Trekking Through the Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary
Where is it located ?
The Barsey (also spelled Varsey) Rhododendron Sanctuary lies in the southwestern corner of West Sikkim, along the Singalila Range. A paradise for nature lovers, it is especially known for its breathtaking rhododendron blooms—locally called Guras or Gurash.
- Altitude: Approx. 10,000 ft
- Spread Area: 104 sq. km
Best time to visit
Early mornings are ideal for trekking.
From mid-March to May, the forest comes alive with vibrant rhododendron blossoms, making the hike truly magical. Even outside the blooming season, the dense forest trails and mountain views make the trek worthwhile.
How to Reach
The sanctuary is about a 30-minute drive from Okhrey. Entry Fee: ₹55 per person
Our experience
We began the day with a hearty breakfast at our homestay—steaming momos (a daily favorite!) and aloo parathas, lovingly prepared by our host’s family.
As we opened our windows that morning, clouds drifted straight into our room. That surreal moment—breathing in crisp mountain air as mist filled the space—felt like falling in love with Sikkim all over again.
Over breakfast, Mr. Urgen Sherpa, our host (a law graduate from Darjeeling), shared fascinating insights about Sikkim’s history and politics. Along with his father, he briefed us about the sanctuary and its trails. Encouraged by both our host and driver—who had trekked here in his younger days—we packed sandwiches prepared by the family and set off.
The Trek Begins
The trail welcomed us with towering trees and narrow winding paths cutting through thick woodland. Though this year’s early monsoon had ended the bloom season sooner than expected, the forest retained its quiet grandeur.
The sanctuary is home to nearly 600 species of rhododendrons—a significant share of the varieties found in Sikkim. Even without the flowers in full bloom, the experience was serene and immersive.
We trekked past a small lake, paused at scenic viewpoints, and reached Guras Kunj, the Government Guest House perched high along the trail. After finishing our packed sandwiches, we continued upward for another hour before beginning our descent.
Exploring Okhrey
We returned to our homestay around 2:30 pm, far hungrier than anticipated. Rice and dal prepared by Urgen’s mother disappeared quickly from our plates. I noticed fresh mountain greens and edible ferns in the kitchen—local saag grown in the region—and requested a traditional preparation for our next meal.
Evening tea arrived with Sikkim’s beloved snack, Aloo Chaap (similar to Maharashtra’s batata vada). As night fell early, we took a short torch-lit walk through the quiet hamlet. The looming impact of Cyclone Fani brought gloomy skies and unpredictable weather, but it only added to the mountain drama.
Why You Should Go
I highly recommend trekking in Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary. It remains relatively untouched by commercial tourism—no large hotels, just homely stays and raw Himalayan beauty.
There’s even a longer trekking route extending toward the Nepal border, as our host mentioned. Had our itinerary been more flexible, we would have gladly stayed another day.
I would highly recommend trekking in the Barsey rhododendron sanctuary. Even though flowers had gone, the trek itself is worthwhile. It is one of those off-beat trips that is not highly marketed as no major hotels are present here. Just a small hamlet with homely stays. Apparently, there is a trek which can go till the Nepal border, as suggested by our host. Our itinerary was already planned and hotels booked, else we would have stayed for another day here and gone for the trek.
Our Stay – Kyilkhor Homestay, Okhrey
- Rooms: Spacious, clean, comfortable family room with ample bedding and warm blankets. A cozy common living area downstairs for guests.
- Food: Excellent. Our package included breakfast, lunch, high tea, and dinner. Every request was graciously accommodated—including packed sandwiches for the trek.
- Location: Scenic setting, just 30 minutes from Barsey Sanctuary.
- Host: Mr. Urgen Sherpa (Tshering) – Warm, knowledgeable, and deeply hospitable.
Day 2 reminded us why we chose homestays over hotels—because sometimes the most memorable part of a journey isn’t just the destination, but the people who welcome you along the way.
day 3 – Okhrey– Singshore bridge – Dentam alpine cheese factory – Pelling
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