Travel is a sweet bug which if gets inside someone’s head makes the person nomad for life and me being one of its victim keep escaping to some far-flung corners in between breaking manacles of a torpid city life, of course with my family & in a trek package of Himalayan Memories.
So, this time the place was Barsey (mostly known as Varsey), in West Sikkim, still unknown to many.
When I tried to google about it, the pictures of trees laden with rhododendrons, the dense forest and the snow covered Himalayas seemed to hold some mystery to be unfolded. It is relatively new destination in west Sikkim and is famous for its rhododendron sanctuary that turns into a riot of colors in April-May when the rhododendrons are in full bloom. Apart from the rhododendrons, this sanctuary is home to several species of primula, oak and pine and if you are lucky enough you might catch a sight of Red Panda too!!.. The place offers majestic views of Kanchenjunga range and is a bird watcher’s paradise where you can spot many colorful and exotic birds.
This was the first time we were going for some trekking and I was exhilarated thinking about it only. Believe me; Himalayan Memories team made it more easy for me with their most heartily, professional & on time service at such heights.
Finally on the evening of 13th April, our journey started from Sealdah station by Uttarbanga Express at 19:35 hours. The night passed and train came to a halt at 07:00 hours at New Jalpaiguri station. Himalayan Memories’ Tour Manager, Mr. Surojit Dutta was the first one to greet us outside the station with his ever smiling face; ready with Bolero car which was ready to take us to Okhrey. The road to Jorethang was in horrible shape for a long stretch, in some places we were not able to see anything due to dust. The ride was rough and it took almost 7 hours to reach our destination; that is Okhrey.
It was almost 2:00pm when the driver stopped in front of a two-storeyed building and introduced it as our lodge. It was beautifully decorated with various kinds of green plants and flower. We were too tired due to the prolonged journey and our grumbling stomach constantly threatened us to stop the body movement in case we don’t take food immediately. So, we decided to check in, ordered lunch and freshened up. Smoking hot, utterly delicious, mouthwatering lunch was ready and served.
It was only after that, our eyes could notice the prepossessing village, Okhrey. The afternoon looked dreamy with blue sky with patches of white clouds in between and the panoramic views of blue hills.
In some time the sun started going down and we came out of lodge to stroll around. The setting sun painted the sky with shades of grey and orange, and we were adoring the sunset vista. Ahh! What a beautiful scenario! I was in trance for some time seeing it.
Then we visited one of the monasteries in Okhrey that requires almost 1hour climb through a steep set of stairs but trust me, the effort was well worth it. A small monastery perched on a hill top with great views and small monks playing around makes you shrug off all the exhaustion.
The evening was cold and we came back to our room to have some steaming hot pakoras and sip a cup of tea.
With the nightfall, the distant hills, the cool breeze and starry sky designed a bewitching effect and we sat in balcony for hours enjoying the tranquility of the place.
The next morning when I woke up around 5am and came outside to see the sunrise, though the view was not that clear but still Okhrey looked alluring in early morning light, I looked at it with awe for some time.
After having a heavy breakfast, we started for Hilley from where the trekking starts for Barsey base camp. The journey to Hilley took around half an hour through scenic meandering roads.
Hilley is one of the entry points to Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary and the last motorable road to Barsey ends here.
After entering the sanctuary gate, a strong silence greeted us that were both eerie and soothing. The only noise breaking the silence was our footsteps and some buzzing sounds of bees.
Walking inside the dense captivating forest, listening to whispering of winds, chirping of birds was an adventure in itself. The trek path was about 4.5 km long, the last one km was little steep but apart from that it was a kind of easy-going walk on fairly even ground. It took almost 2.5 hours to reach Barsey base camp. We spotted lots of rhododendrons in the forest mostly red, pink and white, though most of the white rhododendrons were in budding stage.
Since the weather was quite clear, we had a breathtaking view of Kanchenjunga standing tall with all its glory. For sometimes, our eyes simply denied to move away from this imperishable beauty.
Then we went to the trekker’s hut known as Guras-kunj. Many local people were also there , they were all dancing, singing together. We also joined them. Dancing to the Sikkimese tunes with them was a memory to cherish all my life.
Then we kept our luggage in our room; had our lunch and strolled around for while, clicking pictures.
The temperature went down at night due to heavy shower and I was literally shivering under the quilt. The silence of the night was pierced by the sound of raindrops melodiously.
The next morning the sight of snow clad peaks of Kanchenjunga was a sight to behold. We stand there for some time with our eyes glued to the rare spectacle..
Then, we started our journey back to Hilley and from there again back to Okhrey. As we walked through the forest, I realized it is not only the rhododendrons which make the forest so special, but this a place where a tired soul finds peace and stress mind feels relieved.
Soon after reaching Okhrey, finally it was time to bid adieu to Barsey and Okhrey. It was very difficult to leave such a beautiful serene place like this, but every journey ends so that a new one can begin.
A special thanks to Himalayan Memories Team for creating such wonderful memories for me & my family.
