An offbeat weekend destination in West Sikkim to seek peace in the nature, try local delicious food and hospitality & love from the people & local culture of this village known as Okhrey. A perfect small weekend plan to Okhrey with hiking through the forest of pines and rhododendrons. Perfect for nature lovers!
Looking to Book a Homestay at Okhrey?
About Okhrey
If you are seeking peace away from daily hustle & bustle and want to connect with nature Okhrey village is another perfect offbeat destination in Sikkim for you. It’s a small village situated at an altitude of approximately 8000 ft near Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary in West Sikkim. It is located around 65 kms from Darjeeling and around 140 kms from New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP)/ Bagdogra Airport (IXB).
Story about New Discovery
I don’t claim to have discovered anything significant; I believe that discoveries are made by God. We only search. So, I also searched and brought a piece of heaven for you. Not that I’m saying it’s true heaven, but it resembles heaven. We traveled through mountains, spent a lot of money here and there. But truly speaking, no matter how much we explore in covered vehicle we only can understand nature from within when we explore by trekking or hiking. That’s why I prefer walking rather than traveling in vehicles. Our destination this time was the village of Okhrey in West Sikkim. Our homestay host’s son, Kunzang, took me to visit the village. So, after lunch, I & Kunzang started walking towards a undestined road through the jungles. Gradually, everything became very calm. After the jungle ended, I continued on the muddy path. Along the way, there were strawberry plantations, potato cultivation, and more. After another kilometer, we reached this heaven called Nagi village. The entire village seemed quiet, peaceful, and extremely calm. It felt as if my mind instantly became peaceful. The people of the village were looking at me with curious eyes. Seeing their way of life, it felt like they had no connection with the people of the plains. However, what I heard from Kunzang’s mouth initially didn’t really convince me. I had told Kunzang not to come up with stories that no tourist ever comes here. But Kunzang said that I was the first tourist to visit this village. Yes, I don’t have any accurate information on this matter. If anyone has been here before, please let me know. But truly, I haven’t seen any tourists from far away in Kunzang’s homestay. This village is so quiet and devoid of hustle and bustle. Monks come here to meditate. I saw small children playing in the field. They seemed unaffected by the competition and were living their lives freely. They seemed content with what God and nature had given them; they didn’t care about their bank balance after ten years. Let them be as they wish to be happy. I understood that they were happy living their own way. There is a vast meadow beside this huge grassland. Reluctant to leave, I sat on a stone by the side of the grassland. As I watched the arrival of evening amidst the emergence of clouds, the whole village seemed to be adorned in the colors of dusk. It felt as if the evening was asking me a favor. Just like we say “Good evening” to each other. There is a Rhododendron forest on one side of the jungle. I decided in my heart that I won’t forget this village; I will share it with everyone. When you come with Banzaras, we will explore this village for you. But let me tell you something, whether you come with Banzaras or come on your own, this village is very peaceful compared to the remaining ten villages. It is our duty to preserve its serenity. We welcome everyone to Nagi, and together we will ensure that the environment of this village remains untouched.
Best Time to Visit Okhrey
Anytime throughout the year but, March- May is the best time to visit this village as you can witness full of Rhododendron & Magnolia flowers everywhere in this village. Also you can visit this village during anytime in the year.
What to do at Okhrey?
- Visit to Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary, Okhrey Monastery.
- Visit to Nagi Village
- Barsey-Silent Valley Trek
- 🍱 Bonfire & BBQ in evening
- Trek to Sepi Village via Nagdah (A new trail upcoming)
- Know more about nepali culture.
- Try nepali local delicious dishes.
How to Reach Okhrey?
Nearest Railway Station is New Jalpaiguri Junction or Siliguri Junction and Nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport. You can take a share cab from Siliguri (SNT Bus stand) which is just 15-20 minutes away from New Jalpaiguri/Siliguri Junction station/ Bagdogra Airport, leaves SNT Bus stand 9.30am to reach directly to Okhrey, even at our Laliguras Homestay. While returning you can take share-cab leaving from Okhrey around at 7.30 am and 1.30 pm. Share cab fare is ₹ 650 per person. To book your seat in share cab at advance you can contact at +91-7029780947 (Dorjee Sherpa)
Reserve Car can charge you around ₹ 6000 – ₹6500 (depending upon season). To book reserve car you can contact at +91-9875595674.
If you miss direct share cab you can reach via Jorethang. To reach Jorethang, you can get share cabs from Siliguri Junction.
About the Author:
I am Pratyay Kumar Bose, a hotelier by profession and a banzara by heart. Infected with life and traveling is my medicine. Don’t go by the names, sometimes a place you have never heard of before, can give you a lifetime experience. Take the risk, get out of your comfort zone, feel the adrenaline rush. I am here to share my stories and you can find some really helpful information. I belong to Murshidabad, West Bengal. If you have any questions regarding Mountains, don’t hesitate to contact me (+91-6294225493) or contact this Team Banzaras.
Note: We always say everyone to travel responsibly and safely along with respect Nature and local cultures. Don’t leave your plastic wastage in the hills, leave only your footprints there. Save Nature, save animals, save our planet. So get out of your comfort zone, start to explore the new and be #banzaras.
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