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favourite amongst tourists specially during the Rhododendron
flowering season.
Accommodation:
A beautiful Tourist
Trekker's hut exists in Barsey, amidst the Rhododendron forests at
10,000 feet, commanding a glorious view of the Singalila Range.
Boarding and Lodging facilities are available. For tourists on a
shoe string budget, dormitory facility with bedding is also
available. Booking can be done from the Tourism Department, Gangtok or directly at Barsey.
Climate:
The Barsey Rhododendron
Sanctuary spans over the razor sharp Singalila Range. The climate
is wet and cold favouring the spread of the dominant genus
Rhododendron. July is the wettest month, with the average annual
precipitation being in excess of 250 cm. The reaches above 2500m
receive regular snowfall in winter. Clear skies can be experienced
only from November to May.
From Sir J. D. Hooker’s Diary:
The
Singalila Range, forming the political boundary between Sikkim
and Nepal, springs from Khangchendzonga and extends southwards to
the plans of Bengal. The super abundance of rhododendrons is the
glory of the Singalila Range. The banks of rivers between 8000
and 14000 feet are generally covered with rhododendrons sometimes
to the total exclusion of other wooded vegetation, especially near
the snowy mountain, a cool temperature and great humidity being
the most favourable conditions for the luxurious growth of this
genus. Such conditions prevailing throughout the Singalila range
due to its proximity with the Khangchendzonga range. The Nepal
frontier road terminates at the staging bungalow of Chewabhanjan,
and from thence the only path available for marching is the sheep
path running onwards to the grazing grounds which lie towards
Jongri. The only large trees existing in the country traveled over
are Abies densa, Juniperus pseudo-Sabina, and Juniperus recurva.
The silver fir extends to 13,000 feet, the junipers to 15,000
feet. Where the former is only a small, stunted, weather worn
tree, the other, a prostrate, intricately branched shrub. For many
miles the path runs through woods of Rhododendron arboreum,
Rhododendron cinnabarinum, Rhododendron falconeri, Rhododendron
barbatum, Rhododendron campanulatum, and Rhododendron hodgsoni,
Acer caudatum, Betula utilis, Pieris ovalifolia, Prunus rufa,
Pyrus foliolosa, P. macrophylla etc. Here also are seen the last
examples of the bamboo tribe, Arundinaria spathiflora and A.
racemosa, a small variety not exceeding a height of three feet.
The upper limit of these bamboos is 13,000 feet, from thence
upwards only small tufted species of grasses abound. The shrubby
vegetation already enumerated grows so densely that few herbaceous
plants can exist beneath it. Beautifully green moss carpets the
boulders, an Saxifraga ligulata, Potentilla, Clintonia, Polygonum,
and two species of ferns are the commonest plants. On open knolls
which occur but rarely, Gaultheria nummularia, small willows, and
the heather like Cassiope fastigata cover the ground with their
dense growths. Towards the termination of the range rhododendrons
and other shrubs grow sparsely, thus favouring the existence of a
greater variety of herbaceous plants, primroses become more
abundant, the prevalent species being the water loving Primula
sikkimensis and Primula reticulata, and also those growing on dry
ground, such as Primula stuartii and Primula denticulata.
Faunal Values:
Felidae : Leopard,
Leopard Cat, Marbled Cat
Mustelidae : Himalayan Yellow Throated Marten, Common Otter
Viverridae : Himalayan Palm Civet
Herpestidae : Cannidae Wild dog, Indian Fox, Jackal
Ursidae : Himalayan Black Bear
Suidae : Wild Boar
Ailuridae : Red Panda
Cervidae : Barking Deer
Goat-Antelope : Serow
Primates : Assamese Macaque, Rhesus Macaque, Himalayan Langur
Pheasants : Crimson Horned Pheasant, Monal Pheasant and Kaleej
Pheasant
Rodents : Crestless Porcupine, Rufous Tailed Hare, Chinese
Pangolin, Flying Squirrel, Giant Squirrel, Himalayan Mouse Hare
Do's and Don'ts:
Visitors to the Barsey
Rhododendron Sanctuary are requested to follow the following Code
for Conservation: Leave only footprints, Take only photographs
High altitude vegetation is frail; Avoid trampling, follow trails,
and do not pick plants or flowers Do not disturb wildlife or its
habitat; Do not buy endangered animal or plant products. Use
kerosene or bottled gas for cooking, heating and lighting; avoid
using firewood. Ensure that you and your staff are properly
equipped with warm clothes and fuel. Carrying plastics within the
sanctuary is banned. Avoid littering; bring all your garbage back;
Carry out all batteries. Keep all pollutants away from streams and
lakes. Do not give treats to village children; It only encourages
begging. Respect the sanctity of holy rivers and historical sites:
No smoking, drinking or loud talk. Educate yourself about the
ecology, customs, manners, and culture of Sikkim, specially the
adjoining villages. Support local conservation programs, and local
community level organizations like the Khangchendzonga
Conservation Committee etc.
Entry Permit:
Entry permits for visitors can be obtained from the wildlife check post at Hilley and even from the Forest Secretariat, Gangtok .
The rates are as follows :
Indians - Rs. 25/head/day
Foreigners - Rs. 50/head/day
Students (Indians) - Rs. 15/head/day
Students (Foreigners) - Rs. 25/head/day
Local Guides and Porters with the Team- Rs.10/head/day
Pack Animals - Rs. 5/head/day
Tents Pitching Charges - Rs.25/tent/day
Still Camera - Rs. 10/camera/day
Video Camera - Rs. 500/camera/day
Movie Camera - Rs. 2000/camera/day
[ Vide Notification No: 124/KNP/-96/20 Dated 03/05/2001 ]
Challenges:
Hunting of wildlife, especially when they venture outside the protected area, permanent cattle sheds (Goths), grazing by stray cattle and encroachment in the form of cardamom cultivation in the buffer areas are the main challenges. Awareness drives have been launched in a big way and Eco development committees have been formed, trained and strengthened. It is hoped that with increased awareness and empowerment of the local community, these challenges will be surmounted soon.
For Details Contact:
DFO Wildlife, South and West Wildlife Division,
Namchi, S. Sikkim Pin: 737126, Sikkim, India,
Email : sandeep_tambe@lycos.com
Phone : +91
3595 - 64635 (o), 64512 (r)
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