalokiteshwara and has a butter lamp continuously burning since its construction. 12 prayer wheels outside the gompa spin as a small stream flows by.

Pathibhara Temple

Pathibhara temple in Tapethoc VDC (19kms from Kanchenjunga) is revered by both Hindus and Buddhists. Pathibhara lies at an altitude of 3794 metres. An animist deity, it is believed that the devotee’s desires will be fulfilled with a sacrifice at the temple. The Pathibhara pilgrimage takes only three to four days with the best time to visit being March to June and September to November. Spectacular Kanchenjunga Range can also be observed.