The homestays of Okhrey have been the talk of the town for their unique approach to entertaining their guests. Guests residing in the homestays of Okhrey are not only served their famous homemade rhododendron wine but are also taught how to make it from scratch. The wine tastes light and flowery up front, with a kicky aftertaste.

The entry point of Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary

To make this famous wine, you need to go flower picking to the hill. Hiking inside the Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary amidst the blooming rhododendrons and chirping birds is a soul calmingly beautiful experience. The pink and blue rhododendrons are poisonous, so just pick up the red ones.

Rhododendron trees, your constant companion in Barsey

Now that we have the plants, let’s head back to the homestay to wash and clean the flowers, pluck out the petals, discard the stems, and boil the remnants over a stove. This mix is then transferred into a jar, which, in a year or so, will be ready for consumption as wine! 

Mushroom Homestay in Barsey

Homemade rhododendron wine

And there you have it, a ‘jar full of happiness’. Take it with you as a souvenir but remember to wait it out a year to really enjoy its taste.

Homestay options in Sikkim

How to Reach

Railway: Board a train to NJP and take a 5-hour journey to Okhrey after hiring a taxi from New Jalpaiguri Railway Station.

Airway: Book a flight to Pakyoung and reach Gangtok. There are taxis available from Gangtok to Hilley which is roughly 130 km away.

Roadway: Buses and share cabs to Gangtok are available from Siliguri, Darjeeling, and Kalimpong. From here you need to book a cab to Hilley, which is roughly 130 km away.