Table of Contents
Sikkim State Tree: Rhododendron
Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary
Where to Stay if Planning to Visit Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary?
Best Time to Visit Rhododendron Sanctuary
How to Reach Rhododendron Sanctuary
Trekking at Rhododendron Sanctuary
Other Things to do at Rhododendron Sanctuary
Sikkim’s State Tree: Rhododendron
When you travel to Sikkim, one sight that never leaves your mind are the beautiful rhododendrons flowers. The incredible ecosystems and climatic conditions makes Sikkim amongst the best places in the world to witness the blooms of rhododendrons trees and shrubs. The rhododendron flower is also consumed as herbal tea which is believed to reduce inflammation, improves digestion and supports a strong immune system.
There are over 40 different species of rhododendron flowers that grow in Sikkim alone. Its trees are found in temperate and alpine zones of Sikkim. The nutrient rich Himalayan soil, rivers, and surrounding flora keeps the growth of these flowers healthy.
In every spring, the high altitude regions of Sikkim bloom with bursts of rhododendron’s colours. One can see flaming red, bright pink, royal purple, and serene white hued flowers growing on every rhododendron tree.
Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary
For those who want to experience the beauty of rhododendron trees, Sikkim’s Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary is the ideal place to be. The Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary (alternatively spelt as Varsey) connects with Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve to the north and Singalia National Park to the south. This creates a natural link and a wildlife corridor between the two protected areas. The rhododendron sanctuary holds many healthy and thriving trees of Rhododendron, which are highly favoured by wet and cold climate. Source: Sikkim Forest Dept.
There are around 600 varieties of rhododendrons in this sanctuary. Birdwatchers can be delighted by visiting Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary as it is also home to endemic birds like Rusty-bellied Shortwing and Hoary-throated Barwing. As for fauna, you will find elusive species like Masked Palm Civet, Leopard, Asian Black Bear, Red Panda, and Himalayan Mouse Hare have found a safe space in this protected zone.
Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary is ideal for those who want adventure while being away from heavy tourist crowds.
Where to Stay if Planning to Visit Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary?
One can stay at the following places, if planning to visit Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary:
Barsey Trekkers Hut – This is a government maintained accommodation with dormitories often chosen by those who prefer to stay inside the sanctuary.
Forest Guard Barrack: Provides basic accommodation for tourists. One may have to seek permission before getting any accommodation.
Hilley Eco Tourism Homestay: Located at a walking distance from the sanctuary, get basic accommodation at Hilley Eco Tourism Homestay. This place is the closest to the point of trekking.
Accommodation in Okhrey Village: A 30 minutes distance from the main sanctuary, Okhrey Village is where one can find the most number of accommodations to stay including Royal Barsey Homestay, Monal Homestay, the Kyilkhor Inn.
Best Time to Visit Rhododendron Sanctuary
- The best time to visit Rhododendron Sanctuary is from March to May, if you want to witness blooming rhododendrons in different shades of red, pink, purple and blue.
- If you want to see clear and scenic views of Kanchejunga and other mountain ranges, plan your trip in October to November. (post monsoon months)
- For trekking, the best time to visit Barsey is in the spring season when day time temperature is between 10 to 15 degree celsius.
How to Reach Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary
Most tourists arrive in Gangtok as a part of their Sikkim trip. So for them to reach Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary, here is what they need to do:
- Take a taxi from Gangtok to Hilley. The distance between the two destinations is around 130 kilometers.
- Alternatively, take a taxi to Uttarey and walk for a few kilometres. The trek begins at the Hilley Gate and continues for 4 km from Sombaria to Barsey. It is the first campsite.
Trekking at Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary
- The trekking trail at Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary is one of the easiest trekking routes as far as difficulty level is concerned.
- The Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary trek is ideal for beginners and families with less trekking experience.
- To complete one way of trek one can take about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on their speed and physical stamina.
Other Things to do at Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary
- Nature walk: Connect deep with nature when visiting rhododendron sanctuary where you will witness flowers and trees such as pine, magnolia, and oak.
- Birdwatching: Carry your binoculars and explore the beautiful avifauna of this sanctuary. You will find pheasants, fire-tailed sunbirds, yuhinas, warblers, and many more.
- Photography: You will be rewarded with astonishing scenery that looks straight out of a fairytale when walking inside Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary. You’d feel as though you are walking in a magical mystical forest.
- Camping: Travelers can stay at trekkers hut or camp in safe and designated areas to enjoy more of a close-to-nature experience at Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary.
For more information on nature’s best spots like Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary or to plan a curated trip to this sanctuary, or for a Sikkim package, contact https://sikkimtourism.org/
