BARSEY SANCTURY TREK
Overview
Itinerary
Accommodation
Route Map
Gallery
FAQ
Overview
About Tour
The Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary Trek is a perfect opportunity to explore the North Eastern Himalayan foothills and its unique and diverse ecosystem, considered as one of the bio-diversity ‘hot spots’ on earth. The different species of colourful Rhododendrons and windflowers in the sanctuary attract wide varieties of birds making it also a birding hotspot. Your trek will be through this wonderful natural world, over undulating terrain, often with steps hewn into the mountainside by past generations. The five-day trek through a maze of Himalayan eco-systems with endemic rhododendron forests, bamboo forests and Rolling Meadows will be forever remembered as you walk through the shadow of the great Himalayan mountain ranges. Trekking as you take in the spectacular views of the Himalayas during the day, sitting around a roaring camp fire and sleeping in tents within the forest canopy beneath a starlit night sky will be part of this amazing and unforgettable experience. You will be assisted by a small army of porters, cooks and guides to carry your luggage, tents and camping accessories. The sight of local porters carrying your provisions in dokos (baskets) with head and shoulder straps would appear straight out of what you always imagined such an adventure would entail! The ultimate bonus would be the spectacular view of the ice-clad Kanchenjunga ranges and the opportunity to retrace the historic trail trekked by travelers through millennia into Nepal adds excitement to this hike. Non-trek days will be spent in premium and comfortable hotels and a homestay, all the while exploring the local villages and Buddhist monasteries.
Highlights
- Trek through the Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary at the Himalayan foothills
- Spectacular view of Kangchenjunga range through the latter part of the trek
- Trekking along the Indo-Nepal International border
- Camping inside the forest and stay at comfy hotels/ home-stay on non-trek days
- Trek through the unique ecosystems and birding hotspots
- Support of the local community in return for a healthy income from tourism such as this trek.
- Visiting North-eastern Buddhist monasteries
- Visiting remote villages and interaction with the residents
Inclusions
•Accommodation
•Most Meals
•Fully Supported Guided Trekking,
•Entry to National Parks,
•Bottled water & Refreshments during trekking
•All applicable taxes
Exclusions
Flights
Travel Insurance
Tips
Laundry
Beverages
Personal Shopping
Itinerary
DAY 1 AIRPORT TO DARJEELING
Arrive Bagdogra Airport in West Bengal and you will be received by the tour leader of India Bicycle Trips on arrival. A 3-hour drive along the raging Teesta River will take you to a well-appointed hotel in the hill town of Darjeeling. The town bordering Sikkim is known for its colonial-era buildings and Buddhist monasteries. Darjeeling is a town in India’s West Bengal state, in the Himalayan foothills. Once a summer resort for the British Raj elite, it remains the terminus of the narrow-gauge Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, or “Toy Train,” completed in 1881. It’s famed for the distinctive black tea grown on plantations that dot its surrounding slopes. Its backdrop is Mt. Kanchenjunga, among the world’s highest peaks. Darjeeling, nestled among rolling mountains, is a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Popular places to visit include Tiger Hill, Batasia Loop and the War Memorial, and the Himalayan Zoological Park and Snow Leopard Breeding Center. What should you bring home? Tea, tea and more tea.
Accommodation: Ramada Darjeeling
Meals: Dinner
Activity Distance: Transfer to Darjeeling 70KMs
DAY 2 DARJEELING
Today morning we will take you on an amazing walking tour of the old town with our fun and entertaining storytellers. This walking tour will give you a great induction of the city, its history, its vibrant culture, and its people with lots of wonderful stories about the city, fun facts and must do things in the city. Our walks are blend of historical elucidation and curious anecdote laced with mildly scurrilous talk about past and present celebrities and defunct royals. We will cover some of the city highlights along with hidden places and forgotten nooks of the old city during the walk. Rest of the day we will explore around the tea town of Darjeeling.
Accommodation: Ramada Darjeeling
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Activity Distance: Morning walk & Sightseeing at Darjeeling 4KMs
DAY 3 DARJEELING TO RINCHENPONG
After an early breakfast, you will be transferred from Darjeeling to the hill town of Rinchenpong in Sikkim. En-route, you have the mandatory halt at the check post to submit requisite documentation to enter the North Eastern Indian state of Sikkim. Located in the Himalayan foothill region, it has astonishing landscapes which includes the Kancheniunga towering 8486m from sea level. It is also known for its valleys, forests, glaciers, alpine meadows, variety of windflowers and Buddhist monasteries. You will travel on a 4-hour ride northwards through the valleys to reach a homestay at a farm in Rinchenpong. The hill town is known for its ancient Buddhist monasteries. After freshening up and lunch, you would be going on an acclimatization walk around local village and farms. You will also be visiting the 18th century Rinchenpong Monastery which is located at an elevation of 1700 Metres and housing the rare Adi (Primordial) Buddha statue. The valley offers you a scenic view of the countryside, hill settlements, and monasteries with the Rangeet River skirting it.
Accommodation: Homestay
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Activity Distance: Nil
DAY 4 RINCHENPONG TO SAMATAR
After an hour’s transfer to the start point of the trek – Hee Patal, you will enter the Barsey (Vershay) Rhododendron Sanctuary. The Sanctuary covers an area of 104 sq kms bordering Nepal and boasts of unique Rhododendron forests, deciduous, wet hill forests and alpine meadows. You will trek uphill through thick vegetation and bamboo forests to pass by a small stream further up the trail. By noon you reach the forest camp where a hot lunch will be served. Post lunch, the terrain gets steeper, the forest trail gets thicker with orchids abloom on the wayside and strawberries growing wild on the ground. Today’s trek will culminate at the first campsite at Samatar, a flat grassland area well inside the forest and ideal for camping. The starry night sky is a spectacular sight that will remain with you as a treasured moment long after your trip.
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Activity Distance: 5.80KMs
DAY 5 SAMATAR TO BARSEY
Today you have a comparatively shorter trek, an uphill trail of steps cut in stone to reach a forest hut. Further, you will walk through Rhododendron and bamboo forests and climb atop a narrow ridge. The distant view of hills, valleys and villages from the viewpoint on the ridge with Buddhist prayer flags around evokes a feeling of timelessness and serenity. You pass by a watch-tower used by the forest department, to cross the ridge and reach Barsey Forest Barracks and Huts by noon. Your camp, with a view of mountains covered in a lush emerald panorama, will be set up nearby and lunch served at the camp itself. You have the option to walk to a small lake nearby in the afternoon.
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Activity Distance: 6Km
DAY 6 BARSEY TO JORBUTAY
Today is the day you trek the longest distance of this adventure across undulating terrain and through thick Rhododendron forests. You will carry packed lunch for today’s trek. Along the way, you will be traversing the canopy of the cloud forest interspersed with the white, pink and red Rhododendron flowers lighting up the trail. The tree ferns, orchids and moss all along the narrow and meandering path are unique to the area and provide complex hues of green. Your will have your lunch at a picturesque grassland along this trail. The chirruping of birds and the warbling of streams and rivulets add to the sounds of the lively forest. After a steep uphill section, you will reach the Jorbutey camp by evening. The camp looks out on an immensely scenic Himalayan landscape.
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Activity Distance: 9.8KMs
DAY 7 JORBUTAY TO KALIJHAR
Today is a Challenge day as you face up to the toughest trek of the tour. You will be taking packed lunch today also. You exit from the thick rhododendron forests and trek the initial undulating terrain to reach meadows and grasslands. Here, villagers with grazing yaks are a common sight. Gear up for the steepest climb to Kalijhar near the Indo Nepal Border using the big steps along the scenic trail. Camp will be set up at Kalijhar – the highest campsite throughout the trek. You will get another chance to view the mighty Kangchenjunga range, Border Military camps and Uttarey village along the route, from the Kalijhar camp. An optional two hour walk to a viewpoint nearby highlights the spectacular view of Mt Everest and Mt Kangchenjunga on a clear sky day. Your camp at Kalijhar is near the international
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Activity Distance: 7.6KMS
DAY 8 KALIJHAR TO PELLING
You will trek along the Indo Nepal border to reach border police and army outpost camps. After submitting requisite documentation, you progress further downhill using the numerous stone steps with wooden cladding. Take your time as the descent can stress your knees. You will have lunch near Military Camp at Chitrey. After lunch, you descend further to exit the sanctuary and enter the unspoilt Uttarey village, crossing busy fish farms and numerous streams on small wooden bridges. With fond memories of the forest behind you and carrying forward the high spirits of accomplishing the Barney Rhododendron Sanctuary trek, you now set out on a drive along mountain roads, all the while gazing at the stark beauty of the craggy valley below. You will reach the well-appointed and cozy hotel located in the scenic town of Pelting to re-energies your body after the last week’s adventure.
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Activity Distance: 9.5KMs
DAY 9 PELLING TO SILIGURI
You will be transferred from Pelling to Siliguri. En-route, you have to halt once again at the check post to submit requisite documentation to exit Sikkim. This would be a long drive through the countryside, endless scenes of the valley with dramatic views of landscapes along the river Rangeet will take you to Siliguri. We will be stopping en-route to stretch those tired limbs and rest. This North East Indian state of West Bengal is situated at the foothills of the Himalayas, surrounded by tea gardens and scenic landscapes. Once at the hotel it is now time to celebrate the end of an exhilarating and spectacular week’s Himalayan adventure with a celebratory meal at the hotel.
Accommodation: Marriott Siliguri
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Activity Distance: Transfer 200
DAY 10
You will be transferring to Airport. Depart. End of Tour
Accommodation: Nil
Meals: Breakfast
Activity Distance: Transfer
Accommodation
HOTEL RAMADA BY WYNDHAM, DARJEELING
Ramada By Wyndham Darjeeling, situated at Gandhi Road is the best hotel in Darjeeling. This is a place to be, while visiting the Queen of Hill Stations. This 62-rooms property is elegant, spacious and thoughtfully designed, offering you a choice of the spectacular views of Kanchenjunga (the world’s third-highest mountain) or the city vistas as you choose to stay at the hotel
FARM STAY AT YANGSUM
Drive through groves of bamboo to a beautiful rustic heritage farmhouse which was built in 1833 and remodeled in 1966. The homestay is run by Thendup Tashi and his wife, Pema, who manage the 44-acre mountain farm which consists of open mixed forest of pine, Himalayan alder, schima, chestnut, magnolia, rhododendrons, cherry and others.
HOTEL MARRIOT SILIGURI
Enjoy five-star service and amenities at Courtyard Siliguri, our hotel serving as the gateway to northeast India. At the city center overlooking the Himalayan range in Siliguri, our hotel offers modern rooms, many with room service and scenic views of Siliguri. Upgrade to a residential-style suite with pool or mountain views.
Route Map
Gallery
FAQ
Should I book my vacation in advance ?
It is advisable to book your tour as early as possible. During holiday periods from Oct-March hotels across South India remain full. Please contact us and we would be glad to help with dates and planning.
Do you offer Private Honeymoon Trips ?
Yes. An experience with us has all the ingredients for a perfect honeymoon. Custom made just for you and your dearest spouse. Romantic destinations like Munnar and Marari Beach offer exquisite lodgings and cuisine. And engaging activities—as much or as little, as easy or as challenging, as desired. It’s the ultimate wedding present. Just call us at + 91-9562442992 or email us at [email protected] Buzz us to customize your cycling holiday in India.
Can “India Bicycle Trips\” provide references to make an informed decision ?
Surely. Your tour consultant will be happy to give you contacts of people who have participated in the trip you’re considering.
What about our main luggage?
We will take of your luggage & will reach you at your day’s camp. Carry only a day bag with your papers and valuables.
Accommodation / Meals
The properties that we have suggested in the itinerary are standard and premium properties we use and include heritage hotels, Eco-lodges and Plantation Retreats. Indian food is mainly vegetarian and spicy but not hot curry. A typical meal consists of rice, Chappathy, fish, and vegetables. There is an abundance of fresh fruit and fish. Mineral water is widely available and carried on the support vehicle.
What about guides?
Qualified outdoor guides and trackers will accompany you on the trek.
What about Wildlife encounters.
They are likely to be wild animal encounters but our guides and trackers are trained and experienced enough to keep you out of harm’s way.
Do you have a suggested kit list?
We do have a suggested kit list which we will send you when you have booked the trip. Suffice it to say that this is a highly mountainous area where nights are cold. Hence you will require woolens as well as good walking shoes.
Travel Insurance
It is a condition of joining our trips that you must be adequately insured. Polices should cover potential risks involved in a mountain cycling holiday. We ask for details of your policy to be provided prior to travel. We recommend that you arrange your travel insurance at the same time as booking your holiday so that you are covered in the event of cancellation.
Vaccinations
There are no compulsory vaccinations for foreign visitors but we strongly recommended that you should contact your doctor at least 3 months prior to travel to obtain these vaccinations and the latest advice to travelers. Expert advice on medication should be sought.
First Aid
Our guides carry a medical kit. We recommend that you bring your own first aid supplies including: a broad spectrum anti-biotic, antiseptic cream, throat lozenges, a cold medication, diarrhea treatment, pain killers, plasters, insect repellent and re-hydration salts.
Tips for Local Guides and Drivers
Tipping is an accepted part of everyday life, and although it is always at your discretion, you will be expected to tip to reward service. £25 for the guide and team at the end of the tour is recommended.
Personal Expenses
Spending money depends on your taste for souvenirs, drinks etc. We estimate that £200 will be more than enough to cover the 14-day tour.
Can I have my own room ?
Our prices are based on double occupancy (two people per room). We will endeavor to find a roommate for those guests who wish to share a room. Please write to us at [email protected] for single occupancy rates.
Do you provide bikes for children ?
We provide bikes for children of all ages. With routes that are safe, bikes of apt size and guides as caring and loving, you couldn’t ask for a more personalized tour.
Can you provide me with references from previous tours ?
Yes. Your Trip Consultant will be happy to give you contacts of people who have participated in the trip you’re considering.
Can I bring my own bike ?
Of course you could get your own bike. Please make sure to bring along necessary tools and spares as we do not guarantee availability of spares for personal bikes.
Is India Bicycle Trips a registered firm ?
India Bicycle Trips is a part of a registered company called ” In Sight Bicycle Trips Pvt Limited ” head quartered in Cochin, Kerala. In-Sight Bicycle Trips Pvt Ltd is a company formed in 2010 and has been successful in offering tours both leisure and active holidays to its guests from all over the world. For any information, please feel free to write to us and we would be glad to clarify.