A rhododendron sanctuary trek in West Sikkim. Blooming forests, Singalila ridge walks, and front-row views of Kangchenjunga.
The Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary is situated near the Singalila ridge in West Sikkim, a protected forest where the hills explode with colour every spring. Numerous species of rhododendron turn the mountainsides red, pink, white, and crimson between March and May, creating one of the most visually arresting treks in the Eastern Himalaya.
Beyond the blooms, the trek offers sweeping views of the world's third-highest peak, Kangchenjunga, along with the sprawls of the Singalila range into Nepal and Tibet. The trail passes through untouched Himalayan villages, moss-laden oak forest, and open ridges where the only sound is wind through prayer flags. It is moderate, accessible, and deeply satisfying: a perfect entry into the Sikkim Himalaya, now with added cultural immersion in Pelling and the villages of Okhrey, Uttarey, and Darap.
The sanctuary turns into a living painting when rhododendrons of red, pink, white, and crimson cover the hillsides. One of India's most spectacular floral displays.
Clear mornings from the Singalila ridge and Chewabhanjang offer uninterrupted panoramas of Kangchenjunga and its neighbouring giant peaks.
Walk the undulating ridge that forms the border between Sikkim and Nepal, with sweeping views on both sides and a sense of walking on the roof of the Eastern Himalaya.
Between the rhododendron groves, the trail winds through ancient oak forest draped in moss and ferns, alive with Himalayan birds and silence.
Pass through small settlements like Lasuney and Jorebotey where traditional Sikkimese hospitality, simple food, and unhurried mountain life welcome trekkers.
The ridge-top camp at Chewabhanjang offers one of the finest sunrise views in Sikkim, with Kangchenjunga catching the first light in shades of gold and rose.
Eight days through the Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary from Bagdogra to the Singalila ridge, village homestays, and Pelling.
Drive: 6.5 hrs · Altitude: 2,940 m
Pickup from Bagdogra airport and drive to Okhrey, a small settlement of the Sherpa community framed by terraced hills and forest. The road winds through the Teesta valley and into the higher hills of West Sikkim. Settle in at Sherpa Lodge, a comfortable mountain homestay run by a warm local family. Evening walk around the village for first views of the Singalila range.
Trek: 5 hrs · Altitude: 3,094 m
A 30-minute drive from Okhrey gets you to Hilley, the starting point of the trek. From here the trail commences over an undulating path through a mix of bamboo and rhododendron forests teeming with birds, getting us to Barsey — our lunch point. Continue walking through the enchanting forest till we reach our campsite at Lasune. Overnight in tents.
Trek: 7 hrs · Altitude: 3,125 m
Today's walk is a long but easy one, mainly through rhododendron and mixed temperate forests. The path is dotted with blood-red and pink-shaded Rhododendron arboreum forests, brought to life by the chirping of birds. A short climb towards the end brings you to the campsite, which offers a stupendous view of the Kangchenjunga range. Overnight in tents.
Trek: 5 hrs · Altitude: 3,160 m
Continue traversing through hemlock and rhododendron forests, accompanied by the mighty Kangchenjunga. A final one-hour climb brings you to a beautiful meadow where we set camp. The open space and ridge views make this one of the most atmospheric nights on the trek.
Trek: 5 hrs · Altitude: 3,800 m
A steep climb gets us to the top ridge of the sanctuary, just above the tree line. The mighty hemlocks give way to slopes filled with Rhododendron setosum bushes. We traverse the U-shaped valley from where we get grand views of Kangchenjunga on a clear day. Camp on the Indo-Nepal border outpost of Chewabhanjang. Overnight in tents.
Trek: 4 hrs · Drive to Darap · Altitude: 2,050 m
The final descent through dense forests brings us to the blissfully tranquil Uttarey village. After lunch at Uttarey, drive to Darap village and settle into a traditional homestay. Experience Sikkimese hospitality, local food, and the unhurried rhythm of mountain village life.
Cultural Day · Altitude: 2,050 m
After breakfast visit Pemayangtse Monastery, one of Sikkim's oldest and most revered monasteries, perched above Pelling with commanding views of the Kangchenjunga range. Continue to Khecheopalri Lake, a tranquil sacred lake nestled in the midst of verdant forests and believed to fulfil wishes. The lake's remarkably clean surface — leaves are said to be removed by birds — adds to its mystique. Return to Darap for the night.
Drive: 5.5 hrs
Morning drive from Darap to Bagdogra airport. The journey winds back through the hills of Sikkim and into the plains of West Bengal, carrying the colours of rhododendrons, the silhouette of Kangchenjunga, and the quiet of the Singalila ridge in memory. Trip concludes at Bagdogra.
One of Sikkim's most beautiful treks, now with a full village and cultural experience. Enquire for spring departures when the rhododendrons are at their peak.