Okhrey Hilley Barsey
Okhrey Hilley Barsey is a legendary trekking circuit in the Soreng district, famous for the Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary. The journey begins at Okhrey, a picturesque village inhabited by the Sherpa community, known for its potato farming and beautiful monastery. From Okhrey, a short drive leads to Hilley, which is the motorable gateway to the sanctuary. The trek from Hilley to Barsey is a gentle 4-KM walk through a dense forest that explodes with colors during the spring season. The sanctuary spans 104 sq. km along the Singalila Ridge, forming a natural border with Nepal. It is a haven for bird watchers and nature lovers, offering a chance to see the rare Red Panda.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
2-3 DaysPlace Type:
Adventure & WildlifeEntry Fees:
Sanctuary Entry: A fee of Rs.50 for Indians and Rs.200 for foreigners is charged at the Hilley check post.
Camera Fee: A nominal charge of Rs.10-Rs.50 may be applicable for professional cameras inside the sanctuary area.
Read MoreSanctuary Entry: A fee of Rs.50 for Indians and Rs.200 for foreigners is charged at the Hilley check post.
Camera Fee: A nominal charge of Rs.10-Rs.50 may be applicable for professional cameras inside the sanctuary area.
Guide Fees: While not mandatory, hiring a local guide costs around Rs.500-Rs.800 per day and is highly recommended.Timing:
Regular Timings: The sanctuary is open for trekking from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM for safety reasons.
Ideal Visit Time: Start the trek at 9:00 AM from Hilley to reach Barsey by noon and enjoy the daylight.
Seasonal C...Regular Timings: The sanctuary is open for trekking from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM for safety reasons.
Ideal Visit Time: Start the trek at 9:00 AM from Hilley to reach Barsey by noon and enjoy the daylight.
Seasonal Closure: The sanctuary remains open throughout the year but trekking is most comfortable in Spring and Autumn.Special Events:
Sikkim Rhododendron Festival: Held in April or May to celebrate the peak blooming season with guided tours and cultural shows.
Sherpa New Year: Celebrated with local music, traditional butter tea, and community dancing in the village of Okh...Sikkim Rhododendron Festival: Held in April or May to celebrate the peak blooming season with guided tours and cultural shows.
Sherpa New Year: Celebrated with local music, traditional butter tea, and community dancing in the village of Okhrey.Best Photo Spots:
Hilley Gateway: The entrance gate of the sanctuary with its colorful signage and forest backdrop is a great starting photo.
The Guras Trail: Any point along the 4-KM path during April when the trees are fully covered in bright red flowers. ...Hilley Gateway: The entrance gate of the sanctuary with its colorful signage and forest backdrop is a great starting photo.
The Guras Trail: Any point along the 4-KM path during April when the trees are fully covered in bright red flowers.
Barsey Top: The highest point of the trek offers a sweeping view of the Singalila Range and the Nepal peaks.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Sanctuary Trekking: Walk the easy 4-KM trail from Hilley to Barsey to witness the stunning forest canopy.
Bird Watching: Carry binoculars to spot the Satyr Tragopan, Fire-tailed Sunbird, and various Himalayan thrushes.
Camping: Experience a night under the stars at the designated camping grounds near the Barsey forest barrack.
Sherpa Culture: Spend an evening in an Okhrey homestay to learn about the history and traditions of the Sherpa people.
Landscape Photography: Capture the majestic Kanchenjunga towering over the forest of blooming Rhododendrons.
Plant Identification: Study the diverse flora, including rare varieties of Bamboo, Orchids, and Ferns inside the sanctuary.
Read More
Information
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Why Famous:
Rhododendron Blooms: Famous for the massive variety of Rhododendrons that bloom in shades of red, pink, and white during April.
Red Panda Habitat: One of the few places in India where the elusive and endangered Red Panda can be spotted in t...Rhododendron Blooms: Famous for the massive variety of Rhododendrons that bloom in shades of red, pink, and white during April.
Red Panda Habitat: One of the few places in India where the elusive and endangered Red Panda can be spotted in the wild.
Honeymoon Trek: Renowned as one of the easiest and most romantic treks in the world, suitable for beginners and couples. -
Architecture:
Forest Barracks: The accommodation at Barsey (Guras Kunj) features rustic wooden architecture with dimensions designed to withstand heavy snow.
Sherpa Houses in Okhrey: Traditional stone-and-wood houses with colorful prayer flags and small ...Forest Barracks: The accommodation at Barsey (Guras Kunj) features rustic wooden architecture with dimensions designed to withstand heavy snow.
Sherpa Houses in Okhrey: Traditional stone-and-wood houses with colorful prayer flags and small household shrines.
Monastery: The Okhrey Monastery is a small but elegant structure with traditional Tibetan motifs and a 30x20 feet prayer hall.
Trek Path: A well-laid stone-paved path of 4. 5 KM length and 3 feet width that meanders through the rhododendron trees. -
How To Reach:
By Air: Fly to Bagdogra and take a 6-hour drive via Melli and Jorethang to reach Okhrey.
By Train: From NJP station, hire a private SUV like a Bolero or Scorpio for the hilly terrain to Okhrey.
By Road: Okh... -
Near Tourist Places:
Sombaria (15 KM), Ribdi (10 KM), Bhareng (12 KM), Soreng (25 KM), Jorethang (60 KM), Pelling (75 KM), Uttarey (45 KM), Dentam (50 KM), Kaluk (45 KM), Chaya Taal (35 KM).
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety: The trek reaches an altitude of 10,000 feet, so walk slowly to avoid mild altitude sickness (AMS).
Packing: Essential to carry a raincoat, sturdy trekking shoes, a warm cap, and extra pairs of thick woolen socks.
Reviews
Information about New and Updated Locations(313+) of Sikkim Has Been Added :-
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