Barsey rhododendron trek also known as “Sikkim rhododendron trek“ it is wildlife sanctuary in west Sikkim. The Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary close from border with west Bengal and Nepal also 104 sq Km spread Rhododendron Sanctuary there offer you impressive views of high mountain from Sikkim, Nepal, and Bhutan range. Located in between Kanchenjunga Biosphere Reserve in the North and Singalila National Park in the South and the Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary of west Sikkim above from Ohkery known as Hilley Himalayan heritage village and it is approximately 135 kilometres from Bagdogra airport and 130 kilometres from NJP Station.
Barsey Rhododendron trek is one of the colourful and natural provable trek in Sikkim and even every camping places is delightful with view of higher Himalayas as well as reaches number of the Rhododendron in Sikkim during the spring time which comprise of the month of March, April and May (mid) you will see the rhododendron trees blooming with flowers of various colours- Red , white Yellow, Pink, blue and many more. Also if you’re lucky you can expect to catch some of the wild animals because Barsey Rhododendron wildlife sanctuary is a home for the wild animals on the trek trail too much expect to catch Red Panda , Braking Beer the route is gradually up & down hills inside the dense green forest and walking time every day 3 to 4 hours walk.
Short Itinerary
Day 1: Pick up from New Jalpaiguri railway station (NJP) or Bagdogra Airport to Hilley (7 to 8 hours and 165kms).
Day 2: Hilley (2800mts) to Deoningali Dhap (3120mts) via Varsey (3030mts) 4 to 5 hours.
Day 3: Deonangali-Dhap (3120mts) to Thulo-Dhap (2888mts) 4 to 5 hours.
Day 4: Thulodhap (2888mts) to Kalijhar (3444mts) 3 to 4 hours.
Day 5: Kalijhar to Uttarey (1900m) then drive to Pelling.
Day 6: Leave from Pelling to N J P/ Bagdogra Airport as planned.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 : Pick up from New Jalpaiguri railway station (NJP) or Bagdogra Airport to Hilley (7 to 8 hours and 165kms)
Trekkers have to report either at NJP Railway Station which is the nearest railhead to Hilley or at Bagdogra Airport by 8:00 AM. The transportation would be arranged either in Max, Bolero or Tempo Traveller depending upon the number of trekkers and the cost for the same would be borne by us. Drive from NJP to Hilley is mesmerizing with dense forests of Sikkim all along the way to Hilley. It usually takes about a 7-8 hour drive to arrive at Hilley from NJP/Bagdogra. Trekkers can stop at Jorethang for lunch and make sure to carry sufficient cash while arriving at Hilley as after Jorethang there are very few options for ATM’s. Make sure to start from NJP or Bagdogra by 10 am so that you can arrive easily by 5 pm before it gets dark. The altitude gain from NJP (114mts) to Hilley(2800mts) is quite high and trekkers may complain of a slight headache on the way to Hilley. Overnight in tented camp/hotel.
Day 2 : Hilley (2800mts) to Deoningali Dhap (3120mts) via Barsey (3030mts) 4 to 5 hours
Today’s trek starts from a small village, Hilley which is at an altitude of 2800mts above sea level and situated in the Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary which is sandwiched between the Singalila National Park in the south and Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve in the North. This sanctuary is very small occupying 104sqkms but gives a wide variety of bio-diversity especially in the months of April and May where you find many varieties of Rhododendrons bloom in the Sanctuary.
Hilley which is the last motorable road before Barsey is mostly inhabited by Sherpa people of Nepal and known for producing potatoes, cabbage, green peas, and Maize. Trek from Hilley to Barsey is a gradual climb and takes about 1-1.5 hours covering a distance of about 4kms having few water points in between and then again proceeding to a gradual climb followed by a descent to our campsite Deoningali Dhap which is at an altitude of 10,300ft. The trail offers rich bio-diversity of Rhododendrons, Bamboo, Magnolia and wild orchids and gives a good opportunity for birdwatchers along the trail. Water availability from Barsey till Deonangali Dhap is good. Overnight in tented camps.
Day 3 : Deonangali-Dhap (3120mts) to Thulo-Dhap (2888mts) 4 to 5 hours
Today’s trek from Deonangali Dhap till Thulo Dhap is via a small village called as Bega Village which is approximately at a distance of 5kms from Deonangali Dhap and having much of the rolling terrain till Thulo Dhap (2888mts). Deonangali Dhap campsite has been named after the famous extinct species of “bamboo thrives” called as “Deonangali” in the local language and used extensively by locals to make bamboo canes and weaves from it for domestic purpose. Approximately 13 different varieties of Rhododendrons are found on the trail like Arboreum, Falconeri, Barbatum, Hodgsoni and Campanulatum which are most commonly found in this sanctuary. Overnight in Tented camps.
Day 4 : Thulodhap (2888mts) to Kalijhar(3444mts) 3 to 4 hours
Today’s trek is the shortest day trek starting from Thulo-Dhap(2888mts) to Kalijhar(3444mts) and is a steep gradient ascend till the Kalijhar campsite gaining approximately 1835fts in a span of about 2.5 to 4 hours. Make sure to carry enough water today for the trek as there is no water availability in between the campsites. Even the Kalijhar campsite is far away from the water points. Kalijhar offers majestic views of Sikkim and Bhutan ranges, all 6000m+ peaks of Khangchendzonga Peak (8585m), Mt.Pandim(6691m), Mt. Tenzingkhang(6010m) and Mt. Jupuno(6100m) and from where trekkers can also hike to Phoktey Dara viewpoint which offers good views of Nepal, Sikkim and Bhutan Himalayas. Overnight at Kalijhar tented camps.
Day 5 : Kalijhar to Uttarey (1900m) then drive to Pelling
Today’s trek is the longest day of the trek and along the ridge until Indo-Nepal Chewabhanjang check post where trek permits are needed to be shown followed by a steep descend to Chettrey SSB Camp where again permits are shown before making the final descent to Uttarey. It takes about 6-7 hours from Kalijhar to Uttarey covering a distance of about 17kms in total. Water availability is good along the entire trail and walk is mostly under dense forest cover after the Chewabhanjang checkpost. After having lunch at Uttarey, we drive to Pelling which is a 3-hour drive. Overnight at Hotel in Pelling.
Day 6 : Leave from Pelling to N J P/ Bagdogra Airport as planned.
After having breakfast, we depart to NJP or Bagdogra Airport depending upon the trekker’s mode of transportation to their respective homes. It is advisable to start early since it is a long drive. We suggest packing the luggage in advance before starting to your journey. The distance from NJP/ Bagdogra airport is 155 kilometers which ideally should not take more than 7 to 8 hours. Lunch can be enjoyed at Jorethang or Malli Checkpost. After having lunch, continue your drive to your destination at the N J P/Bagdogra Airport.
Please contact us directly through phone or email us through filling up the enquiry form for the Best Rates and Availability. The rates depend on Number of people and the minimum required number of the person for the trek. The more the number of trekkers the better the Price. The given rates will be based on per head per day basis which will include all the necessary facilities required during the trek from the point of start to the end. We arrange up to the maximum number of 60 people and minimum should not be less than 2 people.
We provide considerable rates for the bigger group, Student Group, Religious Group and Senior Citizens. The rate is based on quality service requested by groups. Do email us info@blackyakexpeditionsgmail.comto know the special prices and services provided.
PRICE INCLUDE AND EXCLUDE
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN PRICE
1: 2 nights in the standard hotel at Yuksom (MAP plan).
2: Accommodation during the trek (camping/guest house).
3: All meals – vegetarian (starting from dinner at Yuksom and ending with breakfast at Yuksom.
4: Meals while on trek (Veg& Egg).
5: Trekking permits and forest camping charges.
6: Accommodation on trek Trekking equipment (sleeping tents 2 Or 3 man Dom, Dining tent, Kitchen Tent, Toilet Tent, sleeping bags walking stick etc.
7: Safety equipment (first aid, medical kit, oxygen cylinders, stretcher, etc.
8: Services of an expert trek leader (qualified in basic/advanced mountaineering courses).
9: Services of an expert trek team (guides, cooks, helpers, porters/mules.
10: Transport from N J P / Bagdogra airport to Yuksam and return.
Note: Normally other company charges extra for uploading Bag Pack, but black yak expeditions allow up to 10 kg free. More than 10 kg you have to pay ₹. 250/- per day per bag pack.
If you have bag packs weighing more than 10 kg than you can give it to the yaks or horses prior to the trek before leaving arranged exclusively for the trek. The back pack cannot weigh more than 10 kgs. No suitcases/trolleys’/duffel bags will be allowed.
Withdrawing cash: If you are intended to visit places like Yuksam for Goechala Trek or Dzongri Trek or sightseeing then don’t expect for withdrawing cash in Yuksam because Yuksam does not have ATM services till updated the year 2021.
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
1: We do not provide travel insurance except for any Expeditions.
2: Food during transport is not included (pick up point to and from the base camp to drop point)
3: Alcohol, Soft Drinks, bottled water
4: Anything Not Specifically Mentioned Under the Head.
5: Any costs arising out of unforeseen Circumstances like Landslides, Road Blocks, Bad weather, etc.
6: External purchase you make during your travel or on trek routes like food, local crafts or drinks.
7: Itinerary includes transport for pick up and drops yet if you do not want then you can exclude this option) Transport to and from the base camp (N J P/Bagdogra airport to Yuksom and return)
8: Any charges for carrying still/video cameras etc.
9: Personal expenses of any kind.
10: Anything apart from the inclusions.
11: Tips for guides, cooks or trekking staffs and telephone calls, laundry, etc.
If you are trekking with Black yak expeditions
Arrive at (NJP) Railway Station, Siliguri or Bagdogra airport by 9 am (on your own)
Black Yak Expeditions will arrange pick-up vehicles from NJP railway station and Bagdogra airport to Barsey/hilley the base camp of your trek. We provide luxury vehicles like INNOVA, ZXILO or normal vehicles like TATA SUMO GOULD, BOLERO, etc. And mini cab suitable for 2 or three families with light travel bags like Wagoner, Alto etc. We cannot arrange shared jeeps because it is not reliable. Above all, there are no direct shared jeeps to certain parts of Sikkim from pick up points. You have to break down your points while taking shared jeeps. For example, if you are traveling to Barsey Rhododendron trek there are no direct shared jeeps from New Jalpaiguri Railway station NJP or Bagdogra Airport. First, you have to reach Siliguri junction from there you have to take a vehicle to Jorethang. (Jorethang is a small business town or main point that connects to most part of Sikkim.) Even though if you reach Jorethang than here comes another challenging part that is all the regular shared jeeps that come to Jorethang from Barsey and Hilley Leave within 1:00 pm. So you have to be there within 12:00 noon. Even after that, there is no 100% guaranteed that you will get the shared jeeps because it is pre-booked by locals by call and you should also keep one thing in mind that in tourist season most of the vehicles are pre-booked. So thinking about shared jeeps is not good in the first place.
Transport is arranged in a Tata Sumo (or similar vehicle). Each cab costs Rs. 5500/-
If you request pre-booking for pick up and drop along with trek or tour package than this statement is not applicable to you since Black Yak Expeditions will pay for the charges but in case if you have not asked for pick up and drop facilities than you should know that the transportation cost is additional, to be shared among the trekkers and paid directly to the drivers.
On the day of pickup at least do your best to be present at New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) or Bagdogra Airport within 9:00 Am or 10:00 Am. Incuse if we start late from this two points then we will reach certain trekking basecamps like Barsey very Late at night and that can cause great inconvenience to you as we have to begin the trek early next morning. It takes around 6-7 hours from New Jalpaiguri Railway station NJP or Bagdogra airport to Barsay Expected arrival time at Barsay is 5 pm. Due to ongoing constructions on the route and sometimes heavy traffic jams, it can delay our travel on the route.
GETTING BACK:
Depart from Uttarey / Pelling early morning.
Black yak expeditions we will arrange a reserved vehicle to drop trekkers to NJP railway station or Bagdogra airport.
The transportation cost from Uttarey / Pelling to NJP/Bagdogra is additional, to be shared among trekkers and paid directly to the driver.
The approximate cost for the reserved vehicle is Rs. 5,500/-
Expected arrival time at NJP/Bagdogra is 5 pm. It is wise for you to book your train/flight tickets late in the evening to give you enough buffer time. Or Plan extra days in your itinerary to avoid busy schedule.