Treks and walks · Lava
Forest walk from Lava up to Rishyap
Climb about 400 m through oak, rhododendron and bamboo from Lava to the ridge village of Rishyap, 2,591 m, in roughly 4 km. Kanchenjunga from Tiffin Dara at the top, then jeep or walk back down.
The road from Lava to Rishyap is about 10 km of loops, but a direct forest path cuts it to roughly 4 km. It climbs about 400 m from Lava's ridge at around 2,200 m to Rishyap at 2,591 m, through mixed forest of oak, rhododendron, magnolia and bamboo. In spring, from March to April, the rhododendrons flower red and pink along the upper stretches.
Allow 2–2.5 hours going up at an easy pace. The path is steep and muddy in places, and after rain or in thick mist it is easy to miss turns, so take a local guide for about ₹600–1,000. Birds are good in the early morning: listen for laughingthrushes and look for sunbirds in the flowering trees. Leeches are out from May to September.
At Rishyap, walk on about 1 km to Tiffin Dara, the viewpoint where, on clear days, Kanchenjunga stretches across the north-west horizon. Have tea in the village, then walk down the same way or take a shared jeep or taxi back to Lava. Many walkers stay a night in Rishyap for the dawn.
Cost: Free · guide ₹600–1,000
Questions people ask
Good to know
How long is the walk from Lava to Rishyap?
The forest shortcut is about 4 km with roughly 400 m of climbing, taking 2–2.5 hours up and 1.5 hours down. The road is about 10 km. Start in the morning, when the path is clearer and the views from Rishyap are better.
Do I need a guide for Lava to Rishyap?
In clear weather fit walkers can follow the path, but it splits in places and mist is common. A local guide for ₹600–1,000 is worth it, especially after rain or for first-timers. Ask at your homestay or the Lava bazaar.
Is the Lava–Rishyap trail open in the monsoon?
It is walkable but muddy, slippery and full of leeches from June to September, and views are rare. We suggest the road in the monsoon, or saving the walk for October to May. Check current status before you travel.
Also in Lava
