Himalayan Zoological Park, Gangtok

The Himalayan Zoological Park at Bulbuley is one of the most family-friendly places to visit in Gangtok, with red pandas, snow leopards and Himalayan black bears in large forested enclosures.

The Himalayan Zoological Park, often called the Bulbuley zoo or Gangtok zoo, occupies a forested hillside at Bulbuley on the north-eastern edge of Gangtok, close to Ganesh Tok. Opened in 1991 and managed by the Sikkim Forest, Environment and Wildlife Management Department, it was the first zoological park of its kind in the North-East and covers a large area of natural mountain forest at an elevation of roughly 1,780 m.

Rather than small cages, animals are kept in large enclosures that follow the slope and retain native vegetation, linked by a road of about 2.5 km that visitors can walk or drive. Resident species include the red panda (Sikkim's state animal), snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, goral, Himalayan palm civet and pheasants such as the Himalayan monal. Because the enclosures are big and forested, sightings depend on patience and time of day.

A watchtower and viewpoints along the route look out to the Kangchenjunga range on clear days, and there are basic facilities such as a cafe, washrooms and drinking water points.

Published timings conflict: Incredible India lists 8 AM to 3 PM, while travel sites give 9 AM to 4 PM with the park closed on Thursdays. Travel sites list entry at Rs.25 for Indian adults, Rs.10 for children and Rs.50 for foreigners, with vehicle entry of Rs.40 (small) and Rs.100 (large); none of these could be confirmed on an official Forest Department page. Allow one to two hours, and wear comfortable shoes if walking the loop.