From the banks of Rolep
About 20 kms away from Rongli, not even a 30 minutes’ drive, Rolep is a small village at the bank of
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| Shokey-Khola |
a mighty river, locally known as Rolep, originally Shokey Khola River. Shokey Khola receives its water from Tsomgo and Menmecho Lake. The lush greenery, gushing waterfalls and river, serene village life is enough to rejuvenate your soul especially if you have stayed in the chilly weather of Gnathang or Lungthung in past days of your trip. If your eyes are kind of bored by seeing only snow in the upper slopes of East Sikkim, come down to Rolep, have a pleasant stay in the decent homestays here, enjoy this little warmer, completely soothing climate here.
Find your way
Rolep is around 132 kms from Siliguri,4.5-5 hours drive, which can be reached easily from New Jalpaiguri (NJP), nearest railway station or Bagdogra, nearest airport. Rolep can also be reached from Gangtok, capital of Sikkim, which is around 85 kms away,4 hours’ drive.
Soothe your Eyes
On the way from Rongli to Rolep, you can cherish the panoramic view of Rolep valley. Reaching Rolep you might feel like the river sound is bothering you and you may find the sound similar to the sea waves minus the humid climate obviously, but eventually you will end up finding tranquillity with the sound. Rolep seems to be a newly added destination in the Dzuluk/Silk Route trip itinerary. According to local’s people coming for Silk Route journey, mostly prefer to cover Rolep either at the beginning of their trip or on the very last day, they end their trip by having a peaceful stay at Rolep.
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| Buddha Falls, Rolep |
From my personal experience, I have seen people coming for their vacations to Silk Route, adds a stay in Rolep in the very last day or first and ends up missing most views of the place. They just tend to enjoy their stay only by spending time by the river valley. What I recommend is, stay in Rolep for a day or two, explore the place, meet the locals, enjoy the paddy fields, go for trout fishing, rest in the wet boulders, take a walk across the forest and of course don’t miss Buddha falls, this is a hidden gem of the place. A 45 feet high, gushing waterfall across a hanging bridge, this is actually a hidden fall, if the locals don’t inform you, you may fail to locate this beauty even being very near to it.
According to the locals there’s a natural Buddha cave in Rolep, which takes almost 6 hours of trek. On the occasion of Ram Navami, approx. 150 pilgrims, each year takes the path to this cave. Also, there is a hanging bridge, a non-motorable one, which will take a walk of around 10 mins within the forest. You can meet unknown insects, birds, flowers on your way and have a great view of the river from that bridge.
Good food and good sleep are important
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| View from non-motorable hanging bridge |
Rolep has two types of stays. One type is along the river side, where people mostly prefer to stay to enjoy the view along the river bank. The other type is along the high hill slopes accompanied with great view of sunset and meandering river. Homestays along the slopes are mostly recommended for solace seekers and bird watchers. Food is homecooked, with three times meal starting from lunch to next day morning breakfast accompanied with evening snacks and warm tea.
I had my stay at Soyta Home Stay (9932145538/7602324730/9932407882/78721784861). Their charges vary from 1000-1200 INR for per person, per day, incl. warm, tasty food and friendly behavior.
Time and Tide waits for none
This esplanade village in the Himalayan foothills is good for anytime visit. Winter offers a sparkling weather; pre-monsoons offer the mighty river and gushing waterfall.
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| From the alleys of Rolep |
If you are planning to stay in Rolep for more days, you can even take a day trip to Aritar (Lampokhari). Rolep is not a crowded place and its a less explored one. Bathing in the river is strictly prohibited. Don’t litter here and there. Keep Rolep clean and green. Don’t make unnecessary noise. Don’t keep your children unattended near the banks of river. Have a pleasant stay.
Sampriti Chakraborty
Email: sampritichakraborty.btech@gmail.com
Beautifully written
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