Neora Valley National Park National Park

Website: http://www.sikkimforest.gov.in/ (state forest department pages)

Admission: INR 25-100 (approx.) for entry to park areas; permits and guide fees may apply for treks

Neora Valley National Park is a protected area in the eastern Himalaya focused on preserving montane broadleaf and cloud-forest ecosystems. The park safeguards a diversity of Himalayan flora and fauna, including species associated with high-elevation forest habitats such as the red panda and numerous specialized birds.

Trails in the park traverse dense rhododendron stands, bamboo patches and mixed evergreen forest, offering multi-day trekking routes and wildlife-watching opportunities. The protected area was designated in the late 20th century and covers an area of approximately 88 square kilometres to conserve its intact highland habitats.

The park lies in the foothills of the Himalaya in the broader region of Sikkim and neighbouring ranges, accessible via roadheads used by trekkers and researchers visiting the reserve.

• Biodiversity importance: Established as a protected area to conserve Eastern Himalayan broadleaf and cloud-forest habitats and noted for sightings of red panda and several high-elevation bird species.
• Size and designation: Covers roughly 88 square kilometres and was designated a protected park in the 1980s to safeguard its montane forest ecosystems.

The park is reached from the Sikkim side via Kalimpong or the state capital Gangtok. The common approach is to travel by road to Jorepokhri or Rishi Khola and then hike in with a licensed guide; local transport and trekking permits are required and often arranged in advance.

• Hire a forest guide in advance from Gangtok or local Sikkim villages - trails are steep and conditions change quickly.
• Early morning offers the best chance for wildlife sightings, including red pandas and clouded leopards (rare).
• Bring proper rain gear and warm layers even in summer; the park's elevation changes mean temperature swings.