Hilley

A most blissful & serene, small village located in Singalila National park, West Sikkim. It is one of the gateway for Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary & Hilley – Barsey Jungle trek. From Okhrey its a 10km drive through a good motorable but curvy road in the midst of pure nature. The scenic beauty is exceptionally good

Hilley is one of the entry points to the Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary and the trek in to the sanctuary starts from here.
At Hilley, you will see the check post and entrance to the Barsey Rhododendron sanctuary. That is your entry point. A friendly guide waits at the entrance and you have to get tickets to enter the sanctuary. There is a well marked path that would leads to the destination. The trekking route passes through deep forest of oak, primulas, pine, bamboo, rhododendrons and various ferns and moss. Hilley Trekkers Hut is the Gateway of Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary, from 5km here trekking begins. We visited the Sanctuary in May end when the Red flowering of the Rhododendron almost had gone. So if you want to see the 'Fire on the Hill' visit it in March-April. Hilley itself is a bird watchers' paradise but expect minimum comfort and maximum natural beauty here. u will get 5 to 6 hotels. most hotel is in the valley. one hotel is above the hill near the monastery.
REMEMBER TREK ROUT IS SOME TIME STIFF AND WET. BE AWARE OF WILD ANIMAL LIKE LEOPARD AND BEAR.
The walk from hilley to varshey is a must to do in ones lifetime. Words can't express the feelings you get when you are so close to beautiful nature.

A must visit place for avid hikers and trekkers. Must be wary of the limited number of hotels and home stays. Water scarcity is serious. One must make reservations before visiting. Enjoy the rhododendron trail trek with or without a guide, its beautiful. Best time is late April to mid March. Carry enough warm clothes and basic necessary items as there are no shops where you can buy these things.

Hilley is primarily known for being the major entryway to the Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary in West Sikkim. It is a tiny hamlet with a model potato farm, and a few very basic accommodations for travellers. The check post at the sanctuary gate is where you need to pay the entry fee and get your ID checked before beginning the 5 km walk to the Barsey trekkers' huts. The whole area is a birder's paradise, but in fact, the local guides say the chances of spotting birds are higher in Hilley than in Barsey, because the former has more open views.

Beautiful place. kanchenjunga view is so clear from this location. Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary present here. Barsey trek is short unique nature hike inside Rhododendron Sanctuary.

I would want to give 4 star for room but the only reason i would give 3 is, if you are travelling with kids or old people, then rooms are not comfortable or that insulated. Its just a very basic village hut, with very basic amenities. However, if you are looking for a connection with nature its the best you can get. What they cant deliver in comfort, they definitely make up with their hospitality and food. Best place to connect with nature.

The secenery from hilley is mesmerizing.In the morning when the dawn arrives, the breathtaking view of the sky covered with clouds will blow the mind away(i have attached a photo) Besides there are also some rooms available for the tourists and a small hus is there when you will get your food requirement.Bathrooms are clean and tidy, electricity and water is available 24×7.
Nearby the Rhododendron Sanctuary is there which gives a ecstatic view to watch a variety of birds and different animals.
Cars are available from this place upto New Jalpaiguri or Siliguri

The trail leading to the sanctuary is amazingly beautiful surrounded by lush green forests. The ambience is serene, best for people who love hiking and exploring off beat places.
I would have given 5 stars if all the Rhododendron trees had flowers. This season there were only a few trees bearing flowers.