Tour Location: Rishop – Lava – Kolakham
Pickup Location: NJP (New Jalpaiguri Railway Station) or Bagdogra Airport
Tour Durations: 3 Nights / 4 Days
Here’s a detailed overview of Rishop, Lava, and Kolakham, three popular offbeat destinations in the Kalimpong district of West Bengal. These locations are perfect for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those looking for a peaceful retreat in the eastern Himalayas.
Rishop
Overview:
- Rishop (or Rishyap) is a peaceful hamlet located at an altitude of about 8,500 feet in the Kalimpong district. This secluded village is known for its majestic views of the Kanchenjunga range and the surrounding snow-capped Himalayan peaks.
- It’s a perfect destination for nature lovers who seek solitude and breathtaking landscapes. The village is surrounded by dense forests of pine, fir, and rhododendron, making it ideal for nature walks and birdwatching.
Key Attractions:
- Tiffin Dara Viewpoint: A short trek from Rishop leads to Tiffin Dara, one of the best viewpoints to witness the grandeur of the Kanchenjunga and its surrounding ranges. The sunrise from here is spectacular.
- Nature Walks: The area is perfect for leisurely walks through dense forests, where you can spot a variety of bird species and enjoy the serene ambiance.
- Village Life: Experience the local lifestyle by staying in one of the homestays, where you can interact with the villagers and enjoy their hospitality.
Lava
Overview:
- Lava is a small town located at an altitude of 7,200 feet, just 11 km from Rishop. It is known for its cool, misty climate and dense forests of pine and oak. Lava is also the entry point for the Neora Valley National Park, which is a haven for biodiversity.
- Lava is a popular destination for trekkers and birdwatchers, and it’s also a place of religious importance due to the presence of the Lava Monastery.
Key Attractions:
- Neora Valley National Park: One of the richest biological zones in the Eastern Himalayas, the park is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. Red pandas, Himalayan black bears, and many bird species can be found here.
- Lava Monastery (Ratnarishi Bihar Buddhist Gompa): This serene Buddhist monastery offers a peaceful environment with panoramic views of the surrounding hills.
- Trekking: Lava serves as a base for treks to Rishop, Kolakham, and other nearby destinations.
Kolakham
Overview:
- Kolakham is a small, picturesque village located at an altitude of around 6,500 feet, nestled in the Neora Valley region. This remote hamlet offers stunning views of the Kanchenjunga, beautiful waterfalls, and lush green forests, making it an ideal spot for adventure lovers and nature enthusiasts.
- Kolakham is known for its proximity to the Changey Waterfalls and is a gateway for exploring the forests of Neora Valley.
Key Attractions:
- Changey Waterfall: This 300-feet-high waterfall is a must-visit spot near Kolakham. The short trek to the waterfall is surrounded by scenic beauty and offers a chance to enjoy the serenity of nature.
- Neora Valley National Park: Kolakham is another entry point to explore the pristine forests of the park, known for its rich biodiversity and wildlife.
- Birdwatching & Nature Walks: The area is rich in avian species, and the surrounding forests provide ample opportunity for peaceful nature walks.
3-Day Itinerary: Rishop – Lava – Kolakham
Day 1: Arrival in Rishop
- Morning:
- Arrive at NJP Railway Station or Bagdogra Airport.
- Pickup and transfer to Rishop (approx. 4.5 hours drive).
- Check into your homestay in Rishop.
- Afternoon:
- Enjoy a local lunch at the homestay.
- Head for a short trek to the Tiffin Dara Viewpoint, one of the best spots to witness the grandeur of the Kanchenjunga range and surrounding snow-capped peaks. The trek takes about 30-45 minutes and offers stunning panoramic views.
- Explore the dense pine and rhododendron forests surrounding the village. It’s perfect for a peaceful nature walk and birdwatching.
- Evening:
- Return to your homestay for a quiet evening.
- Dinner at the homestay, followed by a night stay in Rishop.
Day 2: Rishop to Lava
- Morning:
- Enjoy breakfast at the homestay.
- Depart for Lava (approx. 30 minutes drive).
- Visit the Lava Monastery (Ratnarishi Bihar Buddhist Gompa). The monastery offers a serene environment with magnificent views of the surrounding hills, ideal for meditation and soaking in the tranquility.
- Afternoon:
- Lunch at a local restaurant or homestay in Lava.
- Visit the Neora Valley National Park. Explore the forest trails and enjoy the rich biodiversity of the park. It is home to species like the red panda, Himalayan black bear, and numerous birds. Nature walks and birdwatching are popular activities here.
- Alternatively, trek through the nearby trails for a better experience of the pristine forest.
- Evening:
- Stroll through Lava’s small town, where you can explore local markets or grab a cup of tea while soaking in the mountain views.
- Return to your homestay in Lava for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3: Lava to Kolakham
- Morning:
- After breakfast, depart for Kolakham (approx. 1.5-hour scenic drive through lush green forests and mountain roads).
- Check into your eco-resort or homestay in Kolakham.
- Afternoon:
- Enjoy a hearty lunch at the homestay.
- Trek to Changey Waterfalls, located around 3 km from Kolakham. The trek offers beautiful forest views, and the 300-feet-high waterfall is a refreshing sight. Spend time at the waterfall, enjoying the sound of water crashing onto the rocks.
- Explore the nearby forest trails of Neora Valley National Park, known for its dense forests and wildlife diversity.
- Evening:
- Return to your homestay and enjoy the peaceful ambiance. You can relax and watch the sunset over the mountains, or take a final walk around the village to interact with the locals.
- Dinner and overnight stay at the homestay in Kolakham.
Day 4: Departure from Kolakham
- Morning:
- Have breakfast at the homestay.
- Take a short morning walk around the village, or enjoy the last views of the Kanchenjunga from Kolakham.
- Checkout and transfer back to NJP Railway Station or Bagdogra Airport for your onward journey.
Inclusions
- Accommodations: 3 nights in homestays or eco-resorts (Rishop, Lava, and Kolakham).
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout the stay.
- Transportation: Private vehicle for the entire tour, including transfers between destinations.
- Activities: Short treks, nature walks, monastery visits, and sightseeing at Changey Waterfalls.
Exclusions
- Entry fees for Neora Valley National Park.
- Camera and entry charges, if applicable.
- Personal expenses and additional activities not listed in the itinerary.
- Any transportation costs to and from NJP Railway Station or Bagdogra Airport.
Highlights of the Trip
- Tiffin Dara Viewpoint (Rishop): Stunning panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga range.
- Lava Monastery: Serene Buddhist monastery with incredible views of the surrounding landscape.
- Neora Valley National Park: Pristine forest trails perfect for nature lovers and birdwatchers.
- Changey Waterfalls (Kolakham): A 300-feet-high waterfall offering a refreshing nature experience.
- Offbeat Himalayan Villages: Experience rural Himalayan life, stay in eco-friendly homestays, and interact with locals.
Conclusion
This 3-day Rishop – Lava – Kolakham itinerary provides a relaxing and enriching experience in the eastern Himalayas. Each destination offers unique opportunities to connect with nature, enjoy scenic treks, and soak in the majestic beauty of the Kanchenjunga and surrounding peaks. Ideal for nature lovers, photographers, and travelers seeking solitude away from crowded tourist spots.
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
- Advance Booking:
- Reservations should be made at least 7 days in advance to secure accommodations and arrangements.
- Confirmation:
- A confirmation email will be sent upon successful booking, detailing the itinerary, accommodations, and payment instructions.
- 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
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
