RONGPO
Rongpo is a small town in the Pakyong district in East Sikkim. Rongpo is situated beside River Teesta in the border area between East Sikkim and Kalimpong district of West Bengal. Rongpo is the first town in East Sikkim that lies on NH 10 and connects Siliguri to Gangtok. Rongpo is nestled at a moderate altitude of 333 meter (1093 feet) and is known as ‘Gateway to Sikkim’. Actually the small of Rongpo is nestled at the confluence of two noteworthy rivers namely River Teesta and River Rongpo Khola. Though Rongpo is considered as tourism hot spot but it is also a commercial area due to the presence of Police check post where every tourists need to validate their identity at Rongpo check post to enter Sikkim. The picturesque town of Rongpo nestled in the Eastern Himalayas is surrounded by lush greenery of luxuriant Alpine forests of Pine and Birch trees all over. The small town of Rongpo is mainly inhabited by Nepalis and Bhutias those are native habitants of this place, but apart from that few Marwaris have also settled at Rongpo for commercial purposes. Rongpo acts as an important commercial hub with bustling market that caters both tourists and locals. The main economy of Rongpo is based on trade and tourism, with numerous staying accommodations catering tourists and visitors. Apart from that Rongpo also plays a significant role in transportation network with highways connecting both Sikkim and West Bengal. Apart from that Rongpo serves as a gateway to numerous popular and offbeat tourists destinations of Sikkim.
Activities and attractions in and around Rongpo:
Rongpo being a small yet bust town in East Sikkim, offers tourists with numerous local attractions and activities to try.
Mining Cricket Stadium: Minning Cricket Stadium is also known as Sikkim Cricket Ground is located in Rongpo. It is the official cricket ground of Sikkim. Mining Cricket Stadium at Rongpo was established in 1997 for a cricket match between Sikkim and Bihar. This cricket ground earlier belongs to the Sikkim Mining Corporation but later it was handed over to Sikkim Cricket Association in 2002.
Atal Setu Bridge: Atal Setu Bridge is a two lane road bridge built on Rongpo Khola (River) on NH 10 at Rongpo. The Atal Setu Bridge spans across Rongpo River Valley connecting Sikkim and West Bengal. The entire length of the bridge is 1.123 km of which 826 meter is elevated over the valley. The bridge 14.8 meter that accommodates two-way traffic flows. Atal Setu Bridge is among the longest roadway bridge in Sikkim and is also referred as ‘Rongpo Viaduct’ or ‘Rongpo IBM Bridge’.
Rongpo – Minning Teesta Bridge: The Rongpo – Minning Teesta Bridge on River Teesta at Rongpo is part of the Sevoke – Rongpo Railway Project. This is a major national project aiming to connect Sikkim to the Indian Railway Network for the first time. This bridge is a part of railway line spanning over River Teesta in Rongpo.
Indrakil Prayag: Indrakil Prayag or the confluence of River Teesta and River Rongpo located downstream of the town of Rongpo in Sikkim. As both River Teesta and River Rongpo Khola are two major rivers of both Sikkim and West Bengal, hence the place is considered holy by the locals.
Gulmohar Picnic Spot – Kumrek Gulmohar Picnic Spot is located at Kumrek which is a small urban village near Rongpo located 04 km away. This small urban village of Kumrek lies on the banks of River Rongpo Khola on the road connecting Rongpo – Rorathang. Gulmohar Picnic Spot is a popular local sightseeing from Rongpo.
Adventure Sports and Picnic: For adventure enthusiasts can take part in adventure sports like River Rafting in Rongpo Khola which is a popular sport here. In the winter season tourists can opt for riverside camping and picnic on the banks of river Rongpo Khola which is also quiet enjoying.
Nearby Places: From Rongpo in a day trip tourists can opt for a visit to the nearby tourist destinations like Gangtok, Pelling, Yuksom, North Sikkim and many others places in Sikkim.
Angling and River Bathing: At Rongpo tourists can opt for angling in River Rongpo Khola. The local inhabitants will arrange for fishing in Rongpo Khola which is quiet enjoying. Enthusiasts can also opt for a bath in Rongpo Khola River which is also worth enjoying. During winter season the water of Rongpo Khola gets lower and is the best time to enjoy river bathing in Rongpo Khola.
Birding: in and around the region of Rongpo Khola there reside numerous birds within the thick natural vegetation. For bird loving enthusiasts can get around with a local inhabitant and search around Rongpo for these birds.
Landscape Photography: For landscape photographers Rongpo is an ideal destination. The surrounding landscape of Rongpo is full of natural treasures where photographers can spot their cameras for perfect clips.
How to Reach:
By Air: The nearest airport to Rongpo is Pakyong located at 25 km away. The second nearest airport to Rongpo is Bagdogra Airport located at 90 km away. Though Pakyong Airport is the nearest but is connected by very few airway network with other major places of India, whereas Bagdogra Airport is connected by regular flight services with Kolkata, Guwahati and Delhi. From both the airports tourists will get both shared and reserved vehicles to reach Rongpo.
By Train: The major nearest rail head to Rongpo is New Jalpaiguri railway station (NJP) located at 87 km away which is well connected by regular railway networks with Kolkata and other major cities of India. Apart from that other nearest rail head to Rongpo are Sevoke Railway Station (55 km) and Siliguri Junction (75 km). From all these rail heads tourists will get both shared and reserved vehicles to reach Rongpo.
By Road: As Rongpo lies on NH10 hence frequent jeep or taxi services are available to almost all towns and villages of Sikkim, Darjeeling and Kalimpong. Frequent bus services are operated by Sikkim Nationalised Transport (SNT) from Siliguri to Rongpo. Apart from that many private buses and local vehicles also ply from Gangtok, NJP Bus Stand and Tenzing Norgay Bus Terminus at Siliguri to Rongpo. Some of major road joined Rongpo on NH10 are:
Rorathang – Kumrek – Rangpo Road
Namchi – Namthang – Rangpo Road
Kalimpong – Munsoong – Rangpo Road
Best time to Visit:Though Rongpo can be visited throughout the year, but it is advisable to avoid the monsoon season. Apart from that summer (March to June) are popular time with pleasant weather and best to avoid the scorching heat of the plains. Winter (December to February) is also a good time to witness the clear sky and maximum bird activity in and around Rongpo. Pre winter (October – November) is also good and offers clear sky making it suitable for outdoor activities and exploring the region of Rongpo.
RONGPOKHOLA VILLAGE RESORT
Rongpo Khola Village Resort is undeniably a beautiful homestay nestled by the riverside of Rongpo. Rongpo Khola Village Resort is set amidst serene and scenic environment which is ideal for relaxation and peaceful stay at Rongpo. Rongpo Khola Village Resort is a budget homestay with almost all sorts of basic amenities available. The host and the staffs at Rongpo Khola Village Resort are quiet courteous and helpful towards tourists. The periphery of Rongpo Khola Village Resort offers clear view of River Rongpo Khola flowing beside the homestay. On request Rongpo Khola Village Resort arranges for sightseeing to the nearby places of Rongpo. Rooms at Rongpo Khola Village Resort are cosy and comfortable with breath-taking view of the surrounding mountain valleys. There are all total 06 rooms at Rongpo Khola Village Resort and each room can accommodate 04 to 05 guests at a time. Rongpo Khola Village Resort offers a unique escape from hustle and bustle from the city crowd and immerses oneself in the lap of nature.
Amenities available:
Well-appointed rooms
Wall to wall carpet
Attached washrooms with western type toilets
Geyser facility for 24 hours running hot water
In house dinning facility
Pick up and drop facility available
Bonfire and Bar-B-Cue available (chargeable)
Tariff:
INR @ 1200/- per day per person (both food and lodging included)
Meals includes: 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 send your full details through WhatsApp @ 9831311606 and we will reply you as soon as possible.
