Rishop – A quiet getaway in the mountains

Rishop is a sleepy village in the Darjeeling district that offers a grand view of snow-capped Himalayan peaks. Only about 9 km from Lava, it is perfect for a quiet getaway in the lap of the mountains.

In the local language, “Ri” means mountaintop and “shop” means an old tree. The striking thing about the village is the serenity that engulfs it. There’s a feeling of being one with Mother Nature. The only sounds we will hear are birdsong, gurgling of a mountain brook and the whistling of the wind amid pine trees.

The village offers some of the best views of some of the most majestic Himalayan peaks. The Kanchenjungha is the most well-known among them. The other peaks that can be seen from Rishop are the Kharg, Rathung, Kokthang, Kabroo, Pandim, Talung, Simvo and the Siniolchu, apart from several nameless ones.

Before daybreak, the scene of first rays of the sun kissing the clouds and bathing the Kanchenjungha in pink and orange is really a treasure trove which must be locked in cameras.

Irrespective of the season Rishop is a riot of colours, thanks to innumerable flowers and multi-hued butterflies.

The village is a favourite of trekkers. Those who love to walk can trek to the Clock Square in Lava. The road runs through a forest of pine, birch, fir and orchids.

Tiffindara, the hilltop, is a shorter walk away. It offers a breathtaking view of the Kanchenjungha. If walking is not preferable, one can take a jeep to Tiffindara.

As daylight fades and darkness descends on the hills, the stars light up the sky one by one and lights come on in the houses in Gangtok and Pedong.

We can sit by a wood fire, dig into chicken soup and momos and enjoy the starry, starry night.

How to go ?

You can take a train from Howrah or Sealdah to New Jalpaiguri (NJP) railway station or a flight to Bagdogra and then hire a car from there. Rishop is a four-hour drive from New Jalpaiguri. Buses also ply between NJP and Kalimpong. From Kalimpong Trekkers are available for Rishop.

Where to stay ?

There are several hotels in the Rs 500-2,000 tariff range. Lovely Resort is one of them. For booking contact:

WEST BENGAL FOREST DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION LIMITED.
6A, Raja Subodh Mullick Square, 7th – Floor, Kolkata-700013
Ph No. : 033-2237-0060/ 2237-0061/ 2225-8549
Website:  www.wbfdc.com

Note : Phone numbers given above are according to the information available with us. If you find any contact number/s given above is/are incorrect or not in use, please let us know.