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About Barsey
Rhododendron Sanctuary
Th e
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 a re
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
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 |
