Varsey Phalut Trek
Sikkim
05 Nights/06 Days
Varsey Phalut Trek
ADV-17Trekking Tour
05 Nights/06 Days
CALL : +91 97490 61941Pick-Up & Drop : Bagdogra / NJP
Tour Overview
Cost : INR 12,000.
Duration : 6 Days.
Grade : Moderate.
Highest Altitude Gain : 3,700 Mtr. ( 12,130 Ft. ).
Approx Trekking Km : 67 Kms.
Activities : Trekking, Camping & Photography of Nature.
Best Time to Go : April-May & October-November.
Barsey or Varsey is a tiny place in Sikkim. Located at an altitude of 10,000ft, Barsey is renowned for its Rhododendron Sanctuary. The sanctuary falls in the West Sikkim district and can be accessible by road via Hilley, Dentam or Soreng from Geyzing. If you want to try trekking in Sikkim, it would be an amazing idea to proceed up (4 kms) the hill from Hilley. The sanctuary falls in the Singalila range, and is a starting point to Singalila Ridge trek route. Lying at an elevation of 2900 mt. and has motorable road access up to Hilley. An easy 4 km trek from there takes one up to the Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary. One can also trek from Soreng to Dentum in West Sikkim. The Sanctuary boast of over 40 variety of Rhododendron and during full bloom, the whole sanctuary looks colorful. From versey there are lot of trek routes through the forest, Versey to Phalut is one of this. Phalut or Falut (3600 m) is the second highest peak of West Bengal, India. Part of the Singalila Ridge in the Himalayas, it is located at the border of the Indian states of West Bengal and Sikkim and the country of Nepal. It is located inside the Singalila National Park. A small bunkhouse is near the top of the peak and is administered by the Indian army. The indigenous tribes surrounding the mountain peak are known as Falutians by outsiders. Falutians have a 300 year history of worshipping the mountain peak, and believe that phalut is an omniscient god. They refer to the mountain peak as "Omna Re Ay". If you want to trek in unexplored area of Sikkim then try Versey to Phalut trek. It is also called Phoktey Dara Trek. Majestic Himalayan, one of the best adventure tour opertor of Siliguri - Darjeeling - Sikkim, will take care of your all arrangement of trek with their expertise. Our other trek routes are Goechala Trek, Sandakphu-Phalut Trek, Kishong La Trek, Uttarey Dzongri Round Singalila Trek, Tosar Lake Trek etc.
Detailed Itinerary
"Meet & Greet" with our company representative on arrival at NJP / IXB / Siliguri and drive to Hilley via Jorethang ( 140 km., 6-7 hrs. ), Varsey Phalut trek starting point. En route enjoy the beauty of evergreen forests, the beauty of Teesta river, rural villages of Sikkim, lush green hills & mountain cloud view. In this 7 hr. journey you can take your lunch at Jorthang, a picturesque place and 2nd important city of Sikkim. If you have to buy something for trek or need to withdrawl of money then it is the last market. On the way you will pass through some famous tourist places like Daramdin and Okhrey. You can take a tea break at any of these place. After arrival at Hilley check-in & get fresh. After that you can spend your leisure time at local area by walk. Overnight Stay at Hilley in a home stay.
After breakfast start trek from Hilley to Jorebutey via Varsey (4 to 5 hrs). After 2 minutes of walking from the hotel, you will enter at Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary & walk through the last few remaining undisturbed patches of forests in Sikkim. The atmosphere inside the forests are mostly wet. After an hour of walk, you will see a Trekkers' hut named Guras Kunj, one can spend a night here. Then after a 4-5 hr. of walk, you will reach at the campsite. Overnight stay at Jorebutey in Tent.
After a heavy breakfast fill your bottle and start your trek with full of energy. Today's trek is long and strenous in last part. After a 2 hr. trek you will reach at a big meadow surrounded by green lush forest which is called Thulodhap means Big ground ( In nepali language “Thulo” means Big and "Dhap” means Ground ). Here you can take a rest to walk the last toughest 3.5 km uphill trek. You will reach at Kalizar after a 2:30 hr. tiring trek. Interest trekkers can trek to Singalila pass ( 4 km up & down ). Kalizar campsite has very limited water source. The water streams are seasonal and it is difficult to get water around the campsite. So you have to be rational about water. Kalizar is the most beautiful campsite in Varsey Rhododendrone Sanctuary and most windy area also. It’s a perfect campsite to enjoy the unparalleled view of Mt. Kanchenjungha in last twilight with a hot cup of coffee. After dusk you have to wear good warm cloth. The temperature soon dropped to -6 degrees Celsius at night & this was accompanied by a strong breeze. Today dinner time will be at 7 pm. Overnight stay in tent at Kalizar.
Wake up early in the morning and trek to Phoktey Dara ( 12,000 ft., 30 Min walk) to witness the sunrise & wide range of Kanchenjunga & Everest range. If the weather is clear, then here you can witness the most amazing sunrise of your life. The "Sleeping Buddha" was bathing in colors of the rising sun. On a clear day one can see the top four out of five highest peaks in the world called Lhotse ( 8501m), Everest ( 8848m) and Makalu (8475m) of the Nepal Himalayas and the huge Kanchenjunga Massif (8586m) along with other peaks of the Nepal and Sikkim himalayas like Mt. Kumbhakarna, Mt. Kokthang, Mt. Rathong, Mt. Kabru groupof peaks, Mt. Talung, Mt. Pandim, Mt. Tinchenkhang, Mt. jopuno, Mt. Simvo etc. After spending some memorable time with our besties and Camera also at Phoktey Dara Top, trek back to Kalizar. After breakfast start trek from Kalizar to Phalut ( 4 to 5 hrs ). In the evening enjoy the magnificent sunset on the majestic Kanchenjungha range & many more snow covered peaks from Phalut Top. Overnight stay at Phalut in Tent / Trekkers’ Hut.
At early morning enjoy the unforgettable sunrise on the Majestic Kanchenjungha range from Phalut Top. After breakfast start trek from Phalut to Gorkhey ( a 16 km downhill trek, 4 to 5 hrs ). Overnight stay at Gorkhey in Tent / Lodge.
After breakfast start trek from Gorkhey to Voreng ( a 4 kms., 1-2 hrs trek ). Then drive to NJP / IXB / Siliguri ( 130 km., 6-7 hrs. ) for your onward journey.
How to Reach
By Train :
New Jalpaiguri Railway Station or NJP is a major railway station located in Siliguri, the gateway to North Bengal, Sikkim, Bhutan and North-East India. There are many long distance trains arrives or pass through the New Jalpaiguri Railway Station or NJP station. You can choose to come to Kolkata and take one of the many trains to NJP. If you are coming from Delhi or north part of India, Mumbai, Pune or West part of India, Chennai, Bangalore or South part of India, try to take any north east train which directly goes to NJP by passing Kolkata. Please book the train which will arrive at NJP within 10 am for your Varsey Phalut Trek.
By Flight :
Flying to Bagdogra or IXB is another option that you can choose. Bagdogra is well connected with regular direct flight from Kolkata, Delhi, Guwahati, Bengalore & Mumbai. Please book your flight which will arrive at Bagdogra within 11 am for your Varsey Phalut Trek.
NJP / Bagdogra to Hilley is apprx. 140 km. You will get 8 - 14 seater car for the journey. Hilley is the starting point of Varsey Phalut trek.
1. Accommodation : As per the current availability over there we can provide you Dormitory room at Hilley and Gorkhey in a homestay, Tents/Trekkers's hut at Phalut & you will be accommodated in Tents at Jorebutey and Kalizar.
2. Meal Plan : Day 1 Evening Tea Snacks to Day 6 Breakfast.
3. Transportation : We will provide you : NJP / IXB / Siliguri to Hilley & Voreng to NJP / IXB / Siliguri - Non-Luxury vehicle - seat capacity maximum 8 to 9 seats ( Sumo / Sumo Gold / Spacio / Mahindra Maxx / Similar ).
( Please Note : Vehicle will be taken for all transfers (Point to point drop) & the mentioned sightseeing points including fuel expenses on hire basis )
4. Tent, Sleeping Bag & Mattress.
5. Entry fees & forest camping charges of Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary & Singalila National Park.
6. One group leader from our company.
7. Local Guide.
8. Local Porters, Yak / Mule / Horse for ration & equipment carrying only.
9. Cook during trek.
* Food during transit.
* Any extra porter for personal luggage carrying.
* Insurance.
* Any services not specifically mentioned in the inclusions.
* Any Airfare / Train fare / Bus fare.
* Any transportation which is not mentioned in the itinerary.
* Any expenses of personal nature like Room Heater charges / Hot Water Bag charges / Mobile charging fees etc.
* Any kind of emergency evacuation charges.
Fitness Required for Trek
To prepare for a trek, we need to strengthen our 2 prime M’s – Mind and Muscle, the body. Only then, the spending of the 3rd M – Money; a little or more, can bring to us an intense lifelong experience like trekking.
At high altitude as the air gets thinner oxygen becomes less abundant. The percentage saturation of haemoglobin with oxygen determines the content of oxygen in our blood. After the human body reaches around 2,100 m (7,000 feet) above sea level, the level of oxygen in our haemoglobin begins to plummet. However, the human body has both short-term and long-term adaptations to altitude that allow it to partially compensate for the lack of oxygen.
You can train yourself to run 3 kms in 30 minutes as per the schedule given below. Remember always start your training program with stretching and warm up exercises.
You can follow this stretching before run
- Ankle Rolls
- Wrist Stretch
- Standing Hamstring Stretch
- Standing Quad stretch
- Calf Stretch
- Finish with leg swings
After 15 min of stretching you can follow this training schedule for trekking fitness required.
Week 1: Start with 10 minute of brisk walk and then jog for 10 minutes and finally 10minutes of easy walk.
Week 2: 5 minutes of brisk walk 15 minutes of jog 5 minutes of easy walk
Week 3: 5 minutes of brisk walk 15 minutes of jog 5 minutes of easy walk
Week 4: 5 minutes of brisk walk and jog for 25 min and cool down your body.
MIND, THE MENTAL ENDURANCE :
To build our physical endurance prior to trek, we workout in a gymnasium or outdoors nearby. In both the cases, we actually choose a suitable environment for us to sweat. So, even if you get extremely fit before the trek, you don’t get exposed to the versatile environmental or climatic challenges that nature offers during a trek. All these environmental conditions have a deep impact on our body and mind too. A walk through heavy rains or snowfall, even in a normal gradient, becomes more challenging than the same trail in a pleasant weather. And it happens not only because of rain or snow makes the walk more difficult. Also, you need to adjust, tolerate and fight the adverse nature psychologically in which your body and mind are not habituated. Here, your mind comes into play. This is where the game becomes more mental than physical.
1. Bulid your own motivation system.
2. Use your passion to bring more motivation.
3. Study about your trek route to gain knowledge to plan and prepare yourself appropriately.
4. Think positive & stay focused.
5. Visualization is a common technique for handling stress.
Developing mental strength is not a one day game. Your experiences are the best teacher. You become more confident after every trek. Cherish your journey after completion of the trek. Sense, the achievement. These will build your mind stronger forever, no matter where you want to use it for, a trek or a life.
THUMB RULES FOR BETTER IMPACT
1. Hire a digital trainer for free. The key is to do it perfect than more in numbers. Use video tutorial, mobile apps, read blogs and use a mirror to make it perfect.
2. Be a regular, rather inconsistent & intense.
3. Drink more water during the exercise routine and more importantly in the time of trekking. Keep dehydration, muscles cramps, and life-threatening hypothermia away.
4. Food is fuel. Maintain a well-balanced diet consist of carbohydrate, fat, and protein during your exercise and trekking days.
5. Sleep well. Finally, the lack of sleep can spoil your whole preparation for a trek.
Below are the list of personal articles which are required for a trek on the Himalayas. This guide helps you to give an idea about the things that you need to bring in as a trek member. Depending upon the number of days of trek, the articles quantity may vary and this list is made considering the trek duration being 5 to 7 days (week long treks).
Trek essentials:
- 01. Sun hat.
- 02. Torch with extra battery.
- 03. Light Jacket.
- 04. Heavy Jacket.
- 05. Trousers.
- 06. T-shirt.
- 07. Socks.
- 08. Identity Card with photocopy.
- 09. Ruck Sack
- 10. Water Bottle.
- 11. Raincoat or Umbrella.
- 12. Pullover.
- 13. Balaclava or woolen cap.
- 14. Hand gloves.
- 15. Passport size photo.
- 16. Mattress.
- 17. Sleeping Bag.
- 18. Sports shoe.
- 19. Slipper.
- 20. Cold cream.
- 21. Tissue paper.
- 22. Soap Paper.
Always try to avoid unnecessary Cloths, toiletries which are heavy and of little use on mountain. Pack light.
For selection of personal gear/equipment and backpacking please read the articles carefully, before buying an item:
Rucksack/Back Pack : A Must item. Between 40 to 50 Litres. Don’t buy more than 60L unless you are in expeditions. These will be heavier and can cause discomfort if not fully loaded. You can buy it online or offine from trekking gear store. We can help you to find the right one.
Sleeping Bag : You can hire from us or bring your personal one rated for high altitude in case you have. Personal one is always better for hygiene. You can purchase from us. http://www.majestichimalayan.com/final/hire-a-guide
Trekking Shoe / Boot : A must item. A good quality trekking shoe/boot must have the following specs :
i) A sticky rubber sole with lug (indentations for better grip).
ii) Ankle support (Medium or high ankle).
iii) Waterproofing membrane. (A must for high altitude and winter treks).
Mattress (Foam/Rubber) : It is very cheap. You can buy it from Hardware shop or trekking gear shop.
Micro spikes/Anti slip grip & Gaiters : Its necessary only for snow trek, specially in winter time.
Rucksack cover (Waterproof): Advised. MUST for protection from rain/dust/stain etc. (Alternately you can keep your clothing and warm jacket inside polythene pack. Do get the pack(s) back to home and re use/recycle).
Daypack/Knapsack : Optional (Can carry along with you with water bottle, food, camera and wind/water proof etc.) if you want to offload your Rucksack in permissible routes.
T-shirt (Base layer while you are hiking) : A must item and as per need. Take at least one Dry fit/Quick dry type which can ventilate sweat/moisture wicking. These are made of synthetic materials. Cotton T-shirts are NOT advised and avoid especially when you walk.
Warm Jacket (Mid layer clothing for warmth ) : A must item. Warm Fleece Jacket/Synthetic fill (Some refer as Hollow Fill Jacket/Down feather Jacket.
While hiking you will not require this unless you are hiking in cold conditions. Use this when you cool down at campsite. You can but from us - http://www.majestichimalayan.com/final/hire-a-guide
Windproof Jacket/Wind Cheater (Outer layer clothing for protection from wind and rain/snow fall) : A MUST item. A hooded one made of water resistant/repellent material is highly advised.
Use this along with Base layer (t-shirt) while hiking unless it is warm and sunny weather. Wear this always as outer later to protect from wind chill be while hiking or at camp site.
Thermal wear (Base Layer once you reach campsite) : Upper and lower (Woolly cot). Must for winter treks.
Trek pant : A must item. Can be Track pants (avoid cotton), 3 quarter/Cargo or Convertible kind.
One Dry fit/Quick dry track pant is advised. Water repellent/proof quality is a plus.
For altitude above 5000m/16400ft you should use wind proof and water proof trek pants.
Raincoat/Poncho/Waterproof clothing: Waterproofing is MUST during your trek in the Himalayas, be it in summer or winter.
This can be achieved by any of the following:
i) Use your windproof jacket and hiking pant having water repellent/proofing quality.
ii) A Poncho/Raincoat.
Balaclava/Woolen skull cap/Monkey Cap : A Must item for protection from cold. Made of woolen/synthetic warm material.
Sun cap/Wide-brimmed Hat/Bandana : For protection from sun while you hike.
Under garments/Inner wear : As per need.
Hiking Socks : 3/4 pair. Use full length socks (Don’t use tennis socks). 100% Cotton socks are NOT recommended as these absorb sweat and dry slowly. A pair of woolen material is nice to have especially in winter treks.
Woolen gloves : A Must item.
Waterproof gloves : Optional. Useful especially on high altitude treks where snow/ice is encountered.
Camp sandal : Can be a strap on sports sandal or a Hawaiian sleeper.
Walking Sticks/Trekking Poles/Ski Poles : Nice to have, reduces the pressure on knees and gives balance specially while descending. Advised at least one pole for treks involving snow/ice.
Knee cap : Optional. Makes a difference especially if you have knee injuries/problems (Neoprene added variant is better).
Water bottle/Hydration pack : Must. Good quality plastic bottle.
Sunglasses : This is MUST for all the high altitude treks and winter treks. Polarised/Anti-glare is always a better option in snow with UV400 (UV A & B) protection. Trekkers using spectacle can order custom make powered sunglasses.
Torch/Head Lamp with extra batteries : A MUST item. Head torch keeps your hands free.
Accessories/Toiletries : Optional and try to share when you travel in group.
Sunscreen lotion – Optional. At least 30/40 SPF.
Chap Stik/Cold & Moisturising cream – Optional. As per need. Use small tubes/bottles.
Tooth brush and tooth paste – Carry smallest available tube of tooth paste.
Soap/Soap strip – Carry small pocket size soap, or Soap strip.
Hand sanitizer – Optional. Small bottle.
Tissue roll ( Toilet paper) – This is a must item as water may not be available in the vicinity.
Towel – Medium size (light weight).
Anti-Fungal Powder – Optional. This helps to keep the socks and the trek shoe drier and odour free to an extent. Carry smallest container.
Camera with extra cells: Optional. Normally there is no charging point on the Himalayan trek routes, carry spare batteries/power bank.
Dry food items(Kit): Must. Carry some dry fruits, chocolate/energy/protein bars and GluconD/Tang/Getorade.
Personal First-Aid Kit: Optional – Anti septic cream, Betadine/Dettol/Savlon, Band aid, cotton, crepe bandage, safety pin etc.
Medicines Kit: This is a simple guide line and a doctor’s consultation is recommended.)
- a) General medicines comprising of headache, fever, vomiting, stomach upset and pain killer (Volini gel/spray)
- b) Anti Diarrhoearal
- c) Antibiotics – ( choose broad spectrum antibiotics for treating a variety of infections – carry a course of each)
- d) Mild analgesics – (Aspirin/Paracetamol etc but DONOT take Codeine based painkillers).
- e) Strong analgesics (Co-Proxamol/Ponstan/Temgesic, use with care).
- f) Anti-inflammatory (Nurofen or diclofenac sodium)
- g) Diamox – This helps in acclimatisation (a proper dosage is must if taken. Drink lot of water as this is a diuretic drug.
Policy Regarding Cancellation / No Show / Early Departure
In case of cancellation of tour/travel services due to any avoidable/unavoidable reason/s we must be informed in writing. Cancellation charges would be effective from the date we receive letter in writing and cancellation charges would be as follows:
- 30 days & prior to arrival – 10% of the tour/service cost.
- 20 days to 18 days prior to arrival – 20% of the tour/service cost.
- 14 days to 16 days prior to arrival – 25% of the tour/service cost.
- 10 days to 08 days prior to arrival – 50% of the tour/service cost.
- 07 days & less, prior to arrival or no show – NO REFUND.
Please note – Irrespective of above mentioned cancellations slabs – in case of cancellation of tour services after the booking is made with us – a minimum 10% service charges would be applicable.
In case you cancel the trip after commencement refund would be restricted to a limited amount that too would depend on the amount that we would be able to recover from the hoteliers we patronize. For unused hotel accommodation, chartered transportation and missed meals etc. we do not bear any responsibility to refund.
Refund
In regard to refund of unused / unutilized services (which are paid for and cancelled in advance) the refund amount would be worked out on the basis of cancellation policy as described above and the money would be accordingly refunded to the person who has made the payment to us. Please note that the refund process may take 2 – 4 weeks due to banking procedures. If the refund is made to the credit card account OR to Bank account, the bank charges would be debited from the refund amount.
FAQ & Other Info
1. How do I choose a trek?
Ans : According to your time & fitness.
2. Are there any age restrictions to join Varsey Phalut trek?
Ans : Yes 5 years is the min age. Fitness is required for all ages.
3. I would like to book Varsey Phalut trek, do I need to bring my own equipment?
Ans : We will provide Sleeping bag, Sleeping Mat, Tent.
4. How long do we walk each day?
Ans : Apprx 8-10 km, 6-7 hr.
5. What is the fitness level required for Varsey Phalut trek and how hard are the treks?
Ans : Varsey Phalut is a moderate trek. But it is advisable that trekkers should practice ( running, Gym ) for 1 month atleast.
6. What would be the process of acclimatisation?
Ans : Walk slowly, be hydrated, proper clothing and be active after reaching at campsite.
7. What do I need to carry ?
Ans : Carry your personal clothing, Torch, Cap, Waterbottle, Umbrella. For details see whats to carry option.
8. I can’t carry my bag can anyone carry it for me?
Ans : If you dont want to carry bag then hire a porter ( Extra charge INR 2500 )
9. Do I need trekking poles ?
Ans : Yes, trekking pole is confortable to walk.
10. What are the major difficulties expected on a high altitude trek?
Ans : Altitude sickness, Lack of oxygen, Headache, acclimatization, Disturbed sleep, loss of appetite.
11. What is the source of drinking water? Is it safe to drink?
Ans : Natural sources like river, Falls. Yes it is safe but you can use Geoline, Chlorine table as water purifier.
12. How to stay healthy during a trek?
Ans : Lot of water, Proper diet, Sleep, proper clothing. Be active & happy always.
13. Does anyone need to purchase snow shoes for Varsey Phalut trek?
Ans : Yes you can but a good trekking shoe is sufficient for the trek.
14. What will the daytime and night temperature be?
Ans : Day time temperatures will range from 13-18ºC and night time temperature will range from 3-5ºC in May. Expect temperatures to be lower by a few degrees in October/November.
15. How many people will share a tent?
Ans : 3 /4 person.
16. Is it safe for girls? What if I am the only girl on the trek?
Ans : Yes its safe. We will provide you a separate tent.
17. What kind of food do you provide in Varsey Phalut trek?
Ans : We will provide Veg & Non-Veg both.
18. Do I need to carry any documents with me?
Ans : Yes you should carry your identity card.
19. Is there any medical assistance during the trek?
Ans : Yes our trip leader is well known of medicine and fo any emergency we will transfer the trekker to Voreng.
20. Do we get mobile signal during Varsey Phalut trek?
Ans : You will get mobile signal till Hilley. If you are lucky then you can get network in Gorkhey also.
21. Are smoking and drinking permitted on the trek?
Ans : It is advisable to not take any liquor & smoking objects.
22. Is diamox is advisable?
Ans : Yes you can start it before trek as per doctor advise.
23. Will I be able to recharge camera batteries ?
Ans : No the last charging point will be at Yoksum. You can carry power bank.
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