Rishop
If your nature loving soul is seeking some delightful views of Mt. Kanchenjungha, then make a trip to this pristine hamlet of Rishop or Rishyap cradled in the lap of hidden hills of Neora Valley. The meaning of the very term Rishop is “mountain peak and tree.” This tourist village surrounded with thick forests and hills is nestled in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, located at an altitude of around 7000 feet above sea level. Just 7 kms away from the touristic town of Lava, Rishop has a number of well facilitated hotels and resorts with excellent views of Mt. Kanchenjungha. BOOKING DETAILS OF RISHOP
Places to see in Rishop: Rishyap is perched within Pine, Dhupi and Rhododendron trees is covered with mysterious mists, wild flowers and plants. The biggest tourist attraction of Rishop is the splendid view of the majestic Mt. Kanchenjungha and a number of beautiful mountain peaks of India and Nepal. It is one of the closest points offering a panoramic view of the snow capped Mt. Kanchenjungha. Some of the notable mountain peaks visible from Rishop are Mt. Kharg, Rathung, Kokthang, Kabroo, Pandim, Talung, Simvo and Siniolchu.
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Tiffindara is a view point in Rishyap, from where you can enjoy a grand sight of the Himalaya. Moreover, Rishyap also offers the spectacular view of the Pine forest, nestled in the lower part of Tifindara. This thick serene forest of Birch, Pine, Fir and Orchids is a safe haven for birds. A watch tower has also been built at the place. However, the whole village of Rishop is not accessible by motor vehicles. So to explore the entire village, you need to take a stroll down the mountains with the magnificent Mt. Kanchenjungha overlooking you. You can also view some part of Nathu La and Jalep La from Rishyap.
Nearby attractions of Rishop: Rishyap is admired with a number of nearby attractions. You can also visit Lava just 7 kms from Rishyap, offering clear view of the majestic Himalayas. Another nearby spot is Lolegaon, a charming village in the subdivision of Kalimpong. This small hamlet of Lolegaon is referred by the locals as Kaffer. The Lava-Lolegaon circuit is a major bird watching destination. Some rare species of birds are found in the region. Pedong, located 20 km from the region of Kalimpong also lies close to Rishyap.
Sunrise from Rishop
You can also make a trip to Jhanidi Dara, located 5 km from Lolegaon. The place mostly covered with thick forest, offers spectacular view of sunrise. The forest in this region has been deemed as a Heritage Forest Site by the forest department, as the area houses some century old Oak and Cypress trees. Another upcoming spot is Kolakham located within the Neora Valley Forest with majestic views of Mt. Kanchenjungha
Things to do in Rishop: Trekking is a favorite activity of the tourists visiting Rishyap. The place also offers visual ecstasy to the avid bird watchers as various kinds of birds in wonderful colors are found in the region. You can also enjoy a nature walk along the scenic landscape of the region.
Way to Rishop
How to reach Rishop: Rishyap is 4 hours drive from Darjeeling and 4.5 hours from Siliguri. It is well accessible by roadway either directly from Siliguri or via Darjeeling and Kalimpong. The closest railway station of the destination is New Jalpaiguri, located at a distance of 110 kms. The Bagdogra Airport is 90 km away from Rishop. Lava is also located close to Rishop and many tourists also prefer to trek from Lava to this quaint village of Rishop.
Best time to visit Rishop: You can visit Rishop any time of the year but to get the best views of the Himalayan peaks, one should visit Rishop during winter.
Lodging and dining facilities in Rishop: There are numerous resorts, hotels and homestays in all budgets scattered throughout Rishop. Some of our hotels in Rishop are:
Attic Cottage
Attic Cottages: Three Double Bed wooden cottages with a lush lawn and surrounded by pine forests with a view of Mt. Kanchenjungha makes these cottages one of the most unique places to stay in Rishop. Equipped with all modern amenities like hot water geysers in bathrooms, intercom, attic sitting arrangements, nice comfortable beds and good service. Food is prepared in the kitchen a few paces away from the cottages and served in the dining room. You can also order room service. Essentially home-cooked Indian cuisine is served.
Deluxe Cottage
Deluxe Cottages: Two Double Bed cottages hanging on the edge of the cliff with a panoramic view of Mt. Kanchenjungha is the most recent addition to the spectacular landscape of Rishop. Very well made ciottages with wooden interiors, wall to wall carpets, televisions, hot water arrangements, attached western bathrooms, balconies, nice spacious beds and large windows opening up to the snow capped mountains, valleys and forests. Food is prepared in the kitchen a few paces away from the cottages and served in the dining room. You can also order room service. Essentially home-cooked Indian cuisine is served.
Comfort Hotel
Comfort rooms: Double Bed rooms, Triple Bed rooms and Dormitories are available in the extensive wooden buildings. All rooms come with attached western bathrooms, verandahs with Mt. Kanchenjugha views, hot water arrangements, spacious beds and all strandard facilities. Food is prepared in the kitchen a few paces away and served in the dining room. You can also order room service. Essentially home-cooked Indian cuisine is served.
Photographs by Somnath Pal Das, Subhasis Chakraborty, Salim Ansari, Kunal Mitra, Debashis Chowdhury.
