Okhrey is a peaceful village in the Indian state of Sikkim, located at an altitude of 7200 feet. This offbeat place is home to a few families of Sherpas and Bhutias.
The village offers calm surroundings, rich natural beauty, colorful flowers, and a stunning view of the Himalayan range.
It also acts as the entry point to the Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary. Okhrey is 110 km from Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, and around 145 km from Siliguri.
While it is popular among bird watchers, there is much more for visitors to enjoy in this quiet part of West Sikkim.
Okhrey Surrounding Attractions
Away from busy cities and large crowds, Okhrey remains quiet and green. Here are the main attractions to explore:
Okhrey serves as the base for visiting Hilley and the Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary. From Hilley, travelers can see a clear view of Mount Kanchenjunga.
A small village named Latitar lies just above the hills near Okhrey. It adds to the area’s scenic charm.
One of the key attractions is the Ugen Thon Meon Ling Monastery, located on a hilltop. A school run by a Tibetan Monastery is also nearby.
Nearby spots worth visiting include Sai Temple in Daramdin (28 km away), Jureli Dara View Point, and the Anden Olong Monastery.
Between March and May, the village is covered with blooming rhododendrons, offering a colorful landscape.
Things to Do in and around Okhrey
Popular activities around Okhrey include trekking, bird watching, and nature walks. Many visitors travel 10 km from Okhrey to Hilley to begin the 4 km Hilley–Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary trek.
Bird lovers will enjoy spotting various Himalayan bird species that live in the dense forests nearby.
Walking around the village also gives travelers a chance to observe the culture and daily lives of the local people.
For those looking to relax, reading a book and sipping tea at a homestay while enjoying the quiet nature is a pleasant option.
How to Reach Okhrey, Sikkim
Okhrey can only be reached by road. Private vehicles and rental cars are available from Siliguri, NJP, Bagdogra, and Gangtok.
NJP is about 130 km from Okhrey. Travelers can take a train to NJP and then hire a car for the 5-hour journey.
The road from Bagdogra or NJP follows the River Teesta, passing through Teesta Bazar, then heading towards Jorethang and Sombaria.
After Teesta Bazar, the drive continues along the River Rangeet.
Hotels and Homestay Details
Okhrey has homestays for visitors. These offer all basic needs such as attached Western-style bathrooms, room heaters, and geysers for hot water.
These homestays provide comfort in a simple and clean environment.
Best Time to Visit Okhrey, Sikkim
Okhrey welcomes travelers throughout the year. However, the best time to see clear views of Mt. Kanchenjunga is from October to January.
For those who want to enjoy the rhododendron blooms, March and April are ideal months to visit.
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