Hilley to Barsey Trek via Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary

A small trek from Hilley to Barsey via Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary will leave you with a wonderful memory. In West Sikkim is located a small village called Hilley, from here the trek begins. An easy trek through the jungle of Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary and forest of Pine and Deodhar trees. The distance between Hilley to Barsey is 4kms. A regular walker can complete the trek in 2-3hrs. Experiencing the greenery and moist weather of Sikkim is one of the many attraction of this trail. It is always better to visit this place during the blooming season of Rhododendrons. The forest becomes a color palette! 

Deodhar trees

The day we started our trek was a misty day, full of clouds and fog. As Sikkim is very wet and moist state, therefore leech is one of the common insect you'll find on your way. This trail is full of leeches. It is advised to cover your foot and carry a bit of salt to protect yourself from harming you. 

Quite a moderate climb and flat terrain. You’ll come across  different species of plants and animals. It is said that Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary has Red Panda. If you’re that lucky you may turn up to see a Red panda. Also it is said that there are Bears in the forest. So be a bit careful. After around 3-4hrs of walk you’ll reach a point further which there is no such path or trail. We reached around  3pm in the afternoon. There a few homestays out of which we chose to stay at a place called “Gurash Kunj”. It is a beautiful wooden building with 2 small rooms at the ground floor and a dining hall. And the upper floor with a big hall consisting of several mattresses on the ground. The first impression was quite exciting. Even the view from the guest house was awesome. Maintained by two young local boys who cooks and serves food to the guests and cleans the guest house.  The kitchen is located just outside the building premises along with the toilet, though there is an attached toilet with the room in the ground floor. The food quality were quite good.

Trail covered with Rhododenrons, Deodhar trees

Into the mist

Mushrooms on bark of tree

The last few kilometers were a paved trail

The sun sets down. We got to know there’s no electricity. Though it was a heck of an experience. With chilling cold evening, sitting by the fire place and having a gala time. They provided us with candles, also we had torches with us. We went out to check out the stars, but unluckily it was a cloudy night. We couldn’t see anything. Had our hot cooked dinner at the dining space with lit candles. 

Gurash Kunj- the guest house were we stayed

View from the window

The next morning we while sunrise we went for a short walk. I took my camera with me. Chilled winds but the sky was clear this morning. Took some snaps. Also surprisingly the great Mt. Kanchendzonga was just infront of us, which we never felt last evening. Majestic range. It seemed that just few steps would lead us to this humongous mountain. 

Layers of mountains

View of Mt. Kanchendzonga

We were about to leave this morning. We packed our backpack, had our breakfast, tea and clicked some group photographs.  Started for our return trek to Hilley via the same route. We booked a cab who will be waiting at Hilley. From there we’ll be going to Okhrey- a beautiful untouched destination.

Preparing to trek back to Hilley

How to reach Hilley-Barsey:

Take train or flight to nearest Railway stn or airport New Jalpaiguri or Bagdogra respectively. Take a cab from there to Hilley via Okhrey. Then trek to Barsey.

Best time to visit:

Best suitable time to do this trek is around March-May and again in the winters around October-December. Because the monsoon is quite unpredictable in Sikkim so avoid June, July, August and September.

Duration and accommodation in Barsey:

Maximum suggested day is 2. You can stay at Gurash Kunj or other homestays and Guest houses. Details you’ll find on the internet. I would suggest you guys to stay at Gurash Kunj in Barsey.

Phone no of Gurash Kunj: 07063311604
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