It is one of the highest ecosystems in the world, reaching elevations of 1, 220 metres above sea-level.
It includes range of ecolines, varying from sub-tropic to Arctic (tundra), as well as natural forests in different biomes, that support an immensely rich diversity of forest types and habitats.
Its core area is major transboundary Wildlife Protected Area.
Its southern and central landscape which makes up 86% of core area is situated in Greater Himalayas.
Its northern part accounting for 14% of area is characterized by trans-Himalayan features.
The core zone of Khangchendzonga National Park already has been designated World Heritage Site in 2016 under ‘mixed’ category (first from India in this category).
Many of mountains, peaks, lakes, caves, rocks, Stupas (shrines) and hot springs in this biosphere reserve function as pilgrimage sites.
The core zone of this biosphere reserve alone has over 150 glaciers and 73 glacial lakes, the prominent is famous 26-km-long Zemu glacier.
It is also home to number of globally threatened fauna including musk deer, snow leopard, red panda and Himalayan Tahr and many ethnic communities including Lepcha, Bhutia and Nepalese.
Over 118 species of large number of medicinal plants are found in Dzongu Valley of this reserve which are of ethno-medical utility.
The transition zone of reserve is targeted for eco-development activities, afforestation, plantation of medicinal herbs and soil conservation measures.
Why in news? It is included in UNESCO designated World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR), making it 11th Biosphere Reserve from India to achieve this recognition.