Kanchenjunga Conservation Area

Kanchenjunga Conservation Area belt lies below Mt., Kanchenjunga; the region with its alpine grasslands, rocky outcrops, low river valleys, temperate and sub¬tropical forests is situated in Tapiejung district that borders with the Tibetian Autonomous Region of China. The KCA has been selected as one of the 200 Global eco regions recognized by World Wildlife Fund, Ten species among Nepal's 20 indigenous gymnosperms and 15 among Nepal's 28 endemic flowering plants are Found in this region. In addition, almost 30 varieties of rhododendron species and 69 varieties of orchids are found here. The area is splashed with colors every spring with wild displays of rhododendrons, orchids, lilies, primula and other flowers. Wildlife includes endangered snow leopard, Himalaya n black bear, musk deer, red panda, blue sheep and rhesus macaw. About 202 species of different birds including Impheyan pheasant, red-billed blue magpie, shydrongo are found in the area. The region •can be reached via Basantapur in Dhankuta district or Birtamod in Jhapa district. The area can also be reached through Dharan, which is 40 kilometers north from Biratnagar, Yet another option is to fly to Biratnagar and then to Sukhetar in Tapiejung district from where the region can be trekked. Tourist facilities are available in Dharan, Dhankuta and Biratnagar.