Flora

The unique topography and location of Sikkim manifest in a diverse range of flora, which is tropical in the low-lying area and alpine in the high reaches of the mountains. Fortunately, the human population throughout history has been very low which has helped this place to maintain a high percentage of forest cover, evident even now.

Sikkim is very well known mainly for its orchids of which there are more than 400 species and rhododendrons numbering more than 35 species. Most of the orchids are found in the lower areas and the rhododendrons grow in the mid altitude and stretch up to the snow line where they are small shrubs, which grows up to barely a few inches high. The rhododendrons are best seen in Varsey, Lachung valley and the slopes of Menam. During March/April these areas are a riot of colors. This can also be experienced on the trek to Dzongri and beyond Goechala (5000 mts).

The orchids bloom almost throughout the year depending on the species but most of them flower during springs and autumn. The rhododendron s start flowering by mid March in the lower levels and continues up to May in the higher elevation.

Fauna

The snow leopard, "Shapi", the Tibetan sheep. The blue sheep, Kiang the Tibetan Wild ass, the Red Panda are some of the rare mammals found in the higher altitude of Sikkim.
Besides, the State is also home to a large number of insects and birds. Of the total 1400 types of butterflies are found in the Indian sub-continent, almost 50% of them are found in Sikkim. For a naturalist, this place is indeed a treasure trove of many rare species of fauna, which can be encountered in such a relatively small area.