What Okhrey is really like
Okhrey sits at 2,100m on the edge of the Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary in West Sikkim. In March and April, the hillside above the village erupts in 24 species of rhododendron simultaneously — one of the most spectacular natural events in the Himalayan region. For the rest of the year it is a quiet base for forest walks and Kanchenjunga views.
Why travellers love Okhrey
Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary — 24 species in bloom
104 sq km protected forest with 24 rhododendron species blooming simultaneously in late March and April. The trail from Okhrey to Barsey Top (4–5 hours) passes through increasingly dense crimson and pink bloom.
Hilley viewpoint — unobstructed Kanchenjunga
Hilley village (6 km from Okhrey) has an unobstructed full-massif Kanchenjunga view from 2,100m. One of the finest in West Sikkim. Best at sunrise or during the blue-hour after sunset.
Complete mountain silence
Okhrey has no tourist facilities beyond a handful of homestays. If you came to the Himalayas for silence, you'll find it here. The village and the sanctuary are inseparable.
Base for a complete West Sikkim off-circuit
Okhrey combines naturally with Yuksom (40 km via Uttarey) and Pelling (45 km). A Pelling → Yuksom → Okhrey → Dentam loop is one of the best self-drive West Sikkim circuits.
Things to do in Okhrey
3 experiences our travellers ask for again and again
How long should you spend in Okhrey?
One night for the Barsey rhododendron trek. Two nights to also do the Hilley sunrise and the long forest loop.
Arrive Okhrey by noon, afternoon village walk. Day 2: Full-day Barsey Sanctuary trek (6–7 hours). Depart Day 3.
Day 1: Arrive + village + Okhrey evening. Day 2: Barsey trek. Day 3: Hilley sunrise, depart by noon.
Getting to Okhrey
Bagdogra Airport (IXB)
185 kmBagdogra to Okhrey via Siliguri and Geyzing and Dentam: 6 hours. Private vehicle only — no public transport to Okhrey.
New Jalpaiguri (NJP)
183 kmNJP to Okhrey: 6 hours via Siliguri and Geyzing. Arrange through accommodation.
Driving in
NH10 from the plainsFrom Pelling: 45 km via Geyzing and Dentam (2 hours). From Yuksom: 40 km via Uttarey (2 hours). From Gangtok: 140 km via Jorethang (5 hours).
Okhrey village is small — the homestays, the Barsey trailhead and the village walk are all within 15 minutes on foot. Hilley is 6 km by vehicle (10 min).
Hotels in Okhrey
Two or three homestays are the only accommodation. Book well ahead for the March–April rhododendron season when every bed fills.
Family homestays with basic rooms, home-cooked food and a guide who knows the Barsey trails personally.
When to visit Okhrey
March–April for the rhododendron bloom. October–November for dry trails and clear Kanchenjunga views.
24 rhododendron species in simultaneous bloom — the main event. Book accommodation early.
Crisp dry air, Kanchenjunga views from Hilley superb, forest turning colour.
Cold (0–5°C), snow possible on Barsey ridge. Quiet village.
Heavy rain, forest beautiful but trail is dangerous on the Barsey climb.
Okhrey is so small that the village and the sanctuary are inseparable. Your homestay host is likely your trek guide; their children may walk with you to Barsey. The evening meal is made from whatever the garden produced that day. This is hill Sikkim at its most unaffected. Bring trekking poles for the Barsey climb (900m gain over 10 km). For Hilley sunrise, depart at 5am.
Okhrey questions we get all the time
Combine Okhrey with
Towns that pair naturally with Okhrey on the same trip.
More places in Okhrey
- TrekViewpointValley