Rishikhola

Rishikhola, also written Reshikhola, is a small riverside settlement on the Rishi river at the Sikkim-West Bengal border, on the old trade road that climbs from Kalimpong through Pedong to Aritar and the Silk Route. People stop here for the river itself: forested slopes on both banks, picnics, birds and a bonfire by the water at night.

Our stay is right on the bank, on the Sikkim side in Pakyong district.

• Rishi River View Unique Cottage at Rishikhola: three private river-view cottages and four family river-view rooms, each sleeping up to four, a few steps from the water, from about Rs 1,300 per person. Vegetarian meals are available but not included in the rate. Village walks, camping, bird watching, river picnics and bonfires are on offer, and families, older guests and pets are welcome, with free parking.

If you want a homestay in Rishikhola where you can hear the river from bed, this is the one.

• From NJP or Siliguri: about 119 km to our stay, around four hours, via the Kalimpong road and Pedong, or via Rangpo.
• From Bagdogra: about 100 km, around four hours.
• From Kalimpong: the road runs through Algarah and Pedong to Rishikhola and on to Aritar; Pedong is about 20 km east of Kalimpong, and Rongli, beyond Aritar, is about 58 km and two and a half hours from Kalimpong.
• From Rangpo: about 23 km.
• Nearest towns: Rhenock, at about 1,040 m on the Sikkim side, and Pedong on the Bengal side.

The monsoon, June to September, brings heavy rain and landslides to the Kalimpong hills, so most travellers come between October and May. The higher Silk Route beyond Rongli is best in April to June and September to November, and snowbound from December.

• The Rishi river: about 10 m from our stay, for picnics and riverside bird watching.
• Siddhi Vinayak Temple: about 5.7 km and 13 minutes from our stay.
• Pedong: the 17th-century Lepcha fort ruins of Damsang Gadi, Cross Hill, set up in 1882 facing Tibet, and the Sangchen Dorjee monastery dating from the early 1700s.
• Aritar: about 1,400 m up in Sikkim, with Lampokhari, one of Sikkim's oldest natural lakes and one with boating, and the Mankhim temple at about 6,500 ft.
• Rhenock: the nearest Sikkim bazaar town, with Nirmal Dham about 5 km from its market.
• The Silk Route: Rishikhola is a gentle first night before Rongli, Zuluk and the 32 hairpin bends of the Thambi road.

• Permits: Zuluk and the upper Silk Route need a permit issued at Rongli (Indian nationals only), with original photo ID and passport photos. Collect it at Rongli on the way up, and get there early.
• River safety: mountain rivers rise fast after rain. Stay out of the water in the monsoon and keep children close.
• Vehicles: beyond Rongli only Sikkim-registered vehicles are allowed.
• Cash: carry enough from Kalimpong, Rangpo or Rhenock.

• Day 1: NJP to Rishikhola; afternoon by the river, bonfire at night.
• Day 2: Pedong's fort and Cross Hill, or Aritar's lake.
• Day 3: On to Rongli for the permit and Zuluk, or back to Siliguri.

Where is Rishikhola?
Rishikhola is a riverside settlement on the Rishi river at the Sikkim-West Bengal border, between Pedong and Aritar on the Kalimpong side of the Old Silk Route.

How far is Rishikhola from NJP?
About 119 km to our stay, roughly four hours by road. Bagdogra is about 100 km away.

How far is Rishikhola from Kalimpong?
The road runs through Algarah and Pedong, which is about 20 km east of Kalimpong; Rishikhola follows a short way beyond Pedong.

Do I need a permit for Rishikhola?
A permit is required for Zuluk and the upper Silk Route, issued at Rongli to Indian nationals. Check current rules with your host before you travel.

What is there to do in Rishikhola?
River picnics, bird watching, village walks, camping and bonfires, with day trips to Pedong, Aritar and Rhenock.

Where can I stay in Rishikhola?
Rishi River View Unique Cottage, listed on Broz Stays, has river-view cottages and family rooms right on the bank from about Rs 1,300 per person.