Rishyap / Rishop : Living beside virgin forests

Rishyap is a small hamlet in the Kalimpong hills at an altitude of about 8,100 feet, very  close to Lava . Being located in the close proximity to Neora Valley National Park, the charm of staying in a hill village among chirping birds and waking up with the view of the Majestic Kanchenjunga is the primary reason behind the popularity of Rishyap. The 300 degree majestic view of mountain ranges  visible from Rishyap/Risop are (left to right) Mt.Kharg, Kokthang, Rathong, Kabroo (North, South, Dome and Forked), Talung, Pandim, Khang-Chen-DZongha, Simvo, Narsingh, Siniolchu.  Apart from the Kanchenjunga range, a visitor can also see the Sikkim, Bhutan and Nepal mountains including Jelep la from Rishyap. Nathula, the famous Indo-Chinese border that has been opened up for trade, is also visible from here.

Rishyap can be reached either by vehicle or on foot. Rishap can be reached from Lava easy trekking ( only 5 kms) or Four Wheels ( 12 kms). But the bumpy road can make the jeep journey uncomfortable. An excellent view of Kanchenjungha from 'Tiffin Dara' (Dara means ridge in local language) in Rishop attracts tourists to this place. The same place is also sometimes referred to as Sherpa Dara. There is a viewing tower at Tiffindara for better view of Rishyap and around. The deep silent forest of Pine, Birch, Fir and Orchids with soothing path following the chirps of birus & the view of big sky on the lad of snowcapped Khang-Chen-DZongha is a special gift of Rishyap. At Rishyap/Risop the night sky is bright and clear. It may seem that the stars have come closer. Far below, one can view the lights twinkling in the nearby towns and villages.



Southeast of Rishyap/Risop is the Lava monastery. The entire village is not covered by motorable road. To see the whole village, you have to walk down the mountain paths with majestic Kanchenjungha standing in front.

Over the years a number of tourist accommodations have come up at Rishyap. Almost all of the tourist accommodation are village homestay type and cannot be compared with hotels in major towns. Basic facilities are available at the place with running water, attached bath and decent food. For booking, contact us at GreenChannel.treks@gmail.com or phone us at +91-8145863495

Nearby Places:

Lava – 12 kms
Lolegaon – 32 kms
Kalimpong – 35 kms
Siliguri – 95 kms