Istanbul, Turkey, 17 July, 2016: The 40th World Heritage Committee this morning inscribed Khangchendzonga National Park of Sikkim, India as a UNESCO's World Heritage Site on 'Mixed' criteria recognising the outstanding universal values for its both natural and cultural significance.

Khangchendzonga National Park (India) – Located at the heart of the Himalayan range in northern India (State of Sikkim), includes a unique diversity of plains, valleys, lakes, glaciers and spectacular, snow-capped mountains covered with ancient forests, including the world’s third highest peak, Mount Khangchendzonga. Mythological stories are associated with this mountain and with a great number of natural elements (e.g. caves, rivers, lakes, etc.) that are the object of worship by the indigenous people of Sikkim. The sacred meanings of these stories and practices have been integrated with Buddhist beliefs and constitute the basis for Sikkimese identity.

The 40th session of the World Heritage Committee, which opened in Istanbul, Turkey, on 10 July closes today. It is chaired by Ambassador, Director General of Cultural Affairs and Promotion Abroad of the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs Lale Ülker.

Source: Press Release - UNESCO's 40th World Heritage Committee 

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