Equally as diverse are the peoples of Yuksam, Bhutia, Lepcha, and various Nepali ethnic peoples reside in scattered villages, practicing centuries old traditions and speaking languages including Nepali, Hindi, English, Bhutia, Lepcha and Limbu.

The rich forests also harbor abundant wildlife. With the increase in movement of people and the spread of farming settlements, wildlife sighting have become less  frequent, yet with careful observation the following animals and birds can be seen within the Park: deer, bear, squirrels, civet cat, wild cat, rabbits, langurs, tahr, goral, Red Panda, mongoose, pheasants, partridges, magpies, and jungle cocks. In addition there are a number of rare and endangered species including the red panda and snow leopard. Tourists are requested to avoid disturbing wildlife and its habitat. A Wildlife Interpretation Centre is located close to the Trekkers Hut. 

The Khangchendzonga National Park, now named as Biosphere reserve in Sikkim may be aptly called the haven of prized Musk Deer, elusive Snow Leopard and the shy Himalayan Tahr, the Shapi of Sikkim. The National Park occupies a place at the apex amongst the high altitude National Parks in the country and is endowed with one of the most magnificent high altitude ecosystems in the world. The Park which has an elevation of

Permission and Fees 
In accordance with the provisions of the principal Wildlife (Protection) Act. 1972. and Wildlife Rules made there on the Chief Wildlife Warden who is the authority to implement the Act and the Rules in the State grants permission to visitors intending to visit the National Park and Sanctuaries for the purpose of studying wildlife, photography, scientific research, tourism and for the transaction of lawful business on payment of prescribed fees. Mountaineers, trekkers, Photographers and other visitors entering the National Park would require to pay.

Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary (North Sikkim)
Best Season to Visit : March to late May and September to mid- December.
Area :  51.76 sq km
Distance :  20 km( from Gangtok )
Altitude : 1280 - 2652 m
Note : Entry to Sanctuary is permitted by the Chief Wildlife Warden, Government of Sikkim, Gangtok .
This is located about 20 kilometers from Gangtok and covers an area of about 5,200 hectares above the road between Singtam and Dikchu with the highest point at a place called Tinjure at 7,000 ft. where a wooden observation tower of the Forest Department exists. The Sanctuary is the home of Himalayan Black Bear, Red Panda, Civet cat and many varieties of birds and butterflies. The Binturong or Bear-Cat (Arctictis binturong) is a rare civet reported from here. 

Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary (South Sikkim)
Best Season to Visit : March - May and September - November.
Area :  36.34 sq km
Distance :
Altitude : 10,600 ft
Best Season to Visit : March - May and September - November.
Area :  36.34 sq km
Distance :
Altitude : 10,600 ft
It is located in South Sikkim above the town of Rabongla and covers an area of about 3,500 hectares with its highest point being at Maenam. It shelters Red Panda, Goral, Serow, Barking Deer, Marbled - Cat, Leopard - Cat, Civet-Cats, Blood Pheasant, Common Hill Partridge  Magpies, Black Eagle, Blue necked Pitta, Sunbirds and many other  animals of the temperate forest.

Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary (North Sikkim)
Best Season to Visit : March - May and October - December.
Area :  43 sq km
Distance : 137 km (from Gangtok)

It is located near Yumthang in North Sikkim and contains a vast variety of rhododendrons. The sanctuary is bounded on its southern periphery by the Yakchey La and on the northern periphery by the Yumthang Valley known for its alpine meadow and hot springs.

It is hemmed in on the east by the high rugged Chuba-Sagochen mountain ranges and on the west by part of Chomzomei Tso extending upto Lava pass. The picturesque Yumthang Chhu (river) flows through the sanctuary, which is known for its unique abundance of Rhododendron trees and shrubs, 40 species/varieties of which are recorded from Sikkim alone. When in blossom the rhododendrons provide a riot of colour to this small park.

The fauna here consists of the Serow, Foral Blood Pheasant, Common Hill Partridge etc. also found here. The beautiful and highly endangered Spotted Linsang or Tiger-Civet (Prionodon pardicolor) has been reported from here.