The Neora Valley National Park spread over an area of 88 sq. km is famous for the virgin forest patch and its unique biodiversity. The National Park enjoys the distinction of being situated over one of the oldest Reserve Forests in India. The Northern boundary of this National Park is contiguous with the forest of Sikkim and Bhutan and harbours endemic species of flora and fauna.
The National park comprises tropical & temperate vegetation. Several animals like Red Panda, Himalayan Thar, Tiger, Goral, Himalayan Black Bear, Wild Boar, Wild Dog, and Clouded Leopard and birds like Redstart, Whistling Thrush, Golden Headed Black Finch, Niltava, Yuhina are found in this National Park. Apart from this, a large number of bird species are resident in this area. Due to a wide range of altitude variations, the climate condition of N.P. varies from tropical to temperate or even Sub-alpine in the Rachilla Danda area.
Map of Neora Valley National Park
Tourism in the National Park
Being mountainous and difficult to access, the Neora Valley National Park has little tourism activity inside the forest. There is also a restriction on visiting inside the forest area. But the forest fringes on almost all sides offer tourism activity.
The most prominent destinations around Neora Valley are Lava – Lolegaon, Rishyop, and Kolbong area. These are small villages close to the highway which have developed tourism infrastructure over the years. On the southern fringe of the forest destinations like Gorubathan, Phapharkheti, and Samsing have been gaining in popularity among travellers. On the western front, Bindu, Jhalong, Rangpo, and Todey Tangta areas also have become significant tourist destinations.
There is no forest safari or forest trail treks inside the National Park. The adventurous may go for a trek inside the forest with special permission from the forest department. There are several routes but the most prominent one starts near Lava at a place called Choudapheri and traverses through the forest to reach Rechela Top before descending to Samsing on the Murti riverbank. This 4 to 5-day trek is the most popular one in the area. nature beyond has several years of experience in organizing this trek, get in touch with our experts if you are interested in this trek. Please note that a budget trek is not possible in these forests as the trekking group has to carry all provisions and tents with them as there is not much infrastructure inside the forest.
