Description
Rishop is a Himalayan hamlet in Darjeeling, West Bengal. Nature lovers should feel and enjoy the picture post card silent village Rishop. For Rishop, “Re” stands for mountain peaks and “shop” means old-aged trees in Tibetan language. Here, the sun, clouds, hills and forests, altogether gives a magical view to all of its visitors. Rishop, 2591 m above from city crowd with the picturesque view of snow-caped Kanchanjungha, Kharg, Kokthang, Rothang, Kabroo (north & south), Shimbo, Norsing, Siniolchen, Nathula & Jelepla. More than 180 degree left to right view of the Himalayas is the main attraction of Rishop at bright sunlight. Become witness of changing colours of light reflected on the snow-caped peaks at dawn. At cloudless moonlit night the beauty of the Himalayan range is a lifetime experience. The big sky seems to come closer at night. Beneath the sky the twinkling lights of Gangtok and Pedong are similar to the twinkling stars above. Rishop is surrounded by Neora Valley forest. This remote villageis enriched with variety of birds. Most of the locals depend entirely on agriculture for their living. Potato and maize are produced in slopes of the hills. This step firming is another beauty of this village.
How to Reach
A journey via Kalimpong or via gorubathan from Siliguri or NJP will take you Rishop. On the other hand you can avail a short and pleasure trek route from Lava to reach Rishop. You can come Rishop from Bagdogra airport also.
Places to Visit
Tiffindara:
Tiffindara is a beautiful sunrise point which was initially known by the name of ‘Sherpadara’. It is an ideal site where travelers can explore the beautiful view of Himalayan Ranges. It offers 360 degree view of mountain peaks leading by Kanchanjungha.
Neora Valley national park:
Neora valley national park is situated at the conjunction of West Bengal, Sikkim and Bhutan. Tourists are attracted by its natural beauty. Come here through a deep silent forest of pine, birch, fir and orchids with companion of chirps. It is enriched with beautiful flowers and the species like red panda, clouded leopard, Himalayan Thor, Indian Gaur & the Himalayan black bear and different birds such as flycatchers, Hill Maynas & owls. Butterflies and insects and many colourful orchids also add beauty to this park. In this park sunlight cannot touch ground. It is an adventurous place for the nature lovers and trekkers.
Lava Monastery:
Lava Jamgyong Monastery was set up in 1987. It is remain covered with fog throughout the year. Monks residing in this region concentrate upon topics of Buddhist literature.
Canopy Walk:
Heritage forest is the main attraction of Lolegaon. Gather experience of strolling through the woods at canopy walk.
Damsang Fort:
Damsang fort of Pedong , constructed in 1690, can be enjoyed though presently it is about to ruin.
Changey falls:
Changey falls is rapidly growing into a must-showing-destination from Rishop. Here extreme calmness with huge waterfall sound makes a wonderful contrast. Some rare birds are visible here.