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Near Bhutia Market, Haren Mukherjee Road, Ward No. 12, Hakim Para, Siliguri – 734001
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Near Bhutia Market, Haren Mukherjee Road, Ward No. 12, Hakim Para, Siliguri – 734001
+91 70017 24300
Okhrey is a peaceful village in West Sikkim and the gateway to the Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary.
Altitude
2,200 meters
Region
Sikkim
Min temp
-2°C to 4°C
Max temp
18°C to 22°C
Okhrey is a charming hamlet which acts as the base point for the trek to the iconic Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary. You will be enchanted by the distant mountain views and pine forests surrounding the region. It is a tranquil place away from the tourist buzz. You can expect misty mornings, crisp air and the undisturbed beauty of nature from the area.
You can expect warm homestays, rhododendron forests and serene village life from Okhrey. I felt like stepping into a postcard-like picture at my visit to Okhrey.
Okhrey is a peaceful village of West Sikkim, sitting at an elevation of around 7000 feet above sea level, encompassed by breathtaking sky views, winding hills and pine forests. It is not a very commercialised region, thus making it an untouched retreat. Okhyrey comes with breathtaking views of the snow-covered distant hills and nearby valleys. You can enjoy misty scenery and birdwatching in the scenic trails of the region.
A season-wise distribution of weather and temperature of Okhrey is mentioned below-
| Season | Temperature | Weather | Best activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (March to May) | 10°C – 18°C | blooming rhododendrons and pleasant | nature walks and trekking to Varsey. |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | 12°C – 20°C | occasional showers and cool | forest photography and birdwatching. |
| Autumn (Sep–Nov) | 8°C – 16°C | clear skies and crisp | exploring village life and hiking. |
| Winter (December to February) | 2°C – 10°C | , occasional frost and cold | sunrise viewing, stargazing and quiet retreats. |
Okhrey can be visited at any time of the year, with different seasons having different charms. The ideal recommended seasons are spring and autumn. These seasons are ideal for enjoying sightseeing and perfect weather conditions and enjoying activities such as trekking, photography and cultural explorations.
I visited Okhrey in Spring, where I enjoyed walks in the clear trails and witnessed blooming rhododendrons.
| Months | Weather | Footfall | Category | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (March to May) | floral bloom and pleasant | Moderate | Peak Season | rhododendron viewing and trekking to Varsey. |
| Monsoon (June-August) | rainy and cool | Low | Off-Season | peaceful nature stay and off-season retreats. |
| Autumn (September-November) | crisp air and clear skies. | High | Peak-season | sightseeing, photography and hiking. |
| Winter (December-February) | misty and cold | Low to Moderate | Shoulder Season | quiet village escape and snow-lovers. |
You can enjoy activities such as village walks, birdwatching and trekking to Varsey in Okhrey. I enjoyed all the activities here, which felt refreshing and close to nature. Some attractions and activities to try out in Okhrey are mentioned below-
Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary
This is the main attraction of Okhrey, which appears even more magical during the spring season as the landscape gets painted in the hues of white, pink and red through blooming rhododendrons.
Okhrey Monastery
It is a beautiful small monastery of the region where you can enjoy a peaceful ambience surrounded by breathtaking views of the nearby hills and colourful prayer flags.
Forest Trails and Viewpoints
Okhrey is surrounded by beautiful natural trails covered by lush forests of rhododendrons and pine, where you can enjoy photography and nature walks.
Village Life & Landscapes
The Okhrey village itself is very charming with terraced fields, grazing cattle and beautiful traditional homes which you can explore and get mesmerised.
Hilley
It is the starting point to the iconic Varsey Sanctuary, where you can enjoy some nature walks. It is situated just 4 km away from Okhrey.
Singshore Bridge
This suspension bridge ranks second-highest in Asia and is situated 25 km away from Okhrey, where you can enjoy some breathtaking views of the nearby mountains and the deep gorges.
Rinchenpong
This serene village is situated 40 km away from Okhrey, where you can explore local life, spirituality and heritage of the mountains amid great Kanchenjunga views.
Kaluk
This charming village, 35 km away from Okhrey, offers breathtaking sunrise points, eco-resorts and terraced farms.
You can reach Okhrey via Pelling or Jorethang. I enjoyed the scenic drive to Okhrey through winding forest roads and was mesmerised by the picturesque views.
By Air
The Pakyong airport is the nearest to Okhrey, being situated at a distance of 95 km. You can take a cab from the airport premises to reach Sombaria and then take a local cab from this region to reach Okhrey. The total travel time will take you around 5-6 hours.
By Train
The NJP railway station is situated at a distance of 125-130 km, is the nearest to Okhrey. You can hire a cab from this region and take the scenic route of Jorethang → Sombaria → Okhrey.
By Road
From Siliguri
The distance between Siliguri and Okhrey is around 130 km, and the travel route includes Siliguri → Melli → Jorethang → Sombaria → Okhrey. It will take you around 5-6 hours by road to reach your destination.
From Darjeeling
The distance between Darjeeling and Okhrey is around 90 km, and the travel route includes Darjeeling → Tukvar → Jorethang → Sombaria → Okhrey. It will take you around 4.5-5 hours by road to reach your destination.
The meals of Okrey are simple and delicious, reflecting the warmth and lifestyle of the rural West Sikkim. The food here is prepared using fresh ingredients, which are locally sourced and are prepared in the wood-fired kitchen. Some of the must-try dishes of the region include Dal-Bhaat-Tarkari, Gundruk Soup, Aloo Dum, Churpi, Thukpa and Momo. You can try out the following cultural activities in Okhrey
Homestay hospitality
You will be offered more than just a room in the homestays, where you will be treated just like a part of the host’s family and get to share stories of mountains and folklore along with warm, delicious meals. This will help you learn the tune of the traditional Sikkimese lifestyle.
Visiting the Local Monasteries
You can soak yourself in the tranquil atmosphere of the nearby monasteries filled with beautiful prayer flags and witness the monks chant their prayers while spinning the sacred wheels.
Festival Insights
You can witness the cultural zeal of the locals delivered through vibrant dances and songs, butter lamps, beautiful decorations, offerings and prayers if you visit at the time of local festivals such as Lhabab Duchen or Losar.
Learn Farming and Rural Crafts
You can interact with the locals residing in the region and ask them to teach you their techniques of seasonal foraging, terrace farming, wool spinning or bamboo weaving and witness them while they work hard in the fields herding cattle.
Okhrey, being a quaint hamlet, only offers some locally run homestays in the form of simple wooden cottages where you will experience the authentic comfort of the mountain Sikkimese life, warm hospitality and delicious organic meals. The rooms of these homestays are very clean, with stunning views and other basic amenities such as hot water, blankets and simple furnishing.
I stayed at a cosy homestay in Okhrey, where I enjoyed stunning views and was offered delicious home-cooked meals and warm hospitality.
| Category | Best stay | Price range | Features | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget Homestay | Tashiding Homestay | ₹800 – ₹1,200/night | warm hosts,local meals and basic amenities | trekkers and solo travellers. |
| Mid-range Stay | Sherpa Eco Stay | ₹1,200 – ₹1,800/night | organic food, mountain views and wooden interiors. | Couples and families |
| Scenic View Stay | Okhrey Pine Homestay | ₹1,500 – ₹2,000/night | hot meals, clean rooms and overlook valleys. | weekend getaways and nature lovers. |
| Eco Retreat | Varsey Retreat Eco Homestay | ₹1,800 – ₹2,500/night | near Varsey trail, eco-friendly and offbeat vibes. | eco-tourist and trekkers. |
| Group Stay | Highlander’s Nest | ₹2,000 – ₹2,800/night | guide availability, group meals and shared dorms. | adventure clubs and trekking groups. |
Homestays
You will get a chance to experience the simple lifestyle of the mountain people by staying at the beautiful homestays of Okhrey, where you will be embraced by the warm hospitality of the locals and enjoy delicious meals prepared by the hosts.
A journey to Okhrey is a soulful escape to the heart of the Himalayas, where you will be heartily welcomed with warm hospitality, breathtaking views and delicious meals. This region, being away from any tourist buzz and pollution, is an ideal destination to enjoy peace and some quiet adventure.
Where is Okhrey located?
Okhrey is located in West Sikkim.
When is the best time for a trip to Okhrey?
Spring and autumn are the best times to enjoy rhododendron blooms and clear mountain views in Okhrey.
How can I reach Okhrey?
You can reach Okhrey from Bagdogra or NJP via Sombaria or Jorethang
Can I do trekking in Okhrey?
Yes, you can opt for the iconic Varsey Rhododendron trek from here, which is an easy to moderate level trek.
Can I find good accomodation optins in Okhrey?
Yes, you will find warm guesthouses and cosy homestays in Okhrey.
Name some top attractions of Okhrey?
Some top attractions of Okhrey include organic farms, panoramic Himalayan views and the Varsey trek route.
Is Okhrey only suitable for the trekkers?
Okhrey is suitable for all kinds of travellers, whether they're family getaways or enthusiastic trekkers.
Is the weather of Okhrey cold?
Winters in Okhrey can get very cold as the temperature drops up to -2°C.