Rishyap, a Green Haven of Tranquility
If the mundane routine of city life has drained you enough, nothing can be more therapeutic than travelling. Unlike the situation two decades back, now North Bengal is thriving with a plethora of touristdestinations to choose from, like ‘Rishyap’. Rishyap also known as Rishop was unheard before, it’s a small hamlet sitting pretty in the lap of the hills of Neora Valley. Situated at a height of 8500 ft it is a peaceful haven of abundant greenery and breathtaking mountain ranges- a perfect weekend getaway.
This small Lepcha village located in the hills of North Bengal will take you far from the madding crowd and invigorate your senses like anything. The ‘Ri’ from Rishyap refers to mountain peak and ‘shyap’ or ‘shop’ means ancient trees in Tibetan dialect. Rishyap is famous for offering a stunning 180˚ view of Mt. Kanchenjunga and a 360˚ view of other mountain ranges around such as Talung,Khang-Chen-D-Zongha, Kokthang,Pandim,Mt.Kharg, Siniolchu, Rathung,Simvo,Kabroo and Narsingh. Two other peaks which lie just after these are Panhundri and Khanchangyao and below them rests the glacier named "Khangse" which is known as the source of the river Teesta. Few famous mountain passes visible from Rishyap are Nathula, Jelepla, Batungla and Clola. The Clola forms the border between Sikkim and Tibet.
Rishyap is endowed with a wealth of flora and fauna like other hilly locations in north-eastern India. The dense dark forests are filled with tall growths of Pine, Birch, Orchids and Fir. Theair comes alive with chirpings of thousands of birds- forming a soul stirring music to the tired ears. Bird watching is a well-known activity here for naturalists and nature lovers with thousands of species thronging the forest such as the Fire-breasted Flowerpecker Dicaeum ignipectus, Rufous-winged Fulvetta Alcippe castaneceps andRed-billed Leiothrix lutea Flocks. The snow laden peak of Khang-Chen-D-Zongha is also a special gift of Rishyap.
The place ‘Teffindara’ (old name: Sherpa Dara) in this village provides the best panoramic view of Mt. Kangchenjunga as it turns from fiery red to molten gold and then pink, before dusk sets over the silent valley. At night, it turns magical when the sky appears to hang low with millions of stars shining bright and below the quaint lights of the surrounding towns and humble villages twinkle away.Stay at the hillside resorts or small cottages scattered around the valley and visit the places of interestlikethe Lava Jamgyong Kongtrul Monastery, Neora Valley Nature Interpretation Centre,and Kagyu Thekchen monastery, Changay Falls, Lolegaon and Pedong (Lepcha villages).
Adventure junkies can opt for trekking to reach this village through a picturesque path from Lava (3 km approx.). The path cuts through dense forests and lush tea gardens, a memorable journey. Trekking through the Neora Valley National park could also be a thrilling experience. Playing with the clouds or walking down the hills through the cold mist, stepping over scented wild flowers and shrubs is like living in a dream indeed. Rishyap can be reached through a bumpy motorable road- the distance from Lava is (11 km), from Kalimpong (27 km), from New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (117 km) and from Bagdogra Airport (133 km).
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 mountains with majestic Kanchenjungha standing in front.