| The multi-coloured flower sanctuary in Southern | | | | At last, we reached Hilley at an altitude of 9,000 ft. |
| Sikkim in India is a trekker Paradise. The | | | | The Indian armies who guarded the Sanctuary asked |
| Rhododendron Sanctuary at Barsey is something that | | | | us to purchase tickets to enter the sanctuary. The |
| provides the ideal trekking trail for the non-trekker. | | | | Rhododendron sanctuary is spread across an area of |
| The best season for trekking is from March to May | | | | 104 sq km flush with alpine vegetation including silver |
| every year. | | | | firs, magnolias, hemlocks and pines. The hallmark of |
| It took us almost two and a half hour to reach | | | | the sanctuary is the numerous species of |
| Jorethang in South Sikkim in our Tata Sumo from a | | | | rhododendrons - variety of wild flowers and |
| place in Western Sikkim. From there again, four of us | | | | numerous streams. The journey through the narrow |
| started for Sombarey, - the nearest town to Barsey. | | | | foot trail was a palpable excitement. There was no |
| The journey was something to cherish and good | | | | chance of sunlight penetrating in the dense forest |
| enough to eradicate any anxiety at having to find | | | | due to mist. The drifting clouds, swirling mists, slippery |
| accommodation. | | | | trails and recurrent streams ensured we must be |
| Sombarey is a small hill town of nearly 60-70 families | | | | cautious enough to enjoy a safe trekking. We gather |
| located at an altitude of 4, 700 ft. On reaching there, | | | | some broken branches to guide us all along the |
| we checked into a guesthouse and ordered some | | | | narrow trek. |
| refreshments. | | | | At Barsey, we were greeted with a riot of colours |
| Next morning, the trekking trail for Barsey was | | | | ranging from crimson red and violet to bright yellows. |
| prepared. The locals advised us to carry a good | | | | The place was filled with Rhododendron in all |
| amount of food at the Zureli Dara, the sole viewpoint | | | | directions. There are 36 varieties of Rhododendron in |
| of the entire Sombarey town. Unfortunately, the | | | | the sanctuary. The rear blue rhododendron can also |
| dense fog has prevented us from getting a clear | | | | be found at Taal, a two hour walk from Barsey. The |
| view of the town. Our next destination was Gumha | | | | blossoming time differs according to the altitude |
| monastery en route to Hilley. This time we were | | | | region as well as the climatic conditions. |
| lucky to attend the prayer time. We were carried | | | | We were lucky enough to view Mt Kangchendzonga |
| away by the rhythmic tunes of the drums and | | | | glittering with silver peak from Barsey. The sheer |
| musical instruments. The view was so poetic and | | | | beauty of nature is charmed enough to make one |
| serenity - colourful prayer flags, the integral part of | | | | decide to spend the rest of one's life there forever. |
| any Buddhist monastery, were fluttering in the air, | | | | However, we hurriedly finished our packed lunch and |
| spreading the message of love and peace. | | | | walk another 4 km down the hills. |