Pic above: Dendrobium nobile is the State Flower of Sikim

Orchids comprise approximately 10% (518 species) of the flowering plants found within the Sikkim Himalayas.This seemingly small percent comprises nearly a third of all the species found in India - a very significant number when considering the relative size of Sikkim being only 0.02% of landmass of India. It is this group of plants that has brought this region to botanical prominence. Sir Joseph Dalton Hooker's remarkable journey during 1848-1850 resulted in the discovery and introduction to the world of a large number of the Orchids of the Sikkim Himalaya.

Some representation of the Orchids found here are:-

Bulbophyllum - 45 species (spp); Calanthe - 20 spp; Coelogyne:16 spp; Cymbidium-17spp; Dendrobium - 35 spp; Eria - 21 spp; Liparis - 25 spp; Jewel Orchids - 30 spp. Some of the Orchids to be seen on the tour are Paphiopedillum fairreanum, Odontochilus grandiflorus, Goodyera hemsleyana; Coelogyne cristata;  Coelogyne occulat; Plione hookeriana; Dendrobium denudans; Dendrobium hookerianum and so on and so forth.

Potential threat due to habitat loss from development could be a major challenge in the near future for the Orchids. Your suggestions from the observation would help towards conserving the them. 

Orchid conservationists (Left - Right): Simon Jones, L.Lucas and Dr Lauren) in the field

Orchid Adventure

Plan it during March - April when they flower

This tour does not involve any high altitude treks. Most of the route, through tropical and temperate natural habitats  in Sikkim will be covered by vehicles.Orchid conservation biologists will accompany the group throughout the tour. Guaranteed sightings of atleast 100 species in 10 days.

Part of the proceeds from this tour would go towards funding orchid clubs that we are developing in different local schools. This initiative is aimed at conserving the Orchids and creating awareness on conservation of the natural environment in general.

The tour is jointly organized with Mohan Pradhan.Mohan is based in Sikkim and was an  Eric Young Orchid Scholar at the Royal Horticultural Society's gardens at Wisley, UK. and the Writhlington School of Business and Enterprises.,UK .

Dr.Lauren with Coelogyne cristata in Sikkim

Allan busy on a Pleione in Sikim

Indian Tortoiseshell

 

Itinerary

The Orchid tour would take 10 days on Bagdogra airport to Bagdogra airport basis. 

However you can join other programs such as the Goecha Trek or the Labha Tarum Trek. Alternatively after completion of the tour, you can extend the tour to visit other uncovered areas of Sikkim extending your stay in Sikkim from 15 to 21 days or even more. 

Some of Mohan's sketches (click on lens to enlarge):-

David Lang, author of The Orchids of Sussex engrossed in Sikkim

Dragonfly