Rikisum is a small village in the Kalimpong district of West Bengal. Rikisum is located at an altitude of approximately 6000 feet. Due to its central location, it becomes easy to access various other places like Lava, Rishyap, Pedong, Sillery gaon & Kalimpong from here.
Rikisum is situated on the fringe of Neora valley national park forest. The immediate backside of the village is the forests of Neora valley which offers excellent vegetation and birding opportunity. Just a couple of hundred meters from the village is Rikisum top. You can have a panoramic 360-degree view of a far and wide area from here. Nearby places such as Rishyap and Pedong apart, you can also see much of eastern Sikkim, part of Tibet, and entry a few passes to Tibet such as Jelep La pass and Nathu La pass. This unique position of Rikisum led to the British creating a Bungalow at the top of the hill. The bungalow was destroyed during political agitation in recent years and only the ruins can be seen there now, But the hilltop is still worth a visit for any nature lover.
Where to Stay
Homestays are the only accommodation available here, the guest can book online or book it from any travel company. Humro Home is our sister organization which also has a homestay at Rikisum which can be booked through us.
Getting There
The nearest Airport to Rikisum is Bagdogra Airport (IXB) Via Kalimpong which is approximately 3 Hours 33 minutes i.e 96 Km driving distance.
NJP station is the nearest station to Rikisum which is around 90 km driving distance.
The tourist can book a private car from both places to visit Rikisum or pre-book from any tourism company for hustle free journey.
Places Around
Due to its centralized location, there are few nearby places the tourist can visit.
Rishyap:- Rishyap is a small village in the Kalimpong district which is around 35-40 minutes' driving distance from Rikisum Village. Rishyap is a famous tourist spot with a perfect view of Mt. Kanchenjunga. It's a picturesque village with all possible natural beauty surrounded by forests, and valleys.
Lava:- Rikisum to Lava is just 11 km i.e 33 minutes of driving distance. Lava is a small village in the Kalimpong district. Surrounded by lush green forests this place is famous for its Flora & Fauna.
Kalimpong:- Kalimpong is the major town in the Kalimpong district. 20 km from Rikisum Village these place offers scenic beauty. Delo's viewpoint is a famous point in Kalimpong. The tourist can do a half-day city tour of Kalimpong & by evening return.
Pedong:- Pedong is another tourist attraction near Rikisum, it's 10 Km from the village.
Sillery gaon:- Another major tourist attraction is Sillery gaon, 34 Minutes from Rikisum Sillery gaon enough scenic pleasure for tourists, surrounded by green forest & a panoramic view of Mt. Kanchenjunga.
River rafting on the Teesta river:- Tourists with an interest in adventure can do river rafting on the Teesta river 35 Km from the Rikisum Village.
Nearby Places
Some of the other nearby places are Darjeeling which is approximately 70 Km from Rikisum, and Gangtok 73 Km.
Weather
Since Rikisum is a hilly area, the temperature is really pleasant throughout the year. The temperature during the summertime varies between 10 to 24 degrees & 3 to 16 degrees during the winter. Rainfalls are most common in this area.
