Okhrey
Okhrey takes pride in its natural beauty manifested by the Green landscape dotted with perennial streams and lush green forests, picturesque villages, natives in traditional dresses, indigenous architecture and the responsible and welcoming community. Okhrey is mostly inhabited by Sherpas and the nearest town from Okhrey is Sombaria at a distance of around 20 kilometres. The main occupation of the people of Okhrey is farming. The temperature of Okhrey can fall to – 2 °C (28 °F) in winter, and it has a moderate climate during summer. Okhrey is such a place on the route to Varsey, one of the most popular trekking trails in Sikkim. A couple of days in this small but amazingly beautiful village in West Sikkim is sure to leave with wonderful memories of the tranquil mountains and the way of life it nurtures.
Okhrey offer Rich culture, Traditions and hospitable people, Beautiful Landscape, Easy trek suitable for beginners and families, Grand views of Kanchenjunga throughout the trek, Trek through Rhododendron forests blooming with multi colored rhododendrons, Walk through dense forest trails teeming with birds, Trek on an offbeat route taken by very few trekkers, Homestay and Village stay, Experience rural Sikkimese way of life through cultural interactions with locals, Monastery Visit and Village Walk. Nature camp and educational camp can be organised with prior notice. Okhrey is renowned for being the base for the popular Hilley – Varsey Rhododendron trek. Birdwatching is an alternate activity to be appreciated from Okhrey.
Okhrey is one of the offbeat destinations in South West Sikkim. You can spot this small cozy and less famed village of Okhrey on your way to Varsey, one of the most sought after trekking trails of Sikkim. It is the most popular base for the Varsey Rhododendron trek. Okhrey from Hilley is around 10 kilometers by road and Within moments of reaching the hamlet, a mood of complete relaxation sets in. If one visit Hilley by car and then trekfor nearly 04 kilometers one can reach Varsey or Barsey. Journey from Okhrey towards Hilley, guests will pass through a small natural lake, some breathtaking views of Mount Kanchenjungha along with the Himalayan Range and endless stretches of Rhododendrons.
The mountains that tower on the north keep beckoning the traveller for long rambling walks through winding paths. If guests are interested in a bit of trekking, they can climb up the slope to a small village called Latitar. Ugen Thon Meon Ling monastery is a must-visit – Run by Tibetan missionaries and has a small school attached to it. An interesting journey from Okhrey is a walk up to Ribdi, on the West Bengal border, and further down through the jungles of Ramum and Gorkey to Rimbik. For seasoned trekkers there is also the popular route from Okhrey that leads all the way to Phalut via Gurdung. Not to mention Hilley, which is 10 km from Okhrey. The rhododendron zone begins from here.
Communication
Nearest Airport & Railway Station i.e. Bagdogra Airport (IXB) / New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) is about 130 kilometers and is nearly 04 – 05 hours drive. It is connected with Jorethang by a regular jeep service and is just an hour’s drive away. The route followed is through Siliguri via Jorethang. It is nearly the same time from Gangtok. Pelling & Namchi is closer to Okhrey. 03 – 04 hours from Darjeeling, Kalimpong and 2 1/2 hours from Pelling. The nearest town is Sombaria at a distance of around 20 kilometers. Regular jeep services are available from Jorethang. From Jorethang it takes about an hour to reach the destination. The route from Bagdogra Airport (IXB) / New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) is along River Teesta till Teesta Bazar next to Jorethang and Sombaria. After Teesta Bazar the road is along the River Rangit.
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