Not everyone goes for a trek to climb mountains and breathtaking views, there are many who also go to a trek to explore its rich flora and fauna. Now what if there is a trek that doesn’t have much hassle of climbing the mountains but can promise you to walk through the breathtaking scarlet and pink hues of the Rhododendrons and also a magnificent view of the Kanchenjunga? That’s Varsey Trek in a nutshell for you.

The beauty of the Himalayas is also its rich flora and fauna and one of the miracles of nature is the blooming Rhododendrons and its rich aroma through the forests. The Varsey Trek is the perfect weekend trek that will bring your heart back to the chaotic cities brimming with joy I can guarantee you.

The Hilley Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary located in West Sikkim turns into a pristine beauty during the blooming season of the Rhododendrons. The best part of this trek is that you will find Rhododendrons in every shape and vibrant shade. The Hilley Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary falls in the Singalila range in the West Sikkim occupying 104 sq km. There are three different gates to enter the sanctuary, however the Hilley gate is the most popular and mostly accessed as compared to Dentam and Soreng.

The main reason to enter the Hilley Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary through the Hilley gate is the accessible distance of 4-5 km that can be covered easily in 2 hours. Since this trail is quite renowned and well-marked, anyone can easily traverse through this trail even without a guide as well. The trail is not much steep and looks like walking on a carpet of rhododendrons. So this can be the ideal trek for beginners and also for the ones who are taking kids with them.

The Hilley Varsey Trek has a diverse trail including dense forests and meadows with rhododendrons and wildflowers blooming everywhere during March and April. This nature’s wonder located at an altitude of 3000 meters has in store 40 different varieties of Rhododendrons that makes it one of the most sought-after places in the Singalila Range. This is the reason we have planned an entire day at Varsey so that your adventurous soul can explore as it wants. And the icing on the cake is clear view of the Kanchenjunga. Can your first trek be better than this? I don’t think so.

On the first day of our trek, our team will pick you up from NJP at 9 am. And on Day 4, our team will drop you at NJP around 5 to 6 pm. So we advise you to make your further plans from there onwards.

March, April

The Varsey Trek is popular for the blooming Rhododendrons all across the trail. Hence the best season to go for this trek is during the months of March and April when the Rhododendrons and Magnolias are in full bloom. However, this trek can be done in other months as well. The weather is also quite moderate with clear skies.

Suitable Age Group: Varsey Trek is ideal for age groups between 5 years to 62 years. For minors please make sure they are accompanied by their parents or guardians during the trek. If anyone is above 55 years old, we advise you to consult a doctor before going for this trek. Please make sure, your fitness level is very good, you should be comfortable with high altitudes and cold temperatures. 

The mobile network in the Varsey Trek is a problem. You will get mobile networks till Hilley. From Hilley, once you enter the sanctuary there won’t be any mobile network available. So it is better to make calls at Hilley itself.