Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary

The Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary, also known as the Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary, is located at an altitude of 10,000 ft, covering an area of 104 square km. It is situated between the Singalila National Park to the South and the Kanchenjunga Biosphere Reserve to the North, making it a picturesque location for trekking. Established in 2004, this sanctuary is particularly popular among beginner trekkers in Sikkim. The forest within the sanctuary is filled with a variety of trees, including thick pine, rhododendron, primulas, and oak. To reach the gateway of the sanctuary, trekkers must walk for approximately 50 minutes from Hiley, which is the last motorable point. Now, get to know the attractions of the sanctuary.

Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary Attractions

In 1996, the area surrounding Barsey, which spans 104 square kilometers, was designated as a protected sanctuary due to its rich diversity of flora and fauna. While the sanctuary boasts an array of plant and animal life, the main attraction is the rhododendron. Of the approximately 1,000 varieties of this evergreen tree, Barsey is home to 600 of them. Popular species include cinnabarine, arboretum, camellifolia, vaccinioides, anthopogon, pendulum, edgeworthii, and others.

In addition to shrubs, the sanctuary features a variety of other vegetation, including oaks, bamboos, primulas, pine, and magnolias. Moreover, the sanctuary is a natural habitat for a variety of animal species, including the rare red panda, Himalayan black bear, leopards, palm civet, serow, crestless porcupine, Chinese pangolin, Assamese macaque, and a diverse array of birds, such as the yellow-throated marten, crimson-horned pheasant, and woodpeckers.

How to Reach Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary

There are several entry points to access the Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary, including Dentang, Soreng, and Hilley. However, Hilley, a small town in West Sikkim, is the preferred entry point due to its proximity to a motorable road. Travelers can hire taxis from Gangtok, which is about 130 km away, to reach Hilley. Alternatively, they can take a taxi to Uttarey and hike from there. The trek begins at the Hilley gate and continues for 4 km from Sombaria to reach the first campsite at Barsey.

While most tourists prefer to end their trek at Barsey, avid trekkers can continue on but will need to hire a local guide who is familiar with the area and arrange for camping provisions and porters. The next part of the trek includes both uphill and downhill terrain, with plenty of open meadows that offer sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and numerous little mountain streams along the way.

Best Time to Visit Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary

Barsey is best visited between the months of October and May. That being said, the period from April to May is particularly spectacular, as it is during this time that a diverse array of rhododendron flowers bloom, making it the optimal time to plan your trip to this splendid Sanctuary. Don’t wait! Plan your trip now with none other than Kanchenjunga Holidays.