3 Nights 4 Days
Specific Tour
20 people
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At an elevation of 3049 m, despite being relatively remote, Varsey in western Sikkim is a slice of paradise with flourishing mountain resorts. Its charms are however untouched by human hands. You might miss the amenities of a lot of developed tourist spots, however now could be the most effective time to visit Varsey if you favour pristine natural splendor.
There is a motorable road to Hilley. You can hike to Varsey from there. There is also a walking trail, but the hour-long walk is by far the best choice for real nature lovers. Of the seven to eight treks available, the one from Hilley to Varsey is known as the Rhododendron walk. The whole route traverses through Naya Bazaar-Hilley-Varsey-Dentam-Pemeyangtse.
Rhododendrons bloom alternately, bright red one year and white the next. Rarely, the whole lot blooms together transforming the canopy into a chequered masterpiece. Photo: Rishad Saam Mehta
Buddhist chortens and shrines are often found in the middle of the trail and trekkers must walk past respectfully keeping them on their right. Photo: Rishad Saam Mehta
At Hilley, at an elevation of 2744 m (9,000 ft), there are plenty of silver fir, hemlock, magnolia and shrubs. As you approach Varsey’s tiny hamlet, you will be welcomed everywhere with rhododendrons. The area all around is a riot of colors from March to May, once the flora is in bloom. The branches on the trek route entwine to make a natural veil greeting you all along. Once you reach the Hill resort, a palate of endless snowy peaks disclose beneath the turquoise sky. Roam at leisure trails fringed by oak, pine and birch. Many-hued butterflies flash past from flower to flower. A breeze sends clouds scampering from one peak to a different as a formation of birds soars overhead. Nature looks to exult at Barsey.
Once the veil of the cloud lifts, you’ll end up face to face with Kanchenjunga and different titans of the jap range. Get up early at dawn to observe the sun rise over the Kanchenjunga. Later, walk down the snakelike road to Hilley from Jorethang via Somebaria.
The cook prepared fulfilling breakfasts of fried eggs and porridge that fortified trekkers until lunch. Photo: Rishad Saam MehtaDay 1: New Jalpaiguri to Bhareng via Jorethang
Day 2: Bhareng to Okhrey
Day 3:Okhrey to Barsey
Day 4: Barsey to New Jalpaiguri station via Jorethang.
You can also check out the detailed itinerary from here.
For the duration of this adventure, you will be staying in guesthouses or in lodges, on a sharing basis Starting from day 1 to day 3.
We’ll provide Non Veg / Veg meals on all days of the trip.
one must also follow some basic guidelines laid down by us so that the trek execution is smooth and easy. Here are few of the guidelines that are mandatory while you enroll for the trek
P.s -Though the list is exhaustive, we may add or remove some norms if required which will be informed prior to the start of the trek.
The more earlier your decide to go more easier it gets- As the trek traverses to arduous regions with no connectivity as such , home stays bookings need to be booked advanced many weeks back, also availability is another hurdle so its better to book in advance .Same goes for fooding. Desinomadz won’t take last minute requests for enrollment for an ongoing batch.
Pack what’s necessary– Pack only what’s necessary. You would require to climb steep inclines and declines along the trek and needless to say a lighter baggage would go along way for a delightful trek. Pack what’s necessary only , avoid taking more baggage’s ,it will wear you down badly. If you are unsure what to take and what not to take we will be happy to help you for recommendation. Also we would share a list of items that need to mandatorily taken for the trek.
Fooding– Prior to the start of trek we would be sharing the day to day menu for the entire trek. It would contain nutritious and light food that would keep you pepped up for the trek. The food won’t be over the the top level but will be sumptuous and locally prepared. Any extra food except what is there in the menu shared beforehand would be chargeable . You need to carry water all along the trek , though you would be getting packaged water all along the trek except few parts which you can buy.So it is advised to fill up your bottles in the hot springs sources or camps we would be staying in. We would carry zeoline for emergency purposes if required.
Accommodation – We would put ourselves in tents. During the stay kindly follow the local rules of the area and of the tents. Misbehavior, intoxication or any other means that may occur as unlawful or demeaning will not be tolerated.
Timeline – Desinomadz has fixed timeline and plan that need to be followed rigorously. Our Itinerary will stay fixed and it needs to be followed with utmost care. It is designed in a way to give you the balance of ample amount of rest and exertion for the trek.
Trek leader – A trek leader will be accompanying you the entire stretch of the trek . You need to thoroughly listen to his/her direction at all times. Problems faced if any while on the trek should immediately be informed to the trek leader and wait for his instructions.
Teamwork – You will be trekking as team with the trek leader at helm followed by the local guide. It is advised to stick together and share the common team vision and brotherhood as you go along. Be on the lookout for any problems faced by any other fellow trek mate and inform us. Moving as a unit makes the trek all the more , less tedious and more joyful.
Smoking, drinking or any other form of intoxication is not recommended during the trek. You would be trekking a lot and that puts your body under lot of toil and at that altitude you may feel nausea, vomiting and and many other health complications may arise. So its advised not to take any sort of intoxicating substances during the trek.
You are responsible for your safety – Though the trek to sandakphu is of moderate nature we strictly forbid any of our fellow trekkers to take shortcuts , stop at undesignated places without informing the trek leader. It is easy to get lost or get injured due to self made decisions. Listen and follow the trail taken by the trek leader and avoid putting unnecessary physical exertion to your body,it might cost you big time.
Prior to the start of the trek it is mandatory to sign and fill an agreement devised by us with your signature. It’s a standard level agreement consisting of your basic details and your agreement on the part that you are willing to take this trek in your own free will.
If a trip is called off at the last moment due to a natural calamity/unforeseen circumstances (like rains, earthquake, landslides, strike, bandh etc), Desi Nomadz will issue a trek voucher for the full amount. The voucher can be redeemed for the same trek or another trek in the next one year.
In case you wish to cancel your trek please e-mail us at support@desinomadz.com. Cancellation requests are not taken over phone.
The cancellation charges are as under:
Cancellations prior to 30 days from the start of the trek — full refund.
Cancellation between 30 days and 20 days to the start of the trek — 50% refund.
Cancellation less than 20 days to the start of the trek — no refund.
Please note:
If service purchased with a voucher code, then voucher amount will be deducted from deposit amount while refund to customer.
In case of refund, there will be a deduction of bank charges (if applicable) from the total fee you have paid. Also, if you have opted for a trek insurance, the amount will not be refunded.
NJP or new jalpiguri as everyone knows is the the gateway to the himalayas to the east . Our journey starts here from the foothills of the himalayas . The route from New Jalpaiguri taken, traverses through Teesta Bazar – Jorethang – Sombaria – Bhareng takes around 5-6 hours to reach. The beautiful homestay is welcoming. After the greetings we’ll refresh. If time permits, the team leader will take the team to surrounding places. Our tonight’s stay is at Bhareng.
Early morning in the next day we start from Bhareng after breakfast to Okhrey. Our pick up car will be waiting to take us to Okhrey. It will not take up much time to reach. Our lunch will be served. After the lunch we’ll explore the surrounding Okhrey with the team. A small introduction & refreshment session will be there. After Dinner we’ll sleep in the comfortable, beautiful homestay.
After breakfast from Okhrey we’ll proceed towards Hilley. Our pickup car will be waiting. Our first destination is Hilley Check post, from there hiking will start for Barsey, which is about 4 kilometer. The trek to Barsey up and down trek is about 8 kms. Barsey Rhododendron sanctuary is located at the middle of Singalila National Park and the scenic route is one to behold.. If you are lucky you can get a glimpse of the many types of endangered animals found here like, Red Panda, Barking Deer, Hedge hog. We’ll pitch our tents in Barsey Rhododendron sanctuary, with a mystic feeling. A night inside the deep forest will be so much thrilling for us all. We’ll have our dinner served & will fall asleep with the sounds of nature, different animals.
Breakfast & trek to Hilley. Our pick up car will be waiting there. After witnessing the beauty the nature has to offer in barshey okhrey and hilley we start forward to get back to NJP. On the way lunch break will be there. Final stop will be at Siliguri Bus stand, nearest to New Jalpaiguri station.
Stay on all days of trek will be in homestays. We would also carry tents which would be used in emergency or on request basis. Each tent accommodates 3 people and will be shared accordingly among trekkers.
Yes, Desinomadz trekkers will be provided with tents and high altitude sleeping bags that can withstand temperatures as low as -10 ºC. Sleeping bags will be provided with extra charges per day rent basis which is to be informed to us prior to the start of the trek.
Summer day time temperatures will range from 13-18ºC and night time temperature will range from 3-5ºC. Winter day time temperatures will range from 8-15ºC and night temperature could drop to -5ºC.
You can expect to get snow on most parts of the trail in winter .
If it starts raining while you’re trekking, we will continue on the trail as planned. Your poncho should protect you from the rain. Carry a backpack cover for extra protection from rain for your belongings. When it rains at the campsite, we usually get together in the dining tent and play games. The tents that you will be staying in (on request) are water proof, so you will stay dry inside.
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