Maenam Hill

Maenam Hill is a hill in Ravangla, Sikkim, that is part of the Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary. It is a well-known spot for hiking in Sikkim and one of the best places to visit in Ravangla.

Maenam Hill Trekking Trails

The trail goes from Ravangla, which is 7000 feet (2133 m) above sea level, all the way up to 10,500 feet (3200 m). The hike starts in Ravangla and goes for about 12 km one way. This trail takes 4 hours to ascend and 2 hours to descend. The trail itself is steep and travels through the Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary.

Along the route are Rhododendrons, Oaks, Chestnuts, and Magnolias. The refuge has Red Pandas, Black Himalayan Bears, and many varieties of deer. En route, there are four rest points, and atop Maenam Hill lies another deserted monastery.

Trekkers reach the legendary Bhaley Dunga after hiking uphill for another 1.5 km. It is a rocky spur that sticks out from the top of the ridge and hangs in the air of Yangyang town. The way to Bhaledunga is through Maenam La and takes an hour. The whole hike can be done in one day, or the person can spend the night at the top. Trekkers can go on to the nearby towns of Borong and Yangyang or return to Ravangla via the same path they came up.

Maenam Hill Stunning Views

The hill has an unbeatable view because it is 10,300 feet above sea level. Ravangla tour packages often include this spot for its breathtaking scenery. Mt. Khangchendzonga and the ranges around it are much taller than the densely wooded and rough hills below. To the south, across the Kalimpong and Darjeeling hills, you can see the fields of Bengal. To the north, across the border between India and China, you can see the same thing.

Biodiversity and Natural Beauty

Maenam Hill is a dream for wildlife lovers, home to a lot of biodiversity. With its thick forests of oak, magnolia, and rhododendrons on the hilltop, the landscape is stunningly beautiful and changes with the seasons.

Mountain ranges in the Himalayas, with their green slopes and snow-capped peaks, can be seen from Maenam Hill. In the spring, when the flowers are in bloom, or in the winter when the hills are covered in fog, this place is always beautiful.

The best time to visit

March through May are the best months to go on a walk up Maenam Hill because of the weather. There will be well-kept trees and beautiful views of flowers and rhododendrons all along the trails. People who want to go on the trek must first get a pass from the forest office.