trekkers' hut · Barsey
Guras Kunj Trekkers' Hut
The trekkers' hut at Barsey, about 4 km on foot from the road head at Hilley, inside the Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary. Simple rooms and meals at about 3,000 m, with Kanchenjunga visible from the ridge on clear mornings.
Guras Kunj takes its name from guras, the Nepali word for rhododendron, and sits in a clearing on the Barsey ridge after the gentle walk up from Hilley. It is the only place to sleep inside the sanctuary itself, which is what makes it worth the walk: you are on the ridge at dawn and dusk, when the light is good and the day visitors have gone.
Facilities are basic: rooms or dormitory beds, shared toilets, simple dal-rice meals and no heating. Nights are cold even in April. In bloom season, mid-March to early May, beds fill up on weekends, so ask in Hilley, Okhrey or through a local agency before you walk up. Sanctuary entry fees apply; check current status before you travel.
Why we suggest it
- The only overnight stay inside Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary
- Dawn on the ridge without a 4 km walk in the dark
- Cheap beds and hot meals at about 3,000 m
We list rates as indicative ranges. We do not take commission from this property for being listed here. Check current status before you travel.
Questions people ask
Good to know
How long is the walk from Hilley to Guras Kunj?
About 4 km on a broad, gently rising forest trail, which most people walk in 1.5 to 2 hours with stops. It is one of the easiest walks into a high sanctuary in Sikkim and suits families with children who are used to walking. Start before 2 pm so you arrive with daylight to spare.
Do I need to book Guras Kunj in advance?
In rhododendron season, from mid-March to early May, and on long weekends, yes, because beds are limited and the next roof is back at Hilley. Ask a homestay in Okhrey or Hilley, or a local agency, to confirm a bed before you walk up. Check current status before you travel.
What should I carry for a night at Barsey?
Warm layers, a woollen cap, gloves, a headtorch, a refillable bottle and some cash for meals and the sanctuary fee. Nights can fall near freezing in spring and well below it in winter. A light sleeping bag or liner makes the hut blankets more comfortable.
Trips that sleep here
On a ticket
Other stays nearby
