Archive for August, 2010

August 30th, 2010

Barsey Trek: Explore the Hidden Treasure of North East India (Part II)

barsey trek

Trekking in this region is simply unforgettable. Barsey trek is all about forgetting worldly troubles and enjoying the spectacular landscape. The scenic trail passing through the forests of rhododendron has captivated the trekkers from all over the world. It is the spiritual joy that one finds alluring and it is this pleasure that has made them keep coming back to Barsey, North East India.

The route from Hilley to Barsey is through the Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary. You need to get entry permit from the wild life check post located just at the entry point of the sanctuary. The rates are as follow:

Indians – Rs. 25/- per head

Foreigners – Rs. 50/- per head

Porter or guide – Rs. 10/-

Tent pitching – Rs. 25/-

Still camera – Rs. 10/-

Video camera – Rs. 500/-

Movie camera – Rs. 2000/-

The Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary spans over the Singalila Range. The 2 hour journey through the sanctuary will be a wonderful memory to cherish for time to come. If you want to see the riot of colors the month of March and April will be ideal for you. This is the season when the Rhododendrons are in full bloom. On your way you may come to see unknown colorful birds. The silence of the forest evokes a sense of eerie and serenity and the same time.

At the end of the 4km trek you can take shelter in Gorus Kunj, the only trekker’s hut situated at Barsey. Nestled amidst of the forest, overlooking Mt. Kanchenjunga the trekker’s hut offers comfortable accommodation. The peaceful ambiance, the lush greenery around and the magnificent view of Kanchenjunga are reason enough to stay in Barsey for a couple of days.

You can come down to Hilley from Barsey or follow a separate descending route to Soreng, a small town in West Sikkim. The way to Soreng is through dense forest. You will also come across a small picturesque village named Buriakhop.

From Soreng you can hire a car and come directly to NJP or Bagdogra. Many people also prefer staying at Jorethang (a popular town of West Sikkim) for a day and do a little shopping and catch their train or flight the next day.

Barsey trek with all its sweet memories will be a life time experience.

August 27th, 2010

Ways to pack for Caribbean cruise

Caribbean cruise

We all know that it’s difficult to decide what to pack for a vacation. Are you eagerly waiting for to enjoy a great relaxing time in the Caribbean and you are confused about what to carry and what not to? Do not worry if you forget to carry something it won’t be a difficulty because you can purchase it on the cruise but you have to pay few bucks extra. But, if you follow the guidelines given below you can really have a great exciting vacation.

1.Together with your luggage you should include Passport, Cruise tickets, flight tickets, enough funds, water, dry food stuffs, medicines, sun glass, sun screen gel or crème, ipod, camera, cell phone, one dress, books and magazines for recreational purpose.

2.Your luggage bag should consist of few outfits which should also include apparels for special parties or dinners, daily wears, few light weight clothes to make your vacation relaxing, swimming costumes, sneakers, sandals, boots, accessories, hats, lounge wear, hats, eye glasses and make up kit.

3.Carry a small hand bag to hold ATM cards, credit cards, Wallet, medicines etc.

4.If you used a travel agent to book the ticket then make sure that you have his telephone no. and name in your hand bag. You should have it in your hand bag for a quick service.

5.Always give a copy of your schedule which includes the name of your cruise to your family members and friends.

So, if you follow these above tips and guidelines you can experience an exciting cruise vacation.

August 23rd, 2010

Barsey Trek: Explore the Hidden Treasure of North East India (Part I)

barsey trek

“If India was the Jewel in the Crown of the British Empire, the remote North East of that country is its Hidden Jewel”. – Tony Howard

North East India, the land of the Blue Mountains with Snow Caped Peaks and Green Valleys has delighted tourists from all over the world down the ages. Nested in the Himalayas, the Indian state of Sikkim is abundant in natural wonders and flora and fauna. Surrounded by Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet, Sikkim has been a melting pot of various cultures. Sikkim is not a haven for nature lovers but also for mountaineers and trekkers as this state has got various interesting trekking destinations and Barsey is one of them.

Barsey is located in the west district of Sikkim which offers the ultimate in adventure. The main attraction of Barsey trekking is the magnificent view of Mt. Kanchenjunga and thick Rhododendron forests. It is an easy trek and two to three days are enough for Barsey Trek.

If you are interested in exploring the natural beauty of West Sikkim while enjoying a little bit of adventure, Barsey trek will be ideal for you. Go through the quick facts below before you head out for the trip.

Quick Facts:

Nearest Railway Station: New Jalpaiguri, West Bengal

Nearest Airport: Bagdogra, West Bengal

Best Time to Visit: March to May and September to November

Days required: 2 days (up & down)

The starting point for Barsey trek is a small picturesque place called Hilley. The journey from NJP to Hilley or Bagdogra to Hilley itself will be a wonderful experience. You can hire a car from NJP or Bagdogra and reach Hilley the same day. On your way to Hilley you will come across the meeting point of the rivers Teesta and Rangeet. If you have enough time in hand you can go for river rafting.

Staying at Hilley will be a unique experience as you won’t find any hotel or even trekker’s hut here. But you are always welcome to stay in the houses of the local people and enjoy the delicious local cuisine. Those who wish to stay in a hotel can stay at Okhrey or Sombaria.

You can take rest at Hilley while enjoying the amazing view of the lush forests of fir, pine and rhododendron. If the sky is clear you can also get a glimpse of some virgin peaks of Himalaya. You can start your trek to Barsey the next day.

Wait for our next post to get further details about Barsey Trek.