The Khangchendzonga National Park (KNP) in the Eastern Himalaya was notified by the Sikkim Government in August 1977 and was later expanded to 1784 sq. km in May 1997. The park borders with Nepal and occupies about 25% of the total geographical area of Sikkim, with a range of elevation from 1829 to 8586 metres. KNP extends from 27°19'13" to 27°29'4" north latitude and 88°9'18" to 88°15' east longitude, and lies between the lowland of Yuksam (1780m) and Mt. Khangchendzonga (8586m).

The Khangchenzonga landscape comprises of some of the most stunning scenery in Eastern Himalaya. Not only does this region have the third highest peak in the world (Mt. Khangchendzonga), it is also a global hotspot for biodiversity. Lying along the extensive forest areas with many pristine patches, its diverse tropical mix of broad-leaved forest, sub-alpine conifer-rhododendron forest, alpine meadows, cascading streams, sacred lakes, a wide variety of birds and flowering plants, and panoramic view of the world's third highest mountain - Mt. Khangchendzonga are amongst the sights that delight tourists.

Here, glacial streams cut through high ridges, creating steep valleys where one can encounter rich forests that support more than 250 species of birds and other endangered wildlife. A few days of trekking will lead to high elevation alpine pastures where colourful alpine flowers bloom amidst herds of blue sheep or Bharal.

The accessible trail, better known as Yuksam-Dzongri-Goecha La is about 45 km long in distance. It extends from the temperate to alpine zones and covers areas such as Sachen, Bakhim, Tshoka, Phethitang, Dzongri, Base camp, Thansing etc. Ultimately, the trail leads to Goecha La, a paradise of panoramic views of Mt. Khangchendzonga surrounded by Mt. Pandim, Mt. Kabur, Mt. Narsing and many other snow-capped mountains.

The area covered on this trail has diverse altitudinal variation starting from 1780m (Yuksam) to 8586m (Mt. Khangchendzonga). Tshoka and Dzongri are situated on the ridge lifted out from Onglathang and Tey-Gyap-La valleys. Two rivers flowing through these valleys namely Prek Chu and Rathong Chu valleys nurture two main tributaries merging into the Rangeet River, which is one of the two main rivers of Sikkim. Rise in altitude along the trail is mild up to Prek Chu and it increases abruptly thereafter. The rock is chiefly made up of Darjeeling Gneiss and comprises of high-grade gneiss containing quartz and feldspar with streaks of biotite.

On 7th February 2000, the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India notified KNP as a Biosphere Reserve with a total area of 2192 sq km. The newly notified KBR area includes the settlements at Bakhom, Tshoka, Karjee, Gangyap, Labdang, Khecheopalri, Chong, Dubdi and Yuksam in its southern periphery. While other settlements such as Sakyong, Chungthang, Menshithang, Lachung, and Monguthang are located in its northern periphery.