Explore Neora Valley

Known for its variety of beautiful orchids and wildlife, Neora Valley National Park is named after the river Neora and is situated near Darjeeling and Kalimpong (30 km). The northern boundary of this National Park is contiguous with the forests of Sikkim and Bhutan and harbours endemic species of flora and fauna.

Neora Valley National Park is divided into two ranges. The lower range can be accessed from Samsing, the headquarters of Lower Neora Range, and the upper range can be accessed from its headquarters, Lava.

Before you embark on your journey to Neora Valley, it’s crucial to obtain the necessary permits, considering its proximity to the India-Bhutan border. One needs a permit to visit the Neora Valley National Park and which is available at the forest range office at Lava (and also at Samsing). Find more Info at Darjeeling Tourism

Getting the Permit

Here’s how to secure the permit:

1. Location for Permit Application: The Kalimpong District Magistrate’s office in Kalimpong, West Bengal, is where you’ll need to apply for the permit. It’s advised to visit their office a day in advance to ensure everything is in order.
2. Documents Required: To obtain the permit, you’ll typically need to provide the following documents:
   • A copy of your photo ID (Aadhar card, passport, or voter ID)
   • Passport-sized photographs
   • A filled-out permit application form (available at the office)
3. The Permit Process:
   • Visit the District Magistrate’s office during their working hours.
   • Submit your documents and the filled-out application form.
   • Pay the necessary permit fee, which can vary, so it’s a good idea to check the current rates in advance.
   • Once you’ve submitted everything and paid the fee, the authorities will process your application. This can take a few hours or may require a return visit the following day.
4. Duration of the Permit: Neora Valley permits are typically issued for a specified number of days (usually 7 days) and allow you to explore the designated areas within the valley. Make sure you are aware of the validity period and plan your visit accordingly.

Spanning roughly 88 square kilometres, this park was established in 1986 with the primary aim of protecting the region’s unique ecosystem. Within its boundaries, you’ll encounter a rich tapestry of plant and animal life, with a notable presence of endangered species, including the elusive red panda, clouded leopard, and Himalayan black bear. With its virgin natural forests, dense bamboo groves, meandering rivers and streams, Neora Valley is an ideal place for observing wildlife movements and has tremendous importance for medicinal plants.

With its highest peak at an altitude of 3,200 meters at Rachela Pass, the Neora Valley shares its boundary with Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary and the Toorsa Strict Reserve in Bhutan in the Northeast. Located at the junction of Bhutan, Sikkim and West Bengal, this forest is rich in biodiversity due to the watershed of the Neora River along with its tributaries. Interestingly, the place has plenty of inaccessible or unexplored zones, and that makes it extra adventurous for nature lovers/trekkers who love to challenge the unknown terrains of the dense natural forests.

Nestled amidst the hills of Neora Valley are a few lesser-trodden villages that are now gaining tourist attraction as popular weekend getaways. Explore the dense, untouched forests and rich biodiversity, and glimpse at elusive wildlife like the Red Panda and the Himalayan Tahr.

Offering a panoramic view of lush green valleys, this region presents stunning views of snow-clad mountain ranges, including Mt. Kharg, Kokthang, Rathung, Kabroo (North, South, Dome and Fourth), Talung, Pandim, Khang-Chen-D-Zongha, Simvo, Narsingh and Siniolchu (from left to right).

Lava & Samsing

Surrounded by pine forests that offer a stunning play of mists and fog at all seasons, Lava is a small hamlet that lets you explore natural beauty all around. From Lava, the entry point of Neora Valley is just 16 km.

Lava, a lesser-known paradise, is the gateway to Neora National Park, which can also be entered via Samsing (80 Km from Siliguri).

Khasmahal, situated in Samsing, is a charming village that comes to life during the harvest season, thanks to its enchanting orange orchards that offer a delightful view. The area also features beautiful tea gardens.

A short distance from the peaceful village of Khasmahal, visitors are greeted with their first glimpse of the meandering emerald-green river, Murti. The juxtaposition of the river’s gentle flow against the backdrop of lush tea gardens and towering hills is nothing short of mesmerising. Samsing’s surreal beauty, as seen from the banks of the Murti River, is sure to enchant any traveller.

The riverbank has become a renowned picnic spot, drawing both tourists and locals who seek to savour quality moments with their loved ones. Here, they can relish the sight of the rushing river, set against the backdrop of a densely forested mountainous valley. Samsing also holds a special allure for adventure enthusiasts, offering an array of captivating trekking routes to explore. Samsing to Mouchuki takes more than an hour, due to road conditions. Just before the Mouchuki Forest rest house, there is a checkpoint where you have to show your permit.

The beautifully enchanting Lava Monastery is a must-visit destination in the region. The monastery is also known as the Ratnarishi Bihar Buddhist Gompa and was established by the 3rd Kongtrul Rinpoche, Karma Lodro Chokyi Senge. Located near the Neora Reservoir, the monastery offers lovely views of the surrounding hills and verdant green valleys.

Lolegaon

At an altitude of 5500 ft, Lolegaon/Loleygaon is wilderness at its best. It is located on a flat hilltop and is inhabited by the Lepcha villagers.

Lolegaon remains an offbeat destination, ideal for those seeking a peaceful getaway in the hills. During the monsoon, the area is stunning with numerous waterfalls and a natural, thick, lush green canopy of forested trails. Located at the extreme end of the valley, it has one of the best pine forests in the Himalayan ranges.

Lolegaon is popular for its canopy walk, which is a century-old oak and cypress wooden track that offers a thrilling experience to those who walk on it.

Here, one can see the wildlife in its natural habitat and also have a chance to spot some of the endangered Himalayan species. There is also a sunset point known as Ramitey Dara that offers a golden-hued view of Mt. Kanchenjunga.

Rishyap

Rishyap (also pronounced as Rishop) is a magnificent Lepcha hamlet nestled in the Kalimpong Hills at an elevation of 8,100 feet above sea level, just 28 km from Kalimpong town and adjacent to Lava. According to myths and legends, the name Rishyap is derived from the Tibetan language, where ‘RI’ stands for mountain peak (some say ‘lofty’) and ‘Shyap’ means ‘age-old trees’.

Rishyap is still a relatively less-travelled destination and has a few hidden wonders located amidst its thick pine and birch tree forests.

Before 1998, Rishop was just an inaccessible hamlet with very few households. Today, it may be connected, but it’s not your usual tourist destination. There are no hotels here. No restaurants with menus. No souvenir shops or tour buses. Just a handful of homestays run by Sherpa, Tamang, Gurung, Rai and Lepcha community members whose economy is mainly agro-based, producing seasonal vegetables as well as Cardamom, Corn, Ginger, and Potatoes through terrace farming.

From Rishyap, one can clearly see the towns of Gangtok and Pedong at night, gleaming with twinkling lights. And if you are lucky, on a clear day, you can even spot the famous Nathula and Jelepla passes from Rishyap. Rishyap is also known for its diverse range of orchids that bloom during the season.

Rishop attracts hordes of tourists throughout the year for its uninterrupted view of the 180-degree snow-capped Himalayan ranges. Apart from the breathtaking panorama of Kanchenjunga, visitors can also see the mountains of Sikkim, Bhutan, and Nepal, including Jelep La, with Nathula, the famous Indo-Chinese border, also visible from here.

On a clear day, from left to right, you can witness: Mt. Kharg, Mt. Kokthang, Mt. Rathung, Mt. Kabru, Mt. Talung, Mt. Pandim, Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Simvo, Mt. Narsing, and Mt. Siniolchu. That’s not a mountain view but an entire Himalayan range revealing itself to you.

Sightseeing at Rishyap

• Watch sunset at Tiffin Dara, a 1.5 km uphill walk from Rishyap. You walk 35-40 minutes through conifer and birch forests leading to the summit, where breathtaking sunrises over the Kanchenjunga range can be seen. Tiffin Dara is the second-highest point of West Bengal, from where Mt. Everest is sometimes also viewable.
• Visit Seolo Village (2.5 km downhill trek from Rishyap): Seolo Village is the second-last village of West Bengal, known for ‘Shiva Buddha Temple’, a temple dedicated to both Lord Shiva and Lord Buddha, perched at an altitude of 8,450 feet.
• Pedong & Sillery Gaon (15-20 km away): Discover the charms of these picturesque villages with their own unique character and history. You can read more about these places at https://gotraveltrek.com/2015/02/26/exploring-kalimpongs-hidden-gems.
• You can also trek along Neora Valley National Park to reach the Jorepokhri (Twin Lakes).

You can visit https://gotraveltrek.com/2018/09/06/explore-neora-valley for more details on the gorgeous Neora Valley.

Reaching Rishyap:

Rishyap to Lava: 9 Kms
Rishyap to Kolakham: 20 Kms
Rishyap from kalimpong: 110 Kms
Rishyap from Garubathan: 120 Kms
Lava to Rishyap: 11 Km by Road (Pls note that the road is bumpy and full of boulders, so need an SUV or a tough terrain vehicle).

Kolakham

Kolakham is 20 km from Rishyap and 8 km from Lava. Located on the fringe of the Neora Valley National Park, Kolakham is a nature’s paradise. Situated amidst thick deodar forests and facing the mighty Mt. Kanchenjunga, Kolakham is a perfect destination to unwind, relax, and rejuvenate.

Mt. Kanchenjunga is the world’s third-highest peak and offers panoramic views of its beautiful snow-clad ranges from the hills of Kolagham and other nearby destinations. Being here gives you a chance to totally let go and unwind. The valley is famous for its Cardamom cultivation among other crops like maize and millet.

Jungle/Forest Trails: There are numerous jungle trails to choose from that take you across the never-ending green forests and offer an opportunity to see the wildlife up close, too.

Refreshing Dip at Changey Falls: From Kolakham, the falls can be reached via a 5 km trek or an 8 km by road trip from Lava. In addition to the scenic views and beautiful weather all year round, Kolakham is also a popular destination for adventure activities, including trekking and rock climbing.

Reaching Kolakham:

By Road: Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri (NJP) are well connected with Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Delhi, and Guwahati. From NJP or Siliguri it is 123 Km and takes about 4 hours to reach Kolakham.

By Train: from Kolkatta, at Sealdah Railway Station take the Kanchan Kanya Express: Train No 13149 (Sealdah Station Departure: 20:30 Hrs – NJP New Jalpaiguri Arrival: 7:30 Hrs – Siliguri Arrival: 8:00 Hrs)

By Air: Bagdogra: 121 Kms from Kolakham

Stay Options at Neora Valley, Lava, Rishyap and Kolakham:

Visit Spring Vale Resorts, which has details as per the location.

Recommended Blogs

Kalimpong hides stories in every misty valley and monastery courtyard. This Himalayan gem blends Tibetan, Nepali, and Bengali cultures into something entirely its own. Discover what makes it unforgettable in my blog: ‘Explore Kalimpong’s Hidden Gems.‘

Location & Distance Guide

Best start: Siliguri / NJP / Bagdogra (gateway to North Bengal) → go via Kalimpong → enter Neora Valley from Lava → explore Rishyap, Kolakham, Lolegaon → end at Kalimpong or return to Siliguri/NJP

Interaries

3 ready-to-use itineraries

1) Short Explorer — 2 days (fast weekend)

Start: Kalimpong → Lava → Rishyap → return to Kalimpong (end)

• Day 1: Kalimpong → drive to Lava; visit Lava Monastery & short forest walk; night at Lava homestay.
• Day 2: Morning trek/drive to Rishyap (Tiffindara viewpoint), short Jorepokhri walk if permitted; return to Kalimpong by late afternoon.
• Who’s it for: tight schedules, weekenders.

2) Standard Loop — 4 days (recommended)

Start: Siliguri/NJP → Kalimpong → Lava → Rishyap → Kolakham → Lolegaon → back to Siliguri/NJP (end)

• Day 1: Arrive Siliguri/NJP → drive to Kalimpong (overnight; sightsee nurseries/Deolo Hill).
• Day 2: Kalimpong → Lava (get permits if not already done), Lava Monastery, overnight Lava.
• Day 3: Lava → Rishyap (Tiffindara, local walks) → proceed to Kolakham; stay Kolakham or nearby.
• Day 4: Kolakham → Changey Falls (trek) → Lolegaon (canopy walk + sunset at Ramitey Dara) → drive back to Siliguri/NJP or Kalimpong for departure.
• Who’s it for: most travellers who want calm + variety.

3) Slow Nature Immersion — 6 days (deep dive)

Start: Bagdogra/NJP → Kalimpong → Lava → Rishyap → Kolakham → Lolegaon → Pedong/Chapramari → End at Kalimpong or Siliguri

Who’s it for: photographers, wildlife lovers, slow travellers.

Add an extra day for deeper treks into Neora Valley (guided), birdwatching, and longer homestay experiences.

• Vehicle & roads: Many roads are bumpy and rugged; an SUV / high-clearance vehicle is recommended, especially for Lava↔Rishyap↔Kolakham routes.
• Always travel with a local guide for wildlife/forest trails. The forest is biodiverse, and trails can be confusing.
• Carry copies of your IDs, passport-size photos (often requested at permit counters).
• Bring cash (many homestays and small shops do not accept cards).
• Phone network is patchy: download offline maps and keep a power bank.