Tour Location: Rishop, Lava, and Kolakham

Pickup Location: NJP (New Jalpaiguri Railway Station) or Bagdogra Airport

Tour Durations: 3 Nights / 4 Days

Here’s a concise overview of Rishop, Lava, and Kolakham, three beautiful offbeat Himalayan destinations in West Bengal.


Rishop

  • Location: A peaceful hamlet at an altitude of about 8,500 feet, surrounded by dense forests.
  • Highlights:
    • Tiffin Dara Viewpoint: Offers stunning panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga and other Himalayan peaks. The sunrise here is spectacular.
    • Nature Walks: Ideal for birdwatching and enjoying the serene forested environment.
    • Village Stay: Experience local hospitality at homestays, offering a simple yet relaxing rural experience.

Lava

  • Location: A small town at 7,200 feet, known for its cool climate and proximity to Neora Valley National Park.
  • Highlights:
    • Lava Monastery: Also known as the Ratnarishi Bihar Buddhist Gompa, it’s a peaceful Buddhist site offering spiritual vibes and beautiful views.
    • Neora Valley National Park: A treasure trove for wildlife lovers and birdwatchers, home to the red panda and rich biodiversity.
    • Trekking & Birdwatching: Lava serves as a gateway for many trekking routes and is popular for spotting various bird species.

Kolakham

  • Location: A quiet, remote village located at 6,500 feet, near Neora Valley National Park.
  • Highlights:
    • Changey Waterfall: A beautiful 300-feet-high waterfall, a must-visit spot near Kolakham, accessible through a short trek.
    • Neora Valley: Explore the forest and its rich flora and fauna, ideal for adventure seekers and nature lovers.
    • Peaceful Stay: Stay in eco-friendly resorts or homestays, with stunning views of the Kanchenjunga and the surrounding valleys.

These destinations offer a perfect blend of peaceful retreats, nature walks, stunning mountain views, and offbeat adventure for travelers looking to unwind in the lap of the Himalayas.

Here’s a 3-day itinerary for exploring Rishop, Lava, and Kolakham, perfect for a nature-filled, peaceful retreat in the Eastern Himalayas.


Day 1: Arrival in Rishop

  • Morning:
    • Arrival at NJP Railway Station or Bagdogra Airport.
    • Private pickup and transfer to Rishop (approx. 4.5 hours drive).
    • Check into your homestay and freshen up.
  • Afternoon:
    • Enjoy lunch at the homestay.
    • Head for a trek to the Tiffin Dara Viewpoint, which offers stunning panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga range and surrounding peaks (a 30-45 minute trek).
    • Explore the forest trails around Rishop, perfect for birdwatching and nature walks.
  • Evening:
    • Relax at the homestay or take a quiet evening walk around the village to soak in the serene atmosphere.
    • Dinner at the homestay, followed by an overnight stay in Rishop.

Day 2: Rishop to Lava

  • Morning:
    • After breakfast, depart for Lava (approx. 30 minutes drive).
    • Visit the Lava Monastery (Ratnarishi Bihar Buddhist Gompa), a peaceful monastery offering panoramic views and spiritual serenity.
  • Afternoon:
    • Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant or homestay in Lava.
    • Explore Neora Valley National Park, known for its rich biodiversity, including the red panda, birds, and Himalayan wildlife. Go for a nature walk or trek through the lush forest.
  • Evening:
    • Visit the local market in Lava or take a stroll around the town.
    • Return to your homestay for dinner and an overnight stay in Lava.

Day 3: Lava to Kolakham

  • Morning:
    • After breakfast, depart for Kolakham (approx. 1.5-hour drive through scenic mountain roads).
    • Check into your eco-resort or homestay in Kolakham.
  • Afternoon:
    • Enjoy lunch at the homestay.
    • Take a trek to Changey Waterfalls (3 km from Kolakham), a refreshing waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. Enjoy the peaceful ambiance and the sound of cascading water.
    • Explore the surrounding area of Neora Valley National Park for more nature walks or birdwatching.
  • Evening:
    • Return to your homestay, relax, and enjoy the sunset views over the Himalayas.
    • Dinner and overnight stay in Kolakham.

Day 4: Departure from Kolakham

  • Morning:
    • After breakfast, enjoy a final morning walk around Kolakham, capturing last glimpses of the beautiful views of the Kanchenjunga.
    • Checkout and transfer back to NJP Railway Station or Bagdogra Airport for departure.

Inclusions:

  • Accommodations: 3 nights in homestays or eco-resorts (Rishop, Lava, Kolakham).
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included throughout the trip.
  • Transportation: Private vehicle for all transfers and sightseeing.
  • Activities: Trekking, nature walks, visits to the monastery and Changey Waterfalls.

Exclusions:

  • Entry fees to Neora Valley National Park.
  • Camera charges.
  • Personal expenses and any additional activities not mentioned.
  • Train or airfare to/from NJP or Bagdogra.

Summary:

This Rishop – Lava – Kolakham itinerary offers a tranquil experience amidst the Himalayan beauty, with breathtaking mountain views, peaceful treks, and nature walks. Ideal for travelers seeking relaxation and offbeat exploration, this trip immerses you in serene natural surroundings with the charm of quiet Himalayan villages.

Here’s a set of policies that you can implement for the Sittong – Takdah – Tinchuley – Dawapani itinerary package. These policies can help ensure a smooth experience for both your guests and your homestay:

Booking Policies

  1. Advance Booking:
    • Reservations should be made at least 7 days in advance to secure accommodations and arrangements.
  2. Confirmation:
    • A confirmation email will be sent upon successful booking, detailing the itinerary, accommodations, and payment instructions.
  3. Payment:
    • A deposit of 30% is required at the time of booking, with the remaining balance due 3 days before arrival.
    • Payments can be made via bank transfer, online payment methods, or cash upon arrival.

Cancellation Policies

  1. Cancellation by Guest:
    • Cancellations made 14 days before the check-in date will receive a full refund of the deposit.
    • Cancellations made between 7 to 13 days before check-in will incur a 50% cancellation fee of the deposit.
    • Cancellations made less than 7 days before check-in will forfeit the entire deposit.
  2. Cancellation by Management:
    • In case of unforeseen circumstances leading to cancellation by the management, guests will receive a full refund or an alternative arrangement.

Refund Policies

  • Refunds will be processed within 7-10 business days after the cancellation request is approved.

Itinerary Changes

  1. Guest-Initiated Changes:
    • Any changes to the itinerary requested by guests must be communicated at least 48 hours in advance and are subject to availability.
  2. Management-Initiated Changes:
    • The management reserves the right to modify the itinerary due to weather conditions, road closures, or unforeseen circumstances, ensuring the safety and comfort of guests.

Inclusions and Exclusions

  • Inclusions:
    • Standard homestays at Sittong, Takdah, Tinchuley, and Dawapani.
    • All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
    • Private sightseeing and guided tours.
    • Pickup and drop from NJP/Bagdogra.
  • Exclusions:
    • Entry charges for specific tourist sites.
    • Camera charges.
    • Train or airfare.
    • Room heater charges (if applicable).
    • Porter charges.