The Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary lies in the south west corner of the West Sikkim district. Spreading over 104 sq. km, across the razor sharp Singalila Range, which forms the natural international border with Nepal. In the South the Rambong Khola separates it from West Bengal. There are three points of entry, Hilley, Dentam and Soreng. Tourists generally prefer Hilley since it is approachable by road. The bridle path from Hilley to Barsey already exists and is a 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,