Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary

The Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary occupies 104 km2 in the Singalila Range in western Sikkim. It borders on Nepal to the west, and the state of West Bengal to the south across the Rambong Khola stream. The Rhododendrons bloom from March till May. It is an easy-to-moderate 4-kilometer trail starting from the small town of Hilley in West Sikkim, leading up to an elevation of roughly 10,000 feet. Sikkim government has an arrangement for tourists to stay on top of the hill in a forest barrack. There are now several home-stays at the entrance of Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary as well as at Okhrey, which is a small village inhabited by mainly the Sherpa community. One can stay at Barsey or can return to these villages.

• Best time to visitMid-March to mid-May for full rhododendron blooms; avoid monsoons.
• AccessibilityMotorable road access goes up to Hilley, which can be reached via taxis from major transit points like Siliguri, Bagdogra, or Gangtok via Okhrey.
• Difficulty levelEasy to moderate, suitable for beginners and families.
• Stay optionsOvernight stays are available at the forest department's Guras Kunj Trekker's Hut at Barsey or local homestays in the nearby village of Okhrey. Camping is also avaiblable with special fees and guidelines to pitch the tent.
• Entry criteria & DocumnetationA nominal entry fee is collected at the Hilley forest checkpost. Standard domestic visitors do not require special restricted area permits for this specific day-hike route, but foreign nationals should verify current documentation guidelines.
• GuideIt is mandatory to hire a licensed guide.
• Observe-Maintain outdoor ethics while visiting the wildlife sanctuary. -Follow designated trails, take only pictures, leave only footprints. -Wear comfortable shoes and warm clothes. -Carry enough drinking water and snacks. -Bring back packages and food wrappers, dispose your waste responsibly. -Avoid picking plants and collecting any forest products. -Respect the birds and animal habitat.
• USPAdventurous hiking trail route into the sanctuary, bird watching and observing rhododendrons, oaks, chestnut trees, pine trees, ferns and medicinal plants. The highest point of the Sanctuary is Barsey at 10,000 ft where one can get a breathtaking view of the Himalayas, surrounded by variety of full bloom Rhododendron flowers. The forest trails support local fauna, and lucky hikers might spot red pandas or barking deer.