Imagine walking amidst sprawling fields of blooming rhododendrons with birds soaring in the sky and a weather so pleasant that you wish it just stayed that way forever. Sounds beautiful, right? Well, then experience it right here at the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary in Sikkim.
Located in Yumthang Valley and surrounded by the Himalayas, Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary is home to over 40 stunning species of rhododendrons spread over an area of 43 sq. kms. It’s a sight to behold during the spring season as the sanctuary turns into a riot of colours with rhododendron flowers and trees blooming all over.
That’s not it! Spot different species of birds like Wood Snipe, Hoary-Throated Barwing chirping high up in the sky, a wide variety of shrubs, plants and trees (Potentillas, Saxifrages, Primulas, Aconites, Poppies, Gentians and many more), the breathtaking Chuba-Sagochen and Chomzomei Tso ranges on the east and west of the sanctuary respectively and the pristine Chu river flowing through the valley.
Book a trip during spring (ideally the best time to visit) if you wish to see rhododendrons in full bloom but let us tell you that the sanctuary looks just as stunning (if not more!) during the winter season thanks to the heavy snowfall that the valley receives.
It’s nothing short of paradise for photographers, courtesy the beautiful rhododendrons, meadows, flowers, birds and the mountains. We’d totally recommend trekking to the sanctuary through the Yumthang Valley for an experience of a lifetime. Feast your eyes on picturesque views of the valley, river and the majestic Himalayan ranges.
