The sanctuary falls in the West Sikkim district and can be accessible by road via Okhrey & Hilley. If you want to try trekking in India, it would be an amazing idea to proceed up (4 kms) the hill from Hilley. The sanctuary falls in the Singalila range, and is a starting point to Singalila Ridge trek route. During spring time, Rhododendrons blossom here covering the whole terrain with colors and lo
vely fragrance. It's surprising to know that you can find 600 varieties of rhododendrons, out of 1000 (varieties known) in Sikkim. Spreaded in an area of 104 sq. km, the sanctuary is a home to numerous species of Rhododendron, Primula, Magnolia, oaks and pine. Not only this, Varsey is rich in both flora and fauna. Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary is also renowned for embracing rare Himalayan species of Red Panda and Black Bear. Fauna at Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary: Leopard, Leopard Cat, Marbled Cat, Himalayan Yellow Throated Marten, Himalayan Palm Civet, Cannidae Wild dog, Indian Fox, Jackal, Himalayan Black Bear, Wild Boar, Red Panda, Barking Deer, Serow, Assamese Macaque, Rhesus Macaque, Himalayan Langur, Crimson Horned Pheasant, Monal Pheasant and Kaleej Pheasant, Crestless Porcupine, Rufous Tailed Hare, Chinese Pangolin, Flying Squirrel, Giant Squirrel and Himalayan Mouse Hare are some of the animals found at the Varsey Sanctuary. Some of the species of Rhododendron that can be easily seen in the sanctuary are arboreum, cinnabarinum, falconeri, barbatum, campanulatum hodgsoni, Acer caudatum, Betula utilis, Pieris ovalifolia, Prunus rufa, Pyrus foliolosa and P. macrophylla. Here, Bamboo and varieties of shrubs are also traceable. The vegetation in the area is dense and sometimes, you can see layers of a variety of plants. From Hilley it is 4km trek to Barsey. The trekking routes passes through the deep forest of Rhododendron,bamboo,various ferns moss etc. It is relatively an easy trekking routes and can be completed within 1hrs easily. If you are lucky enough you can find the elusive red panda, plenty are here in this region, but they are always in the hiding mode. Also there are barking deer,bear and countless birds. Keep silence and you will surely enjoy the sounds of the birds. Best time to visit Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary: March to June is the blooming season, and hence the best season to visit Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary.
