Khangchendzonga National Park Rated “Good” in IUCN Review

In November 2025, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) rated Khangchendzonga National Park as “good” in its latest global assessment of natural World Heritage sites — making it the only Indian park to achieve this rating. In contrast, sites like the Western Ghats and Sundarbans have been flagged for serious conservation concerns.

Key Points

India’s First Mixed Heritage Site: Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016, Khangchendzonga is India’s first “mixed” site, recognised for both its natural beauty and cultural significance.
Geographical Spread: Covering 1,784 sq. km, the park spans from subtropical forests to the icy summit of Mount Khangchendzonga (8,586 m), the world’s third-highest peak.
Rich Biodiversity: Home to 280 glaciers, 70+ glacial lakes, and species like the snow leopard, red panda, Himalayan tahr, and over 550 bird species including the impeyan pheasant and satyr tragopan.
Cultural Significance: For the Lepcha community, the park is Mayel Lyang—a divine hidden paradise. Tibetan Buddhists regard it as a sacred beyul (valley), with ancient monasteries like Tholung preserving spiritual traditions alongside modern conservation.
Biosphere Reserve Expansion: The 2018 expansion created a buffer zone promoting sustainable farming and community-based resource management—demonstrating harmony between nature and people.