Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary, Sikkim

The Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary is located in the south-western corner of west Sikkim. It is situated at an altitude of 2200 - 4100 Mts and is separated from West Bengal in the South by the Rambong Khola. Spread over an area of 104 Sq. Km across the razor sharp Singalila Range this bio-diverse sanctuary is famous for its Rhododendron growth which blooms in the month of April-May.

Hilley, Dentam and Soreng forms the three entry points of Barsey. However, since Hilley is better by roads, it is the preferred choice amongst all the three.

Another major attraction of Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary is that it makes for an interesting trekking destination.

Flora in Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary

With the onset of spring, Rhododendrons blossoms cover the whole terrain of Barsey with beautiful colors and lovely aroma. Out of 1000 known varieties of Rhododendrons in Sikkim, 600 can be found in this sanctuary itself.

Species of Rhododendron like Cinnabarinum, Arboreum, Falconeri, Campanulatum Hodgsoni, Barbatum, Acer Caudatum, Betula Utilis, Pieris Ovalifolia, Pyrus Foliolosa, Prunus Rufa and P. macrophylla are abundantly found in Barsey.

Barsey also has Magnolia, Primula, Oaks, Bamboo and Pine growth besides a variety of shrubs.

Climate

The climate prevailing in Barsey is wet and cold. This condition is highly favorable for the growth of Rhododendron. The average annual rainfall exceeds 250 Cm in July, making it the wettest month of the year. The higher regions of the sanctuary receive regular snowfall in winters. Clear sky is usually seen from the months of November to May.

Best time to Visit

Best Season to visit Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary is from March to April. Since Hilley is the last motor able point before Barsey, a 4 Km walk through the beautiful Pine forests takes you to the sanctuary.

Entry permits to the park can be taken from the wildlife check post at Hilley or even from the Forest Secretariat in Gangtok.

A beautiful resort with excellent boarding and lodging facility is run by the Tourism Department of Gangtok in Barsey. The glorious view of the Singalila Range can be seen from this resort.

Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary Tour Packages

Wildlife in Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary

Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary is renowned for having rare Himalayan species of Red Panda and Black Bear. Along with these Leopards, Himalayan Yellow Throated Marten, Himalayan Palm Civet, Serow, Assamese Macaque, Crimson Horned Pheasant, Crestless Porcupine and Chinese Pangolin are some of the other animal species that can be found in the Barsey Sanctuary.