Trek to Tranquility: Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary Awaits

Varsey Diaries

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What to expect in Varsey?

Nestling in the gentle lap in the eastern side of the Himalayas, amidst misty mountain and the clouds, there lies the varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary. This place is a year round prayer to mother nature with season revealing something beautiful and unique. Setting this place apart.

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We present to you with our exclusive and wide range of Darjeeling tour packages which will ensure to offer you a comprehensive experience of this hill station, curled up in the arms of the majestic Himalayas. Our packages typically include a wide range of activities, starting from visiting iconic attractions like Tiger Hill, Tea Gardens, Peace Pagoda or the Darjeeling Himalayan Railways, which will cater to all families, adventure lovers and honeymooners, alike.

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Best Time to visit Varsey

The serenity that is provided by Varsey can be relished by tourists throughout the year. There are special or best times throughout the year which makes it special for tourists to catch the unparalleled view of the panoramic Himalayan vistas. However, Spring is the best time for visitors to explore this region for treks and nature walks with clear views of the Kanchenjunga Range.

Weather and Temperature of Varsey

If you visit Varsey throughout the year, you will observe that this quaint village enjoys a cool and forested climate, with slight mists and splendid views of the Himalayas.

Summer (March to June) The summer season is pretty pleasant in Varsey, with clear views that are ideal for sightseeing amidst the blooming Rhododendron. The daytime temperature with slightly warmer temperature fluctuates between 10 and 18℃, while at night, it drops to nearly 5 to 10℃. Overall, the weather remains quite comfortable, with clear skies offering excellent views of the surrounding mountains.

Monsoon (July to September) This season usually remains misty and wet, with frequent heavy rainfall transforming Varsey into a green paradise, with cascading waterfalls. The daytime temperature is usually between 24℃, while at night, it drops to nearly 10℃. Heavy rainfall makes the roads slippery and makes the area lush green waterfall.

Autumn (October to November) Autumn makes Varsey look amazing, with blue skies and clean and cascading waterfalls. It is one of the perfect seasons for tourists, offering clear mountain views and crisp, cool air that brushes against their skin. The daytime temperature hovers around 15 and 23℃, while at night, it typically falls between 7 and 14℃. This season is ideal for trekking/hiking and photography.

Winter (December to February) In this season, you can experience occasional snowfall at those locations in higher altitudes, with chilly air, both during the day and at night. The daytime temperature ranges between 5 to 10℃, while the nighttime temperature drops to as low as -6℃. It is essential to pack heavy woollen clothes if planning a trip to Varsey in the winter. This season is great to experience the serenity of the Himalayas and a cosy bonfire.

Geography and Natural Beauty

Located in the Western part of Sikkim, this place is known for its Rhododendron Sanctuary, 104-square- 104-square-kilometre haven has been home to the Rhododendrons since its establishment in 1996. The vibrant blooms have been able to transform the scapes around this place in the spring months. Varsey is not only famous for its Rhododendrons but also its variety of flora and fauna that surrounds this place. Trees such as magnolia, pine and oaks serve as hosts to a varied array of birds and canopy that provides shade for the explorers. People who are enthusiastic about the in situ wildlife are also in for a treat as it consists of leopard cats, Himalayan civets, langurs, crimson horned, monal and Khaleej are some of the pheasants here.

What to See and Do in Varsey?

Varsey is a splendid location for tourists to explore, with spectacular views of the mountains with specks of snow dust, a rich collection of biodiversity and unique cultural experiences for tourists, besides the scintillating view of the riots of rhododendron blossoms. From exploring the lush green valleys and tea gardens to seeking a little adventure through the trekking trails and visiting the serene monasteries, here is a list of what to see and do when in

Visit the Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary The Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary serves as the core of the attractions that the place has to offer. Established in 1996, this famed haven for flora and fauna has been responsible for covering the area in the hues of red, pink and white.

Explore trekking routes The gentle undulation of the land offers a chance for novice trekkers to try their mettle to traverse the area on foot and get a lay fo the land. The most popular trek around these parts is the 4km trek from Hilley to Varsey.

Bird and wildlife watching Due of the nearby forests and the huge tress that surround the area Varsey has become a spot for the birds to nestle and has helped the birdwatchers to spot some of the exotic birds such as the crimson horned pheasant. The Himalayan Langurs are also quite frequent in the area.

Experiencing the cultural life The adjacent villages and their people offer a learning experience for travellers to learn about communities like the Sherpa and their traditions. The cuisines to try out and the hospitality that the place has to offer are unmatched and are sure to make a traveller feel at home.

Nearby Attractions and Places to Visit in Varsey

One of the most relaxing things about spending time in the hills is close to nature. Varsey is one such eco-village spot for tourists, which is gaining immense prominence for its virgin settlements and promising charm, proving to be a great holiday spot. Check out these nearby attractions and places to visit while in Varsey:

Singshore Bridge: This serene, bridge is located near Pelling and is one of the highest suspension bridges in Asia. This is a peaceful site for tourists spanning approximately 198 meters and offers breathtaking views of the surroundings.

Kanchenjunga Falls: This is known to be one of the oldest wildlife sanctuaries in India, which is also home to numerous rare species of wildlife, including diverse and rare, spectacular Himalayan flora and fauna.

Rabdentse Ruins Rabdentse was the second capital of the former Kingdom of Sikkim and it now stands as a historical site in Pelling. The area offers a window into Sikkim’s Royal past and provides panoramic view of the surrounding place.

Okhrey Village This quaint village of Okhrey is popular for its Rhododendron Sanctuary. Besides, the Sherpa community along with its cultural offerings provides an immersive experience.

Rinchenpong Monastery Atop the villages of Rinchenpong and Kluk, this old monastery is renowned for its majestic views of the Himalayas that symbolise the union of wisdom and compassion.

Soreng This is a world-famous site where there is a massive crowd to catch the scintillating view of the sunrise over Mount Kanchenjunga. Soreng serves as a way that allows a gateway to the various trekking routes and a tranquil environment that provides relaxation.

Local Cuisine and Cultural Experiences

Travellers are sure to be amazed by the simple local dishes that are delicious and packed with authentic hill flavours! You will not regret trying them out when in Varsey. Khukri Khu is a Lepcha dish made from millet crepe filled with leafy mustard and local yak cheese and served with a spicy sauce that is sure to blow your senses. The use of Chhupri a Himalayan cheese made from buttermilk proves to be a side dish for thirsty travellers. Sel Roti, besides the staple food Dal-Bhaat and brewing butter tea is just delicious. These are a perfect food to enjoy and relish in the chilly evenings. You cannot miss out on tasting Gyurma which is often offered as a side dish and is a delicacy that is part of Tibetian cuisine. Kargyong a fermented sausage made from pork, yak or beef with seasoned garlic and ginger proves to be a favoured snack in these regions. These are their comfort food which are all infused with the authenticity of the flavours of the hill. These hill cuisines will remain a memorable moment in your culinary experience.

Varsey is a great option for tourists looking for an offbeat location, which is also vibrant with traditions, local festivities which exude colours of joy, and, the magnificent view of the valley of flowers.

Experience the Short Historical Tours The cultural richness of Varsey gets even more significance when the tourists plan for a short historical tour to learn more about the place. You can take a short tour of the Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary which is a butterfly-shaped Eco-tourism site and just about 55km away from Varey, you can visit the Coronation Throne in Yuksom to gain historical insights. The Singalila Ridge is also another interesting site for tourists to know it is an ancient trade route connecting Nepal, Sikkim and Tibet.

Traditional festivities The local festivals such as Losar, Saga Dawa and Pang Lhabsol have allowed the travellers to check out the vibrant rituals that uphold Sikkim’s heritage and have been able to represent the cultural harmony of the people.

Visiting Monasteries and temples Varsey and its surrounding areas have multiple surrounding monasteries that provide a glimpse into Sikkim’s Buddhist culture. Such as the Enchey or Pemayangtse Monastery and the Kirateshwar Mahadev temple also help visitors to take a pilgrimage to these sacred sites.

Culinary Exploration As the traveller can stay with the locals and explore the communities that inhabit the area of Varsey they get a chance to peer into the lives of the people living here and their way of life. Thus the visitors get the front row seats into the cuisines that are prevalent in the region.

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Accommodation Facilities in Varsey

The homestays across villages like Okhrey and Hilley have led to presenting an authentic glimpse into the daily lives of the locals of the Lepcha communities and the Sherpa people. This provides opportunities for visitors to participate in traditional cooking. You can get a range of accommodation facilities in Varsey, which are cosy lodging options amidst panoramic Himalayan views and pine forests, but be careful to book them well in advance to ensure you get standard and hassle-free accommodations, especially during the peak seasons.

Check out these options here, for a tension-free booking. Accommodation options in the Varsey area like the Royal Barsey Homestay, which has superior amenities and eco-luxury stays. You also have other options like Barsey Retreat and Sighalialla Sunview Homestay, which is popular for its standard and cosy accommodation. You also have the option of staying in guesthouses, which however have basic amenities. However, you can experience the rustic charm of village life while staying in Samdrup Homestay, with an authentic village hospitality and vibe. However, it is important to pre-book accommodations to avoid any unforeseen situations, especially during the peak seasons!

Homestays in Varsey

The rustic, simple homestays of Varsey offers warm beds amidst blooming trails and misty nature to enjoy cosy authentic stays. Most of the homestays here have wooden interiors where the hosts offer delicious home-cooked meals and warm hospitality with all the basic amenities. Some of the recommended homestays of Varsey include- Varsey Forest Homestay, Sherpa Eco Homestay, Rhododendron View Homestay, Barsey Ridge Retreat and Himalayan Bloom Homestay.

Where is Varsey located?

As Varsey is in West Sikkim it is in the Soreng district, near the Indo-Nepal border. The Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary spans along the Singallia Range and it helps connect the Singhalilla National Park with the Kanchendzonga Biosphere Reserve. Being at an altitude of 3060 meters it offers stunning views as it lies surrounded by majestic hillscapes.

How to Reach Varsey

Varsey or Barsey, is a serene destination in West Sikkim that has different ways of reaching it through different modes of transport.

By Air: The nearest airport to Varsey is Bagdogra Airport about 124 km away from Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. It takes approximately 4 hours to reach this quaint place. Additionally, the Pakyong Airport is located about 35 kilometres south of Gangtok.

By Train: The nearest railway station to Gangtok is New Jalpaiguri Junction (NJP), which is about 130 km away. It takes approximately 4 hours to reach this quaint place by car to reach this place. Visitors can easily book a taxi and reach here depending on the traffic conditions.

By Road: From Siliguri, the distance covered to Jorethang which is near to Soreng is about 90 km which takes approx. 3 and half hours to reach the destination, via NH 10 and state highways such as SH-19 that connect Jorethang to Soreng. You can reserve a cab or get on a shared vehicle from Tenzing Norgay Bus Terminus in Siliguri. The distance between Jorethang to Hilley is approximately 30 km, and a shared or reserved cab takes about 2 hours to travel via Okhrey the village near Varsey.

Siliguri to Varsey Car Services

From Siliguri, the distance covered to Jorethang which is near to Soreng is about 90 km which takes approx. 3 and a half hours to reach the destination, via NH 10 and state highways such as SH-19 that connect Jorethang to Soreng. You can reserve a cab or get on a shared vehicle from Tenzing Norgay Bus Terminus in Siliguri. You could also avail of the bus service provided by the Govt. of Sikkim that runs in between Sikkim and Siliguri.

Some Pro Travel Tips for Varsey

    ↠Pack all your essentials like warm clothes, trekking gear, first-aid kit, personal medications, water bottles, snacks.
    ↠Properly acclimate to avoid altitude sickness.
    ↠Carry portable chargers and camera equipment.

Conclusion

When you are in Varsey also known as Barsey, you will experience the epitome of mindful tourism amidst nature. This place offers tourists with forest-filled, quiet and starry-night experience, away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

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