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BARSEY RHODODENDRON SANCTUARY
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About the Sanctuary
The concept of biodiversity conservation in the Sikkim Himalayas is very ancient. The names of many places in this region commemorate saints who came to meditate and also to the many plants, animals and birds found abundantly here. Some of these forests are still preserved as sacred groves, or “Devithans” and are a source of life giving water. Deposit this history, it was not until the 1990’s that efforts were made to create a sanctuary in this region. This dream is now realized as the Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary (1996).
At present the Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary (BRS) is spread over a total area of 104 sq kms. It forms a vital corridor in the larger Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve with the Shinglila National Park of West Bengal. The altitudinal range of 2200m to 4100m supports a wide variety biodiversity values ranging from the Sub-Tropical Forests, Mixed Broadleaf Forests, Conifer Forests and finally Alpine Meadows. There are 30 villages comprising 6500 households with a total population of about 40,000 people adjoining this sanctuary, which have been brought under the Ecodevelopment Network.
Climate
The Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary spans the razor sharp Shingalila Range. The climate is wet and cold favouring the spread of the dominant genus Rhododendron. July is the wettest month with the average annual precipitation being in excess of 350cm. The reaches above 2500m receive regular snowfall in winter. Clear skies can be experienced from November to April
Getting to BRS
The starting point for any visit to BRS is West Sikkim district. This district is accessible by road only. There are three main entry points to BRS namely Hilley, Soreng and Uttarey. New Jalpaiguri (West Bengal) is the nearest rail-head. Reaching BRS from this rail-head is almost a 5-6 hours drive (140 kms).
Approximate distances from BRS
Airport : Bagdogra (W.B.) (144 kms)
Railhead : New Jalpaiguri (W.B.) (140 kms)
Accommodation in BRS
Log-house accommodation is available at Barsey, Chitrey, Chewa and Phalut. Camping is also permitted in the designated camping sites. It is essential to reach the overnight camping site well before sunset. Your local guide will help you to select a place to camp, which is safe and close to water. All trekkers in BRS should select the trekking route to match their level of fitness. A local guide must accompany multi-day trekkers.
Trekking Routes
- Hilley to Barsey (4 km – Easy Trek)
Experience the riot of Rhododendron flowering with spectacular views of the Khangchendzonga Range.
- Soreng to Barsey (10 km – Moderate Trek)
Experience bird diversity and the origin of the Ringyang River
- Soreng to Jhandi Danda (5km – Moderate Trek)
Sunrise View Point
- Uttarey Chewa, Phalut to Ribdi (3 days –24 kms – Moderate Trek)
High Altitude trek (4000 m) on the Indo-Nepal border with spectacular mountain views and pristine forests.
Wildlife
Sir J.D. Hookar the world renowned botanist noted in his diary, “The Shingalila Range, forming the political boundary between Sikkim and Nepal, springs from Kanchendzonga and extends southwards to the plains of Bengal. The super abundance of rhododendrons is the glory of the Shingalila Range. The banks of rivers between 8000 and 14,000 feet are generally covered with Rhododendrons sometimes to the total exclusion of other wooded vegetation, especially near the snowy mountain, a cool temperature and great humidity being the most favourable conditions for the luxurious growth of this genus. Such conditions prevail throughout the Shingalila range due to its proximity with the Kanchendzonga range. The silver fir extends to 13,000 feet and thejunipers to 15,000 feet. For many miles the path runs through woods of Rhododendron arbareum, R. cinnabarinum, R. hodgsoni, Acer caudatum, Betula utilis, Pieris ovalifolia, Prunus rufa. Pyrus foliokisa, Pyrus macraphylla etc. Here also are seen the last examples of the dwarf bamboo tribe, Arundinaria spathiflora and Arundinaria racemosa.”
Hundreds of bird species are found in this sanctuary including three species of spectacular pheasants namely, Satyr Tragopan, Impeyan Monal and Kaleej Pheasant. Notable large mammals include Leopard, Leopard Cat, Yellow-Throated Marten, Palm Civet, Wild Dog, Goral, Barking Deer, Himalayan Black Beer, Wild Boar, Red Panda, Flying Squirrel, Crestless Porcupine, Himalayan Mouse-Hare, etc.