Khangchendzonga National Park rated ‘Good’ by IUCN, recognized as India’s top World Heritage Site

Khangchendzonga National Park in Sikkim has been rated “Good” by the IUCN, making it India’s best-performing World Heritage Site. Spanning 1,784 sq km, it encompasses diverse ecosystems from forests to glaciers and shelters rare species like snow leopards and red pandas. Revered by the Lepcha and Tibetan Buddhist communities, the park blends cultural heritage with strong conservation. Community-based management, cross-border cooperation, and sustainable tourism have bolstered its success. While most Asian heritage sites face climate and habitat threats, Khangchendzonga stands out as a model of harmony between nature, culture, and science, showcasing how people and ecosystems can thrive together.