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RISHYAP

Rishyap (also spelled as Rishop) is a tiny hamlet located at Kalimpong sub division of Kalimpong district in the Indian state of West Bengal. Since the late 90s (1998) Rishyap or Rishop is rapidly growing as an off-bit tourist hot spot due to its tranquility and serenity. Rishyap or Rishop is perched at an average elevation of 2591 meter (8500 feet) and the hamlet is characterized by abruptly rising hills and deep valleys covered with thick natural vegetation of mainly Wild Bamboo, Dhupi, Rhododendrons, Birch, Fir, Orchid and Pine trees. Rishyap forms an integral part of the Neora Valley National Park at the foothills of Tiffin Dara. As per myths and legends the name Rishyap is derived from Tibetan language that translates into Rishyap – ‘RI’ stands for mountain peak (some say it ‘lofty’) and ‘Shyap’ means age-old trees. Rishyap mainly attracts hordes of tourists throughout the year for its uninterrupted view of the 180 degree snow-capped Himalayan ranges of Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Kabru, Mt. Pandim, Mt. Siniolchu and others. Apart from this the early morning sunrise view over the eastern Himalayan ranges from Rishyap is an experience worth remembering. Rishyap or Rishop is predominantly a rural area with most of the population or local inhabitants belongs to Sherpa, Tamang, Gurung, Rai and Lepcha community. The economy of the locals of Rishyap is mainly agro-based and they produce seasonal vegetables along with Cardamom, Corn, Ginger, Potatoes and others in abundance on the hilly terrains through step cultivation process or terrace farming. But with the development of tourism at Rishyap, many locals have also have built small cottage-type accommodations for tourist in order to cater staying options for them. Rishyap is also known to grow medicinal herbs like Lycopodium in abundance.

Activities and attractions around Rishyap:

  1. Rishyap is mainly known as an ideal escape or a leisure holiday within the lap of nature guarded by mountain gods of the eastern Himalayan ranges.
  2. Tiffin Dara Viewpoint is a picturesque sunrise and sunset viewpoint in the lap of Kolbong Forest Range of the Eastern Himalayas. Tiffin Dara Viewpoint is a 1.5 km trek route from Rishyap through the forested route. The trek to Tiffin Dara Viewpoint from Rishyap is steep uphill and tourists are advised to start as early as possible to get the best possible views of the sunrise.
  3. Few trekking trails have emerged from Rishyap which are worth enjoying. Though most part of the village of Rishyap can only be covered by walking.
  4. Apart from the majestic view of the snow-capped Himalayan ranges, Rishyap also offers views of some parts of Nathula and Jelepla pass.
  5. Lava is a tourist spot located at distance of 04 km by trekking from Rishyap or 11 km by the motor-able route. Lava is mainly known for its Buddhist Shrine (Lava Monastery), thick forest of Pine and Birch, the view of Rachela Peak and Lava Interpretation Centre. Lava is one of the entrances to Neora Valley National Park.
  6. Kolakham is another tourist hot spot lies at the buffer zone of Neora Valley National Park located at a distance of 18 km away from Rishyap via Lava. From Rishyap via Kolakham tourists can also visit Changey Falls.
  7. From Rishyap tourists can opt for a visit to Pedong located at a distance of 21 km away. Pedong is best known for the ruins of Damsang Fort.
  8. For bird watchers Rishyap forms an ideal location, as Rishyap is a common habitat of numerous species of Himalayan birds.
  9. Seolo Village is located at a distance of 2.5 km downhill trek from Rishyap. Seolo Village is the 02nd last village of West Bengal and is known for ‘Shiva Buddha Temple’ a temple dedicated to both Lord Shiva and Lord Buddha and is perched at an altitude of 8450 feet.
  10. The stunning view of the glittering lights of the distant hills of Kalimpong and Sikkim along with the view of the shining stars of the night sky from Rishyap makes a perfect combination for landscape photographers.

Things to know:

  1. Rishyap is an eco-friendly village and hence tourists are advised not to litter around the village or throw any plastic products anywhere.
  2. Being a tiny hamlet, Rishyap does not have sufficient shops within the village. The locals mainly depend on LavaPedong or Algarah for their daily needs. Tourists are advised to take required things (including medicines) before going to Rishyap.
  3. There are no ATMs available at Rishyap and hence tourists are also advised to carry adequate cash.
  4. Tourists visiting Rishyap during winter are advice to carry adequate warm cloths as the temperature during winter drops down below the minimum level.

How to reach:

By Air: Bagdogra Airport is the nearest airport to Rishyap located at a distance of 115 km away. From Bagdogra Airport by shared or reserved cars tourists need to reach Lava and from there by four – wheel drive vehicles Rishyap or Rishop can be reached which takes around 04 hours.

By Train: New Mal Junction is nearest rail head to Rishyap or Rishop located at a distance of 63 km away. The second nearest rail head to Rishyap is New Jalpaiguri Railway station located at distance of 112 km away via Kalimpong and 120 km away via Gorubathan. New Jalpaiguri railway station is well connected by good railway networks with major cities of India in comparison to New Mal Junction. From both New Mal Junction and New Jalpaiguri railway station tourists will get vehicles on hire to reach Rishyap or Rishop.

By RoadRishyap or Rishop can be reached by road network either via Kalimpong or Gorubathan. Rishyap is located at a distance of 28 km away from Kalimpong via Algarah. From Kalimpong via Rishi Road, after crossing Algarah and 06th Mile a steep gravel route goes up towards Rishyap or RishopLava is the main connecting circuit to Rishyap or Rishop both from Kalimpong and Gorubathan. From Lava there are two different routes connecting Rishyap or Rishop. One is the motor-able route via 06th Mile which is of 11 km long. For trekking enthusiasts there is another route through the wilderness of Pine, Birch, Orchids and Fir and is around 04 km long. In order to reach Rishyap or Rishop tourists need to hire Jeep or SUV type vehicle.

Best time to visit Rishyap or Rishop:
Rishyap or Rishop can be visited throughout the year except the monsoon season. Summers are best to escape the scorching heat of the plains. During summer the temperature of Rishyap or Rishop remains mild and flowers like Orchids and Rhododendrons are seen in full bloom. Winters at Rishyap or Rishop are very chilling; the autumn season (October and November) is a great time, while (December to February) the temperature varies between 06 to 01 degree Celsius, and sometime snowfall is also experienced. But from October to March the sky remains clear and the views of mountain peaks are clearly visible.

PANDIM COTTAGE

Pandim Cottage at Rishyap is located at a very prime location and offers panoramic view of Mt. Kanchenjunga from its rooms and balcony. The structure of Pandim Cottage is fully wooden furnished with all the possible basic amenities available in that region. The rooms of Pandim Cottage are quite spacious with attached bathrooms in each rooms and LCD T.V., wall to wall carpet. Pandim Cottage has their restaurant facility available for the tourists. Food served here are organic and homemade.

Tariff:
INR @ 1200/- per room per day.
Service charge @ 10% on the room tariff.
Meals Cost @ 600/- per day per person .
Meals include: Morning tea, breakfast, lunch, evening tea, snacks and dinner.

HOW TO BOOK: Call us at 9831311606 , 9830381306 to get the current availability status or use the query form furnished below with all you travel queries and submit, we will call/ contact you directly. Or, you may also directly book from our Kolkata office at: 8C Shanti Ghosh Street, Kolkata – 700003. Nearest Landmark: Manindra Chandra College and Shyambazar Metro Railway Station (Gate No: 3)