Imagine you are coming down from the clouds and following a winding road covered with trees until you hear a sound that is far more delightful than any kind of music: the nonstop flow of fresh river water over rocks. This is the place you were looking for, a place named after the wise men of old: Reshikhola.
Reshikhola is a small settlement that is hidden close to the border of West Bengal and Sikkim. It is neither a town nor a village, but an experience that is mainly characterized by the Rishing River, which passes through it. If you are fed up with hill stations that are full of commercial activities and crave for real, pure nature, then you must get ready for this paradise. It is like entering a calm, secluded corner of the Himalayas, and I guarantee you, the different calmness of Reshikhola is something that you will take with you long after you have left the riverbanks.
Quick Introduction to Reshikhola
Reshikhola is the natural border that divides the two states, namely Sikkim and West Bengal. Its name is a combination of two words: Rishi, which means a sage or a hermit, and Khola, meaning a stream or a river in the local dialect. The story says that the ancient sages used to come here for their meditations, attracted by the absolute silence and the pure flowing river. When you come here, you will find out why. The environment is very clean, the only sound that can be heard is the one made by the water, and the trees around are like the perfect wrap of silence. This makes tourism in Reshikhola less about seeing places and more about living.
Arriving and Settling In
The journey to Reshikhola is quite a trip in itself. Generally, you will be driving down from higher places like Pedong or Kalimpong. The last few kilometers are a very steep and winding path, so it is better that you have a 4x4 vehicle or a driver who is skilled at handling such kind of roads. Once you arrive at the riverbed, it dawns on you that most of the places where you can stay are right there along the Rishing River.
Here, the housing is of the basic kind, and outdoor camping often makes up the vast majority of the lodgings by the riverside and in the district. Do not think of five-star luxury, because here, the million-dollar view is the river and the hills nearby. For me, the best way of freeing myself was to stay in a camp with a tent right next to the river that was flowing. The river’s lullaby is what you sleep to, and you are woken up by the fresh air that is coming from the river in the morning.
What to Do During Your Stay
At the core of Reshikhola’s appeal is the option of unwinding; however, the area offers numerous light activities that can still keep your interest. The truth of the matter is that you will spend the best part of your day doing absolutely nothing except being attentive to the river rather than following a strict itinerary.
1. Riverside Leisure
One of your foremost responsibilities is to locate a spot that is both comfortable and convenient by the water. The riverbed is covered with fine, multicolored stones, and there is no limit to how much time you can devote to just sitting, reading, or watching the people who fish. If your homestay is on one of the two sides, i.e., West Bengal or Sikkim, you can very well walk across a small footbridge or jump over stones to get there or back.
2. Fishing and Barbeques
The Rishing River is rich in fish; small local varieties of fish are mostly what the Rishing River is populated with. Several homestays provide the necessary equipment and facilities needed to go fishing. Trying your luck in the most transparent part of the river is a great way of spending an afternoon, even though you are not a skilled fisherman. Almost every homestay during their evening hours holds a barbecue event outdoors at a place that is right on the riverbank. This is essentially a Reshikhola experience; you are there under a sky filled with stars, listening to the fire crackle and the river rushing.
3. Local Treks
While Reshikhola itself is the base of the famous Reshikhola silk route journey, short hikes in the surrounding hills are also an option. These paths lead you to the woods, which are dense with trees, and where you can spot a lot of different types of birds. Your host will tell you about a brief walk through the village; visiting the local Lepcha and Bhutia communities is an excellent way to understand their traditional and gentle lifestyle.
Weather and When to Visit
Knowing about the Reshikhola weather will help you in planning your perfect trip. Summer (March to June): The Reshikhola temperature will not be a bother as it is quite comfortable and moderate, going between 15°C and 25°C. The sky is free from any clouds most of the time, and the river is very calm. There could not be a better time for a riverside relaxation session than this one.
Monsoon (July to September): The area is drenched with rain during this period. Though the greenery is more beautiful and the river fuller than ever, it is not a good time to travel since there can be landslides. I would suggest you be very careful if you choose to be here during this time.
Winter (October to February): The sky cannot get any cleaner than this, and it provides the best view of stars. The Reshikhola temperature goes very low, mainly at night, and most of the time it is between 5°C and 15 °C; however, the days are sunny but still cold.
So, in the evening, you will definitely need your coat, along with other heavy woolens. October to November and March to May are considered the best times to visit Reshikhola for optimal comfort and clear views.
Reshikhola as a Gateway to the Silk Route
Reshikhola is not only a perfect, secluded destination but also a very significant stop on the famous Old Silk Route circuit. Quite a number of travelers decide to break their journey here before moving up to the high-altitude places like Zuluk, Lungthung, or Nathang Valley.
The difference between the warm river valley of Reshikhola and the icy high mountain passes of the Reshikhola Silk Route is really dramatic. Here, in this village, you can spend your time getting used to the altitude, which is a must, before you tackle the upper areas. This double function of Reshikhola makes it a spot for local people to escape as well as a base from which to start the trips of a grander scale; thus, it is among the most famous places of West Bengal.
Reshikhola Tourist Places and Places to Visit
There is no doubt that the river in the area is the major attraction of Reshikhola. However, if you are determined to dig out, here are some of the places where you can go:
- Aritar Lake: A gorgeous emerald green lake, also commonly called Lampokhari, is not far away by car.
- Mankhim: A hill covered with great views of the sunrise over Mount Kanchenjunga. Only if you are staying here for a few nights, an early morning trip here is quite a must.
- Pedong: A nearby historical town, famous for its old monastery and colonial-style buildings.
The trip from Reshikhola to Rishi Khola (the river itself) can be considered the ultimate destination; everything else is just a serene bonus.
Conclusion
If you are a restless soul who is in desperate need of a place to disconnect and recharge, then stop your search right now. Reshikhola is the place to be in such situations, as it offers peaceful surroundings where clean air, flowing water, and starry skies are your main pursuits. This is a modest, quiet getaway that brings you back to nature's flow, and thus, it is a perfect place for quiet reflection.
Being the case, you find that parting from this riverbank is the most difficult thing in your journey; however, the ultimate peace you experience during your stay in Reshikhola will be with you long after you have left.
