Trekking amidst the colorful rhododendrons

Last spring we made a plan to visit some places around Northeastern parts of India and finally zeroed on Barsey sanctuary in Sikkim. The actual adventure began (see the post Sikkim: A plethora of natural beauty) after reaching Hiley, a small, quiet, sleepy town in south Sikkim. We strode into the sanctuary through foot trail. The sanctuary engulfs an area of 104 sq kilometers and endowed with alpine vegetation housing silver firs, hemlocks, magnolias, and pines.

The climax then unfolds in the form of exotic rhododendrons, most of them, I thought, were too beautiful to describe. I just adore these species and to be greeted by so many of them in different color and variety was awesome. There were reds, crimsons, violets, and bright yellows. There are 36 varieties in all and a rare blue one is found in Taal, a two-hour walk from Barsey. It is indeed a photographers delight to capture them with the breathtaking color and splendor.

The forest was too dense and only streaks of sunlight came in. Swirling mist, drifting clouds, recurrent streams and slippery tracks cautions you to be careful during the entire exercise. There was an element of mystery everywhere. Barsey is at a height of 10,100 ft, and on a clear sky day you have a fair chance of viewing Mt. Kanchanjungha, with all its majestic appearance. If you are looking for some adventure travel the locales have more in store for you.

We were lucky to get a sunny strikingly bright view of the mountain. The best time to visit this unique destination is March to May. By the time we were back at the entry point, I was surprised to find myself craving for more without a trace of exhaustion within me. Truly, the sheer beauty of nature you experience is enough to make one decide to spend the rest of one's life here.