The Himalayas never fail to amaze travellers, and if you are looking for an offbeat destination that blends peace, natural beauty, and cultural charm, then the Lava Lolegaon Rishop tour is the perfect choice. Nestled in the pristine hills of Kalimpong district, West Bengal, the serene hamlets of Lava, Lolegaon, and Rishop offer a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. This “offbeat” circuit is a paradise for nature lovers, birdwatchers, and those seeking tranquillity amidst breathtaking Himalayan vistas.
Lava Lolegaon Rishop Tour – A Complete Travel Guide
This blog will guide you through everything you need to know about planning a memorable Lava Lolegaon Rishop tour, including how to reach, places to visit, and the best time to go. Our Lava Lolegaon Rishop tour plan promises a rejuvenating 4-night and 5-day experience amidst mist-laden forests, panoramic viewpoints, and the gentle rhythm of mountain life.
Why Plan a Lava Lolegaon Rishop Tour?
Unlike crowded hill stations like Darjeeling, these three destinations offer serenity, untouched natural landscapes, and eco-tourism experiences. These three destinations are often explored together due to their close proximity and complementary charm.
Known for its dense forests of pine, birch, and fir, a beautiful monastery, and being a gateway to Neora Valley National Park, located at a height of about 7200 feet and 100 km approx from NJP. It’s often misty and cool, providing a quintessential hill station feel.
Lava Monastery (Kagyu Thekchen Ling Monastery) – A peaceful Tibetan Buddhist monastery with vibrant architecture.
Changey Waterfalls – A scenic 150 ft waterfall surrounded by pine forests.
Neora Valley National Park – A biodiversity hotspot with red pandas, black bears, and countless bird species.
Nature Trails – Short treks through pine and fir forests for nature enthusiasts.
About 120 km from NJP and approx 20 km from Lava, Famous for its Canopy Walk, offering a thrilling experience amidst towering trees, and spectacular sunrise views of Kanchenjunga from the Kafer viewpoint.
Canopy Walk – A 180-meter-long wooden hanging bridge offering a thrilling walk among treetops.
Kafer Viewpoint – Stunning panoramic views of Mt. Kanchenjunga and surrounding peaks.
Heritage Forest – Explore cypress and pine forests, perfect for a morning stroll.
Sunrise Point – Ideal for early risers to witness the Golden Himalayan peaks.
The highest among the three, Rishop (Rishyap), provides unparalleled, unobstructed views of the mighty Kanchenjunga range, especially at dawn. It’s a trekkers’ delight and a haven for solitude. A peaceful hamlet perched at 8,500 ft, offering some of the best sunrise and sunset views over the Eastern Himalayas. About 26 km from Lolegaon and 112 km approx from NJP.
Tiffindara Viewpoint – Offers spectacular sunrise and sunset views over Kanchenjunga.
Village Walks – Rishop is a tiny hamlet where nature and culture blend beautifully.
Birdwatching – Home to Himalayan species like flycatchers and sunbirds.
Homestays – Cozy wooden cottages with traditional Nepali and Bengali meals.
Together, they form a scenic triangle ideal for nature lovers, photographers, trekkers, and families looking for a rejuvenating holiday.
Best Time to Plan For Lava Lolegaon Rishop Tour
Spring & Summer (March–June): Clear skies, pleasant weather, and blooming rhododendrons.
Autumn (October–November): Best time for stunning Kanchenjunga views.
Winter (December–February): Cold but magical, with misty mornings and starry nights.
Monsoon (July–September): Lush greenery, but heavy rainfall may cause road issues.
Your 4-Night 5-Day Lava Lolegaon Rishop Tour Plan
Day 1: Arrival in Lava – Embracing the Forest's Embrace
Morning: The Arrival
Arrive at New Jalpaiguri (NJP) Railway Station or Bagdogra (IXB) Airport. From there, embark on a scenic drive of approximately 3.5 to 4 hours to Lava. The journey itself is enchanting, winding through lush tea gardens and dense forests.
Afternoon: Lava Monastery & Nature Walk
Upon arrival, check into your accommodation in Lava. After settling in, enjoy a hearty lunch featuring local or Indian cuisine.
Visit the beautiful Lava Kagyu Thekchen Ling Monastery (also known as Lava Monastery). This vibrant Buddhist monastery is a center for learning and worship, offering a serene atmosphere and colorful architecture.
Take a leisurely nature walk around Lava. The cool, crisp air and the scent of pine are incredibly refreshing. You can explore the local market, interact with the friendly locals, or simply soak in the peaceful surroundings.
Evening
Enjoy the tranquility of Lava. The evenings here are often cool and misty. Relax at your hotel, perhaps with a cup of local tea, and prepare for the adventures ahead.
Day 2: Lava Sightseeing
Morning
Complete your breakfast early. Visit Changey Falls, about 12 km from Lava, surrounded by lush greenery.
Afternoon
Head towards Neora Valley National Park for a half-day excursion (trekking/birdwatching).
Evening
Return to Lava by evening and relax with local food and tea. Overnight stay in Lava.
Day 3: Lolegaon's Canopy & Kanchenjunga Panoramas
Morning: Transfer to Lolegaon & Canopy Walk
After breakfast, check out from your Lava hotel and proceed to Lolegaon (approximately 1 hour drive).
Upon arrival, head straight for the iconic Canopy Walk. This thrilling 180-meter-long hanging bridge made of wood and ropes sways gently as you walk, offering a unique perspective of the dense forest canopy. It’s an unforgettable experience, allowing you to observe the forest’s flora and fauna up close.
Enjoy lunch at a local eatery in Lolegaon.
Afternoon: Flat Top Viewpoint
Visit the Flat Top Viewpoint in Lolegaon. This spot offers magnificent panoramic views of the entire Kanchenjunga range on a clear day, stretching from the sunrise point. It’s an ideal place for photography and simply appreciating the vastness of the Himalayas.
Evening: Relaxing
Check into your Lolegaon accommodation. Spend the evening relaxing, enjoying the quietude of the village, and perhaps stargazing if the sky is clear.
Day 4: Rishop's Majestic Views & Trekking Trails
Morning: Sunrise at Rishop & Trekking
Wake up early for an unforgettable experience! Depending on your chosen accommodation, you might get a good sunrise view from your room or embark on a short trek to a higher point.
After breakfast, proceed to Rishop (Rishyap). The drive from Lolegaon to Rishop is relatively short, often less than an hour, but some parts might require a 4×4 or a short trek if you prefer.
Upon arrival, if you’re up for it, embark on a trek to Tiffin Dara, a viewpoint renowned for its breathtaking 360-degree views of the Kanchenjunga range, Nathu La, Jelep La, and the surrounding hills. This trek is moderately challenging but incredibly rewarding. Check into your accommodation at Rishop and enjoy the lunch there.
Afternoon: Exploring Rishop & Leisure
Spend the afternoon soaking in the serene atmosphere of Rishop. Walk through the village, interact with the local Lepcha community, and simply enjoy the magnificent mountain views from every corner.
Rishop is all about peace and unhindered natural beauty. It’s the perfect place to unwind, read a book, or simply meditate on the stunning landscapes.
Evening: Summaries the tour
Enjoy a beautiful sunset over the Himalayas. The evenings in Rishop are typically chilly, so cozy up by a fireplace if available and relish a warm dinner.
Day 5: Farewell to the Hills
Morning: Enjoy One Last Sunrise and Return Back
Enjoy one last sunrise over the majestic Kanchenjunga from your Rishop accommodation. After a leisurely breakfast, check out.
Begin your descent back to NJP or Bagdogra for your onward journey. The memories of the mist-covered forests, the thrilling canopy walk, and the awe-inspiring Himalayan panoramas will surely linger long after you’ve left the tranquil embrace of Lava, Lolegaon, and Rishop.
How to Reach
In this Lava Lolegaon Rishop tour, the first location is Lava. Shared jeeps and private taxis are available for transfers between the places.
By Air: Bagdogra Airport (approx. 110 km from Lava) is the nearest airport. Cabs are available for direct transfers.
By Train: New Jalpaiguri (NJP) railway station (around 100 km) is the closest railhead.
By Road: Kalimpong is the nearest town (32 km from Lava). You can hire private taxis or shared jeeps.
Plan Your Stay for Lava Lolegaon Rishop Tour
Lava: Government-run accommodation (WBFDC) often provides a rustic charm and proximity to nature. Budget hotels and homestays near Lava Monastery.
Lolegaon: Cottages and eco-resorts surrounded by forest.
Rishop: Wooden cottages and homestays with Kanchenjunga view.
Travel Tips for Lava Lolegaon and Rishop Tour
Carry warm clothes, especially during winter.
Mobile network may be weak; enjoy digital detox.
Book homestays in advance, as accommodation is limited.
Carry cash; ATMs are rare.
A lava lolegaon rishop tour is a refreshing journey into the pristine beauty of the Eastern Himalayas. Whether it’s the serenity of Lava Monastery, the adventurous Canopy Walk in Lolegaon, or the awe-inspiring views of Kanchenjunga from Rishop, each destination offers a unique experience.
Perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers, this 4-night, 5-day Lava Lolegaon Rishop tour strikes the right balance of adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion. If you are seeking peace away from crowded tourist spots, these three hidden gems should be on your travel list.
This Lava Lolegaon Rishop tour is more than just a trip; it’s an experience of raw natural beauty and peaceful solitude, leaving you refreshed and reconnected with nature.