Lava: The Gateway to Neora Valley

What started in the 1990s as a tiny hilltop village wrapped in a perpetual haze of mist has evolved into one of North Bengal’s most popular mountain destinations. Tucked away at an altitude ranging between 2,030 and 2,080 meters, Lava is the main gateway into the Neora Valley National Park—an untouched wilderness that stretches into Sikkim’s Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary. Once a dot on the map with barely twenty houses, Lava today is a bustling hub drawing tourists from across India and Europe.

A Journey Through Lava’s Past

Back in the early 90s, Lava was little more than a remote forest outpost. The Forest Department operated a small range office, and a scattering of villagers made their living from agriculture and occasional forest produce. Life was slow, rhythmic, and shrouded in mist for much of the year.

Leeches thrived in the damp leaf litter, and few outside the region had even heard of Lava. But all that changed when local visionaries, along with the Forest Department and passionate nature lovers, came together to nurture eco-tourism. Log huts sprouted near the range office. Tents offered travellers their first taste of staying inside a Himalayan forest.

Word spread quickly—Lava was a hidden paradise. Over three decades, this once-quiet village transformed into a vibrant tourist destination. Today, Lava is crowded in summer, with dozens of hotels, homestays, and lodges welcoming visitors keen to escape the heat of the plains and breathe in cool mountain air.

Why Lava Captivates Travellers

Lava has a rare combination of charms that few places can match.
On one side, you have snow-capped views of the Greater Himalayan ranges glinting silver in the morning light. On the other hand, a vast expanse of fir, oak, and conifer forests stretches in every direction, alive with colourful birds and the constant music of the wind in the trees.

It’s a birdwatcher’s paradise. Even casual visitors find themselves craning their necks to follow a flash of feathers through the pines. The climate is cool almost year-round—an irresistible draw for tourists escaping the sweltering plains. The Lave area is arguably one of the two most popular birding destinations of North Bengal, the other being Singalila National Park.

Lava is also uniquely positioned: there are no nearby villages with equivalent infrastructure, so it has become the natural base for exploring Rishyap, Kolakham, Sillery Gaon, Charkhole, Pedong, and Jhandi, all within 15–20 km.

Finally, the village sits right along the main highway connecting Kalimpong to the Dooars region, making access straightforward for travellers flying into Bagdogra or arriving by train at NJP. Road upgrades in recent years have further improved connectivity.

How to Reach Lava

Bagdogra Airport is approximately 110 km away. New Jalpaiguri (NJP) railway station is about 102 km from Lava. You can travel via Gorubathan and Damdim or Kalimpong. Both routes offer scenic drives. If you’re coming from Kalimpong town (32 km), you’ll reach Lava in just over an hour by car.

For seamless transfers and guided trips, you can contact NBTT Travel Solution Private Limited at +91 9733000592 / 593 / 594. We’ll handle all logistics, so you can relax and focus on enjoying your holiday.

The Geography and Atmosphere of Lava

Lava is officially a Gram Panchayat in Kalimpong District. The area is spread over nearly 1,000 acres, and while the 2011 census counts only 1836 residents, the true population is much higher because of seasonal tourism workers.

The village sits at altitudes ranging between 2,030 and 2,080 meters—high enough that mornings are chilly, and you’ll often find yourself enveloped in clouds. The forests glow golden in the afternoon sun, alive with the calls of Himalayan birds.

In summer, the maximum temperature rarely exceeds 24–25°C. Winters can be cold, with occasional frost, making it perfect for those who love bracing mountain air.

Local Attractions Inside the Village

Neora Valley Nature Interpretation Centre:
On the upper slopes, opposite the Forest Range Office, this small museum introduces you to the flora, fauna, and unique ecology of Neora Valley National Park. It’s a great place to start your trip if you’re curious about the region’s wildlife.

Kagyu Thekchen Ling Monastery:
Commonly called the Lava Monastery, this serene complex sits on the lower slope of the village. Established in 1990, it occupies around 4 acres and serves as a centre of higher Buddhist studies. The red and white architecture, spinning prayer wheels, and tranquil courtyards make this a wonderful spot for reflection.

Both sites are within a few minutes’ walk of each other, so you don’t need transport to explore them.

Nature and Adventure: Nearby Sights and Trails

Neora Valley National Park:
Lava is the main entry point to this vast, untouched Himalayan forest, known for rare Red Pandas, Himalayan Black Bears, leopards, and over 250 bird species. A drive to Choudapheri inside the park is unforgettable—pine trees arch overhead while distant ridges glow with early morning light.

Tiffin Dara and Ghanti Dara Viewpoints:
Tiffin Dara (approx. 4 km from Lava, near Rishyap) is an ideal place to watch the sunrise over Kanchenjunga. Ghanti Dara is another lovely sunset spot.

Rishyap:
Just 5 km away, Rishyap is easily reached on foot or by a short drive. It offers fantastic panoramic views and remains quieter compared to Lava.

Kolakham and Changi Falls:
About 15 km from Lava, Kolakham is an offbeat village known for birding and the striking Changi Falls. A perfect day trip.

Lolegaon:
Often called Lava’s twin, Lolegaon is about 21 km away. The lolegaon park is a favourite for families and photographers.

Birdwatching in Lava

If you love birds, bring your binoculars. Lava is one of the best birding hotspots in North Bengal. Early mornings and late afternoons are prime times to spot:

• Satyr Tragopan

• Fire-tailed Sunbird

• Himalayan Griffon

• Rufous-throated Partridge

• Blood Pheasant

• Various laughingthrushes and flycatchers

Guided birding tours can be arranged with local experts through NBTT.

Accommodation in Lava

Lava has seen remarkable growth in tourist facilities over the past three decades. Today, nearly every house has transformed into a homestay or lodge.

You’ll find everything from budget guesthouses with basic amenities to a few properties offering higher standards of comfort. Because accommodation fills up quickly during peak season (March–June and October–November), it’s best to reserve well in advance.

Humro Home, a reputed sister concern of ours, has quality accommodation options in Lava and the surrounding villages. If you need assistance selecting the best place for your needs—be it a simple homestay or a premium lodge—NBTT Travel Solution is here to help.

Climate: When to Visit Lava

Spring (March–May):
Clear skies, rhododendron blooms, and pleasant temperatures around 15–20°C.

Summer (June–July):
Cool relief from the plains; expect mist and occasional showers.

Monsoon (July–September):
Wettest period; lush greenery, but sometimes foggy.

Autumn (October–November):
Perhaps the best time—crisp air and spectacular mountain views.

Winter (December–February):
Cold, with temperatures dropping to 4–8°C. A great time if you love solitude.

Call us at +91 9733000592 / 593 / 594 to start planning your journey. Let’s craft your perfect Himalayan holiday.