Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary

The Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary or Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary occupies 104 km² in the Singalila Range in western Sikkim. It borders on Nepal to the west, and on the state of West Bengal to the south across the Rambong Khola stream. The rhododendrons bloom during March till May.You can book your stay at Bodhi Villa (91/8197401154 or 9382147300) if your are visiting Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary.

Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary
Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary
Rhododendron at the sanctuary
Location in Sikkim, India
Location	West Sikkim District, Sikkim
Nearest city	Soreng
Coordinates	27°11.65′N 88°7.10′E
Area	104 km2 (40 sq mi)
Established	2004
Governing body	Government of India, Government of Sikkim

Fauna

• 
  Tibetan serin
• 
  Spotted Laughingthrush

Access

The Barsey Sanctuary can be reached from three points, Hilley, Dentam and Soreng. The most popular entry is Hilley since it is approachable by road and Varsey is only 4 km trek from this point along an undulating path shaded by different species of rhododendron.

Tourism

Sikkim government has an arrangement for tourists to stay on top of the hill in a forest barrack. There are now several home-stays at the entrance of Versay Rhododendron Sanctuary as well as at Okhrey, which is a small village inhabited by mainly the Sherpa community.

References

• Dutta, Rangan (3 October 2004). "Next weekend you can be at... Varsey". The Telegraph (India). Archived from the original on 3 February 2013. Retrieved 25 August 2009.
• Atreya, Sarikah (11 January 2008). "Flower-decked trails". The Hindu Business Line. Retrieved 25 August 2009.

External links

• Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary travel guide from Wikivoyage
• Media related to Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary at Wikimedia Commons