Okhrey is a serene village located in West Sikkim, India, at an altitude of approximately 7,200 to 8,000 feet. This offbeat destination is known for its stunning natural beauty, vibrant flora, and proximity to the Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary, making it a haven for nature lovers and trekkers. Okhrey is in far western Sikkim and is an amazing place for birding and short hikes. This is the frontier with Nepal and very soon will be having a border opening into the Nepal Himalayas. Okhrey is mostly inhabited by Sherpa community of Sikkim. The Ugen Thon Meon Ling monastery, run by Tibetan missionaries, is a notable attraction in the area. Okhrey comes under Daramdin BAC Block Administrative Center, and is approximately 110 kilometres from the capital Gangtok. The nearest town from Okhrey is Sombaria at a distance of around 15 kilometres. The main occupation of the people of Okhrey is farming, and they mainly produce potatoes. The temperature of Okhrey can fall to −2 °C (28 °F) in winter, and it has a moderate climate during summer.
Okhrey Travel Trips
Okhrey, a pristine village nestled in West Sikkim, offers a captivating escape for nature lovers and those seeking offbeat experiences. Here are some enticing activities you can pursue in Okhrey:
Hiking and Nature Walks: Embark on invigorating hikes amidst the picturesque surroundings of Okhrey. Explore verdant hills, witness captivating waterfalls like Devi Falls and Gathang Falls, and breathe in the fresh mountain air.
Birdwatching: Okhrey's rich forest ecosystem is a haven for diverse bird species. Look out for colorful birds like pheasants, thrushes, and parakeets amidst the lush greenery.
Visit a Local Monastery: Explore the tranquility of a nearby monastery like the Ugen Thon Meon Ling monastery. Witness the monks engaged in their daily rituals and experience the spiritual aura of the place.
Homestay Experience: Immerse yourself in Sikkimese culture by opting for a homestay experience. Savor delicious local cuisine like momos and thukpa, interact with local families, and gain insights into their way of life.
Explore Nearby Destinations:
Hilley (10 km): Take a scenic drive to Hilley, the starting point for the captivating Hilley - Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary trek. Witness a mesmerizing display of rhododendrons in bloom during spring (March-May).
Daramdin (28 km): Explore the scenic town of Daramdin and seek blessings at the beautiful Sai Temple.
Best Time to Visit Okhrey:
The ideal time to visit Okhrey is from October to January for clear views of the mountains, while the blooming rhododendrons are best enjoyed from March to May.
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Okhrey Facts
It is one of the most sought after trekking trails of Sikkim. It is the most popular base for the Varsey Rhododendron trek.From October to January, you can enjoy the magnificent views of Mt. Kanchenjungha in Okhrey. To see the rhododendrons in full bloom, you should visit Okhrey from mid of March to mid-April every year. Birdwatching can be enjoyed throughout the year.
How to Reach
By Air
Reaching Sikkim through airway is the best transportation mode if saving time is your priority. Pakyong Airport, located in Pakyong Town, at a distance of 35 km from the state capital Gangtok, is the first airport in Sikkim. However, since the airport has been recently inaugurated, it is not well connected with major cities of India but will soon have direct flights connecting the state with other parts of the country. The nearest major airport to Gangtok is in Bagdogra located at a distance of 124 km in West Bengal. Or, you can also take a bus or cab to reach Gangtok from Bagdogra as these are easily available on a regular basis.
By Train
While Siliguri is located 145 km away from Gangtok, Jalpaiguri is located at a distance of 188 km from the city. Both Siliguri and Jalpaiguri are well connected with major cities in India. The major trains connecting the cities to farther parts of the country are Mahananda Express and Kanchankaya Express. Taxis and buses regularly ply to Gangtok from Siliguri and Jalpaiguri, so you can opt for either to reach Sikkim from here. While the journey from Siliguri to Gangtok normally takes 4 to 5 hours, it will take you 5 to 6 hours to reach Gangtok from Jalpaiguri.
By Road
Bus: Gangtok is connected through bus service with numerous major cities. Regular buses from cities like Siliguri, Bagdogra, Jalpaiguri and Kolkata are available. One can also visit shillong for some stunning places to see.
Car: If you wish to enjoy the scenic route that leads to Sikkim, taking a cab or hiring a private taxi is a recommended option so that you can take a halt wherever you feel like savouring the breathtaking landscapes. You can easily find a cab from cities like Siliguri, Jalpaiguri, and Kolkata to reach the capital city, Gangtok.
Bike: Satisfy the adventure junkie in you by taking a journey through the mountainous route that leads to Sikkim on two wheels. You can get a bike on rent from neighbouring cities like Siliguri and Jalpaiguri. Riding a bike to Sikkim is inarguably the most fun way to reach Sikkim.
