The Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary located on the Shingalila Range in West Sikkim is world famous for its Rhododendrons (Guransh, Chimal and Kurlingo) and the spectacular views of the snow clad Shingalila Range. It is also the catchment for the life giving rivers and streams including the Kaleej khola , Ringyang Khola , Rambong Khola,  Dentam Khola, Begha Khola, Sungure Khola and many many more. It stretches right from Phunchebong in the East to Chewabhanjyang in the West and covers a total of 104 sq. km. The forests of  Bante (Lithocarpus pachyphlla) and Hemlock (Tsuga dumosa) loaded with epiphytes like ferns, moss, lichens, orchids etc support a wild variety of fauna like the Red Panda, Himalayan Black Bear (Bhalu), Barking Deer (Mirga), Yellow Throated Marten (Malsampra), Goral, Pheasants, Magpies etc. The under storey of  Malingo (Arundinaria maling) dwarf  bamboo and Rhododendrons serve as a habitat for the State Animal of Sikkim – The Red Panda and the State Bird of Sikkim – The Blood Pheasant.  

This sanctuary is also extremely rich in various medicinal plants including Bikhma (Aconitum spp), Pakhan bed (Bergenia ligulata), Chimping (Heracleum nepalense), Panch Aunle (Orchis latifolia), Siltimbur (Litsae citrate), Kutki (Picrorhiza kurrooa), Har Jur (Viscum articulatum), Taxus baccata etc. These medicinal plants are used for various purposes ranging from analgesic, diuretic, purgative, febrifuge, anthelmintic, antipyretic, antiperiodic, hair loss, laxative, leucoderma, asthma, bronchitis, piles, typhoid, diabetes, heart disease and even cancer. 

Conserving this sanctuary is essential for the survival of thousands of villagers who live at the lower elevations. Improved health of these forests translates to sufficient water in the streams even in the lean season, which in turn results in bumper harvests of Large Cardamom, Rice, Potato, Peas and other agricultural and horticulture crops. In order to protect this open treasure house of nature it is essential to empower the villagers residing in the adjoining villages.