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RISHYAP 

Rishyap or Rishop is a tiny hamlet located at an altitude of around 8500 feet above sea level. The tourist village Rishyap or Rishop is nestled in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal. If your nature loving soul is seeking some delightful views of Mt. Kanchenjunga, then make a trip to this pristine hamlet of Rishop or Rishyap cradled in the lap of hidden hills on the western end of Neora Valley National Park. The name Rishyap or Rishop is derived from a Lepcha word that literary means ‘Ri – Mountain Peak’ and ‘Shop or Shyap – Old Aged Trees’. Rishyap or Rishop is perched within Bamboo, Pine, Dhupi and Rhododendron trees along with mysterious mists, wild flowers, numerous orchids and plants. The biggest tourist attraction of Rishyap or Rishop is the splendid view of the majestic Mt. Kanchenjunga along with Mt. Kabru, Mt. Siniolchu, Mt. Pandim, Mt. Kumbhkarna, Mt. Narsing, Mt. Kokthang, Mt. Rathung and a number of beautiful mountain peaks of India and Nepal. Rishyap or Rishop is basically a village of Lepcha community and lies on the foothills of Himalayas and Tiffindara hills. Tiffindara is a view point in Rishyap, from where tourists can enjoy a grand sight of the Himalayas along with clear view of Nathula Pass, a small part of Jelep-La Pass, Neora Valley National Park surrounded by Rachela Peak and some parts of Sikkim to the lower end. Tiffindara is the second highest sunrise view point in West Bengal and it is about 1.5 km from Rishyap or Rishop. This thick serene hamlet of Birch, Pine, Fir and Orchids is a safe haven for birds. A watch tower has also been set up at the place. During the time of Rhododendrons and Orchids numerous Himalayan birds and Butterflies gathers at Rishyap or Rishop. Rishyap or Rishop is divided into two parts Upper Rishyap and Lower Rishyap. From Lower Rishyap or Lower Rishop a route has diverted to the lower end and met up at Sidli Village, it takes around 40 minutes to reach here. There is a monastery nearby Sidli village where Lord Shiva and Lord Buddha are worshiped together. The locals inhabitants of Rishyap or Rishop are mainly Sherpa, Tamang, Gurung, Rai and Lepcha tribes, they mainly speaks Nepali. These locals mainly follow Buddhism and Hinduism. Topographically Rishyap or Rishop lies on the edge of West Bengal hills. All over Rishyap or Rishop there are numerous agricultural fields, the locals here practice step cultivation on these hilly terrains. The locals of Rishyap or Rishop mainly produce Cardamom, Peas, Potatoes and Corn. Recently Rishyap or Rishop has started growing herbal plants among like Lycopodium. During full moon Rishyap or Rishop offers excellent night mode view for photographers. As Rishyap or Rishop is small hamlet and there are no shops available, the locals mainly depend on Lava to bring their daily products. Rishyap or Rishop forms the highest altitude tourists spot on Kalimpong Hills and is open from three sides. From Rishyap or Rishop tourists can visit the nearby locations like Lava, Lolegaon, Kolakham along with Neora Valley National Park and Pedong.

How to reach: The nearest rail head is New Mal junction. Rishyap is within 63 km from New Mal Junction. Lava is the main connecting circuit to Rishyap, two different routes are diverted those met up at Rishyap or Rishop. One is a trekking route of about 4 km through the dense thick greenery of Pine and Fir and another is a motor-able route of around 11 km. Tourists will get shared or hired cars upto Lava, after that a four wheel drive is advisable. Rishyap is about 35 km from Kalimpong town. Rishyap or Rishop is within 118 km from New Jalpaiguri railway station and about 90 km from the nearest Airport Bagdogra. It takes around 4.5 hours to reach Rishyap or Rishop.

Best time to Visit: Rishyap or Rishop can be visited any time of the year but to get the best views of the Himalayan peaks, one should visit during winter. It is advisable to avoid the monsoon season. Rishyap or Rishop offers the best view of the Himalayan peaks during November to February, though during December and January the temperature remains very cold. It is also advisable to carry heavy woolen garments.