ST/ 07: 08 Days Barsey (Vershay) Rhododendron Sanctuary Trek
- Max Elevation 3733 m. Views of Everest & Khangchendzonga
- Grade: Moderate
- Period: March - Apr and Oct-Nov.
- Best for flowers in bloom March- Early April
- Best for views: Nov
- Includes stay at Yangsum Farm, exploration of Sikkimese Village of Rinchenpong, and visiting Pamayangtse Monastery
Away from crowds, moderately paced, this is rated by us, as the best trekking experience in Sikkim. After a day exploring the village of Rinchenpong with its wooded walks, and ancient monastery, the trek starts at the picturesque Sikkimese village of Hee- Bermoik, 1800 m, and traverses through the upper reaches of the Rhododendron Sanctuary to the Everest view point at Phoktey Dara. 3733 m, to finally descend to the Khalej Valley and visit the Pamayangtse Monastery. A dream trail for nature lovers. the sanctuary supports a wide variety of habitat comprising Sub-tropical, Mixed broadleaf, conifer, and Alpine. Walk through pristine forests of Silver Fir, hemlocks, magnolia, and Rhododendrons. Breathtaking views of Mount Khangchendzonga, and the Mount Everest group, river valleys, picturesque camping, More than 200 species of birds, and a range of mammals - Leopard, Leopard-cat, Yellow throated Marten, Palm Civet, Goral, Barking Deer, Himalayan Black Bear, Wild boar, Red Panda, Flying squirrel, Crestless porcupine, Himalayan mouse- hare and others.
Trek tour can start and end at Bagdogra, Kalimpong, Darjeeling, or Gangtok
Day 01 Bagdogra / Darjeeling / Kalimpong / Gangtok to Rinchenpong
Pick up by car from either Bagdogra, Kalimpong, Darjeeling, or Gangtok, and drive to Rinchenpong - a small village perched on a ridge. Check in at Yangsum Farm. 1500 m.
The Yangsum Farm is tucked away far from crowds, in idyllic countryside with a backdrop of the Khangchendzonga group of peaks and the sky- line of the Singelila Range. It is located in West Sikkim, two kms from the small bazaar village of Rinchenpong at an altitude of 1500 meters. At Yangsum you will stay at the heritage Farm House, build in 1833 and remodeled in 1966. Thendup Tashi and Pema chuki, of the Tsechu Tharpa family will be your hosts. You will stay in spacious furnished bedrooms with western style toilet and bath. The house has electricity, and running water. The host family manages a 44 Acre farm, consisting of open mixed forest of Pine, Himalayan Alder, Schima, Chestnut, Magnolia, Rhododendrons, cherry, and others. It grows cardamom, avocados, oranges, banana, pears, apricots, and mangoes. Cultivated agriculture yields maize, paddy, millet, potatoes, ginger, turmeric, and sweet potatoes. In addition to these, seasonal vegetables such as cauliflower, cabbage, tomatoes and peas are also grown.
Day 02: Trek Rinchenpong - Hi Barmoik
Trek from Yangsum Farm to Hi Barmoik village, 2200 m It a picturesqe wood & stone constructed large village spread on the face of the mountain with the back drop of forests. Easy walk for 02- 03 hrs through cultivation to the Lower Hi Barmoik Village. Here we will take time off to explore the village, meet people. Continue fairly steep uphill through isolated houses to Upper Hi- Barmoik village for another 02 - 03 hrs, to our camp site on the edge of the forest. Overnight in camp.
Day 03: Trek Hi -Barmoik – Vershay ( also called Barsey)
Trek Hi-Barmoik to Vershay at 3000 m. Walk through mixed forests with Rhododendrons and bamboo (5 hrs). Fairly steep all the way. Camp overnight in Rhododendron forest.
The Barsey (Vershay) Rhododendron Sanctuary ( BRS) is spread over 104 sq Kms. It forms a vital corridor connecting the Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve with the Singelila National Park in West Bengal. The altitudinal range of 2200m to 4100m supports a wide variety of habitat comprising Sub-tropical, Mixed broadleaf, conifer, and Alpine. During our exploration trips and birding tours we have recorded more than 200 species. Mammals inhabiting the park include Leopard, Leopard-cat, Yellow throated Marten, Palm Civet, Goral, Barking Deer, Himalayan Black Bear, Wild boar, Red Panda, Flying squirrel, Crestless porcupine, Himalayan mouse- hare and others.
Day 04: Trek Vershay to Jhorbotay
Trek 06 hrs from Vershay to Jhorbotay, 3280 m through rhododendron forests. It is an easy walk. Overnight in camp located in a forest clearing with good views of Mount Khangchendzonga.
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