Rolep,Sikkim: A hidden gem on the banks of the Rangpo Khola

During Durga Puja in the year 2022, I decided to go to Rolep, an offbeat destination in Sikkim, without having a confirmed train ticket. As a result, I could not finalize the accommodation in advance at Rolep. But on the day of travel, i.e., October 8, 2022, everything was fine as we finally got our tickets confirmed.
However, we boarded the Darjeeling Mail from Sealdah to NJP. Sikkim always calls me. My father-in-law, who is an ex-bank employee in the government sector, accompanied me, so the trip was extraordinary. He was very enthusiastic, as he had never been to Sikkim before. I really liked that he wanted to experience the homestay concept, as he had never stayed anywhere other than a hotel before.
Finally, the next day, after reaching NJP on time, we hired a car and left for Rangpo, as the car sent by our homestay was waiting at Rangpo. We were stuck in a heavy traffic jam due to the landslide of the Gangtok Road that day, so we reached Rolep by evening. Thus began our journey. Apart from Rolep we also visited Lungchok and Gangtok on this trip.

Rolep – A Hidden Gem & beautiful Riverside Offbeat of East Sikkim

Rolep is a small quiet village in East Sikkim, situated at an altitude of about 4000 feet on the banks of the Rangpo Khola river and very close to the Silk Route, so can easily be included in the Silk Route tour itinerary.
Rolep has emerged as a new offbeat tourist destination over the past few years and its popularity is increasing day by day. Golden and silver trout are found in the Rangpokhola River, which originates from Memencho Lake. A few tributaries of the Rangpo River pass through this green valley.

Where is Rolep Located?

Essential Information of Rolep

Altitude & Location: At around 4,000 ft above the sea level. This riverside offbeat destination is located in the East District of Sikkim state, India and belongs to Rongli Subdivision.

Nearest Airport:
International: Bagdogra Airport (IXB), WB
Domestic:  Pakyong Airport (PKY), Sikkim
Nearest Main Railway Station: NJP
Nearest Bus Terminal: Rongli

The distance between Gangtok and Rolep is approximately 51.4 kilometres via Machong Road.

Facility: There is a branch post office at Rolep. The nearest ATMs are available in Rangpo, Rolep, and Rhenock Bazar. Also, there is a senior secondary school in this village.

Local Medical Facilities

There is a PHSC Sub Health Center available in Rolep and nearest health centers are in Rhenock & is Rongli.  The nearest hospital is located at Rhenock bazar. Before travel, please carry some common medicines for common high-altitude issues & others.

How to Reach

You can reach here directly by reserved car from the airport, NJP, or Siliguri. Bus service (operated by the Sikkim Government) and shared jeeps are available from the SNT Bus Terminal to Rangpo (this is one of the important entry points to Sikkim). Before travelling, please check bus timings and fares on the Sikkim State Transport website (https://sntonline.sikkim.gov.in). Our experience with Sikkim State Transport was very good while returning from Gangtok to Siliguri. Travelers can reach here from Rongli or Gangtok as well. First, we booked a car from NJP to the Rangpo entry gate to reach Rangpo. After that, the homestay owner sent a car for us to reach Rolep from Rangpo because we requested it earlier.

People & their Language

Various tribal communities, such as Rai, Gurung, Bhutia, Sherpa, and Chhetri, live in Rolep, but most belong to the Rai community. The Rai community calls themself as Kirat. The government of Sikkim recognized BANTAWA language as the state Rai language in the year 1995.  They interact in their own Rai language within the community members. Most of the locals speak Nepali and Hindi but the younger generation can speak English as well.

The Rai community is well versed in arts and crafts. They can make many household items from bamboo and wood, and besides, they have shown their expertise in various fields, including stone carving, music, and literature.

Livelihood 

Most people are engaged in agriculture, but they are also in business. The locals mainly cultivate rice, cardamom and various types of vegetables. They work in various positions in the private and public sectors. Nowadays, they are also involved in rural tourism and animal husbandry. In the past there were tea plantations in this valley but now nothing remains.

Local Delicacy

The diverse food culture of various tribal communities in the Himalayan region depends on their limited food resources or the natural supermarket in the surrounding hilly areas. we got chance to taste some great organic dishes at the Rolep Tribal Homestay.

• Home-made Thukpa (Gya Thuk) and Momo (chicken & Veg both): This tasty noodle soup originates from eastern Tibet. It is not only popular in Sikkim but also in almost every state in India. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options are available.
  The noodle soup is served with fresh chopped vegetables. If you are not vegetarian, then meat (pork, chicken, or beef) and a poached or boiled egg can be added. Most of the travelers like to pair Thukpa with Momo.
• Gundruk Ko Jhol (Gundruk broth or Soup) This staple vegetarian dish originally originated in Nepal and is a very popular dish in both Sikkim and Darjeeling. Gundruk is actually made from fermented and sun-dried mustard leaves, cabbage leaves, or radish leaves. The real taste of Gundruk soup is available at homestays in Sikkim, where it is completely homemade. As it is rich in lactic acid, it helps relieve diarrhoea and boosts immunity. Also good for indigestion.Another very popular dish similar to Gundruk is found in Sikkim, but the difference is that it is made from fermented and sun-dried radish. It is known as Sinki.
• Tree Tomato Chatni with Dalle Khursani (One of the hottest chilies in the world)
• Nakima: This seasonal wildflower (scientific name: Tupistra Nutans belonging to the Liliaceae family) is locally known as Nakima. This wildflower grows naturally on steep hills in shady and moist places in some parts of the Himalayan region and is mostly available between September and October. It is slightly bitter with a sweet taste. Stir-fried nakima with tomatoes, chilies, ginger, and onions is a local delicacy in Sikkim. It is also popular in Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan and is often cooked with meat (chicken or pork). It is consumed for its many medicinal properties, which act as a medicine for diabetics.

• Wachipa – This is a traditional delicacy of the Kirati Rai community that is eaten on special occasions. This signature dish is cooked by mixing boiled rice, chicken mince, and a special powder made out of burnt feathers of chicken, which adds a unique bitter taste to the dish. There is also a vegetarian version of this dish, where the leaves and flowers of the damlapa plant are used instead of meat and chicken’s burnt feather powder. It is believed that consumption of wachipa cures body pain.
• Watercress (Simrayo Saag in Nepali and Shamrock in Lepcha) – Watercress is a perennial aquatic or semi-aquatic plant that grows widely in the hilly regions of West Bengal and Sikkim. It is one of the oldest leafy vegetables eaten by humans. Some take it as juice or soup. Watercress leaves are fried or cooked with potatoes or meat. The Bhutia community of Sikkim prefers to cook it with meat. Watercress is full of beta-carotene and other carotenoids, which are known to be powerful antioxidants. Here are some of the benefits of the herb, as per various medical journals:

→Keeps the immune system strong.
→Improves bone health.
→Helps in weight loss.
→Improves eyesight.
→Enhances athletic performance.
→Helps slow skin aging.
→Helps fight cancer.
→Protects against chronic diseases.

Where to Stay

In this riverside offbeat hamlet, homestays are available for accommodation and food, those are run by locals. Most of these accommodations are simple extensions of simple family homes. As per experience, we are impressed by their hospitality.
The homestay owner can arrange transportation if it is required. Also, they can arrange nearest treks as well. You can easily get the latest information from various online booking sites.
Below are the contact details for some homestays for the latest tariffs and other valid information.

• Rolep Tribal Homestay
  Rolep
  Owner: Mr. Roshan Rai,
  +91-9434446088
  Contact: Shreya Madam (Kolkata)
  +91-9434446088, +91-9647872434
  Amenities:
  √ This homestay arranges local sightseeing (especially the Silk Route destinations), riverside camping, and treks on request.
  √ Pick up and drop facility on request.
  √ Barbecue and Bonfire on request

Our stay was simply fantastic. The tribal homestay is located amidst dense greenery and is run by the local Rai family. The food served at the homestay is all organic and homemade. Everyone was polite and cooperative. The food was so good that I want to come here again to taste more new local traditional dishes, and the atmosphere was great.
This is possible because the host of the homestay, Mr. Roshan Rai is an intelligent and down-to-earth person whom you will want to meet again and again.

• Soyta Homestay
  Rolep Village
  Phone(s): +91 9932407882

• Two Boys Homestay
  Rolep Village
  Phone(s): +91 7318719733

•  YUpacha Homestay, Rolep
  Contact: Mr. Santa Prakash Rai
  +91-8167885447 (WhatsApp),7993728117

The owner of this homestay is Mr. Santa Prakash Roy. He and his son, Sanjeev Rai (a college student), are very cordial and good people. They welcomed us very well and gave us cardamom from their own cardamom plantation as a gift. The location is the most attractive feature of this homestay. You can have a beautiful view of the mountains and the flowing Rangpo Khola River from the front garden of the homestay.

I have only shared with you my memorable experiences with homestay owners, drivers, or tour guides while traveling, but your experience may not be the same as mine. Hence, I have no responsibility in that case. I am just sharing information only.

What to do & Nearest Attractions

• Village Walk: It is the best option to experience the beauty of the surroundings and get to know the locals. Colorful prayer flags fluttering on bamboo poles along remote village hilly roads, simple traditional and modern houses surrounded by the lush greenery of cardamom, paddy, and potato fields are nothing short of heaven. You can talk to the locals to learn about the folklore here. You can see the non-motorable suspension bridge over the Rangpokhola river while walking and enjoy river’s fierce look (flowing with a strong current) strong and roar.
• Nature Walk through unforgettable jungle trails and enjoy spotting many rare species of Himalayan birds and butterflies.
• Watching butterflies & Birds: These are attractions here. Different species of butterflies & Birds can be seen here. Rolep is home to numerous Himalayan birds that inhabit the place and different species of butterflies found here.

• Buddha Waterfall or Sokeykhola Waterfall: The waterfall originates from the waters of the Sokeykhola River, which falls from a height of about 40 feet and finally joins the Rangpokhola River. This waterfall is one of the tourist attractions in Rolep. You can see a bridge over this waterfall, locally known as the Sokeykhola Bridge.
• Buddha Cave: An ancient cave that is a holy place. This cave is not only famous in Sikkim but also a sacred place for people from Bhutan, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and other parts of India. It is located in a very dense forest. There is a small pond here that never dries up. Many pilgrims visit this cave on Ram Navami.
• Chochen Natural Lake or Chochen Pokhari (Dried Lake): This small body of water is surrounded by terraced green paddy fields, and the area is becoming popular as a potential rural tourism destination. Also, you can visit the Dekeling Monastery.
• Rolep Hanging Bridge: This motorable hanging bridge over the Rolep River is famous for its mesmerizing view and is also known as the Rangkey Bridge. Earlier, there was a wooden bridge, but now it has been replaced by a cable bridge.
• A new motorable bridge over the Rangpo Khola is constructed at Rolep, which is located near the old suspension bridge (on the way of the Chachal trek route). This new bridge connects the nearby offbeat destinations of Rolep, which is a really good initiative for the development of offbeat tourism.

  

• Sightseeing: Rolep is located near the Old Silk Route in Sikkim. So, from here, you can easily reach the popular points of the old silk route like Aritar, Mankhim, Zuluk, Thambi Viewpoint, Nathang Valley, and other popular tourist attractions in East Sikkim like Lungchok Valley, Mulkarkha Pokhri,Latuk etc. For details, you can review my previous posts on the Old Silk Route of Sikkim. Since Rolep is located close to Lungchok valley, click on the below link to get more information about Lungchok’s popular points.

Lungchok – A Picturesque Village in East Sikkim

My Historic Old Silk Route(Sikkim) Journey – Part I

My Historic Old Silk Route(Sikkim) Journey – Part II

My Historic Old Silk Route(Sikkim) Journey – Part III

The below trekking routes are popular in Rolep.

• • • Chachal & Boudha Trek
    • Khedi Trek

Popular Festivals

The Rai community celebrates many festivals almost throughout the year. In this manner, they express their gratitude to Mother Nature.
The festivities of the Rai community are incomplete without their traditional Rai dance, popularly known as Sili. Through this dance, the Rai community worships Mother Nature and prays for good rain and weather for crops. Also, they celebrate Diwali, Holi & others.

• Sakewa or Sakela: This is one of the most significant cultural and religious festivals for the Kirat Khambu Rai community in Sikkim. According to the Kirat scripture, a year is divided into two phases: Ubhauli(going up) and Udhauli(going down), which correspond to the migration patterns of a migratory bird.
  When the birds migrate to the high-altitude, cooler mountainous region at the beginning of summer (Baisakh), it is known as the Ubhauli.
  On the other side, when birds migrate to the warmer region in the south at the beginning of winter (Mangsir), which is known as the Udhauli.
  In Sikkim, the festival is celebrated in two parts as per Ubhauli (going up) and Udhauli (going down), but the Rai communities of other regions use the word “Sakela” or “Sakewa” in both senses.
  The first phase is a nine-day long festival that begins on the full moon of the Hindu month of Baisakh, which falls between mid-April and mid-May, and the celebration marks the beginning of the new agricultural year. Actual puja (ritualistic prayer) is performed by the mangpa (male priest of the Rai community) or mangma (female priest of the Rai community), in an open area where all Rai people are gathered. The celebration continues for nine days, the last day being the day of sowing seeds in the fields. After the puja, people return to their homes and perform rites for their forefathers, offering food grains (e.g., millet) and ginger to the fireplace.
  The second phase of the festival, which is celebrated in Mangsir (one of the Hindu months) which falls between mid-November and mid-December, and it is their way of thanking nature for providing them with a good harvest. The Sikkim government has already declared this festival as a state holiday, and its popularity has been increasing day by day.
• Dasain: This is the main Hindu-Nepali festival of Sikkim. It is celebrated like Dussehra in other parts of India and is a time of family reunion, exchange of gifts and blessings and worship of God. This festival symbolizes the victory of good over evil, which is celebrated with great joy and excitement. Goddess Durga is worshiped from the first day (Prathama) to the ninth (Navami). On the tenth day (Dashami) the elders of each family inoculate (Tika in local language) the younger ones, bless them and give cash or gifts. On Dashami, the idol of Goddess Durga is taken out in a colorful procession for immersion in a lake or river, which heralds the end of Dasain.

Weather & Best time to Visit

During the monsoons (June to September), the surrounding green forests and the meandering Rangpokhola river are a magnificent sight, while the winters become a paradise for bird watchers.

Connect People & Make a new Journey of Relationship

I will always remember that “Adda” and delightful evenings of various songs in different languages (Hindi, Bengali & Nepali). It was truly a mesmerizing experience. That Day we interacted some talented people.

Anick Modak: He is a creative content writer by profession, and in the last 9 years he has been working in the Bengali film and television industries on many popular TV shows like Dadagiri, Mirakkel, Super Singer, Dance Dance Junior, and some non-fiction shows. But by passion, he is a true mountain lover. As a result, whenever he has the opportunity, he travels to offbeat mountain destinations.My meeting with him was a great experience. Although he is younger than me, we have similar tastes in travel. One of his best creations is “Eti Kolkata”, which is available on Mirchi podcasts (https://mirchi.in/podcast/romance/eti-kolkata).

Subhashish Mukherjee: He was a winner of the popular Bengali stand-up comedy show “Miracle” (session 7) in the year 2013. Within a short time, we all developed friendships. He is an excellent singer as well as an outstanding artist, whose artwork has already been exhibited at the Academy of Fine Arts, Kolkata. A unique feature of his art is that he has quotations from various Bengali poems underneath his artwork. According to him, it will also help inculcate in the new generation a sense of respect for their own art and culture.

Mr. Roshan Rai and his wife – I knew Roshanji sings very well especially Rabindra Sangeet in his voice which captivates everyone. His love for Music is evident when I entered his drawing room as it was full of good books and musical instruments. But I had no idea about his wife’s muscial talent. But that evening we were mesmerized by her melodious voice. Their duet song was truly an unexpected gift to us.
Apart from music, other aspects of Roshan impressed me a lot. I think he has a great philosophical mindset, leadership qualities, social responsibility, and above all, he is a true nature lover.But that evening I happened to be with some other talented people like Prakash Rai, who is a casual government employee but whose love for music remains unbroken even today. Another is a local soccer player named Prakash, who is currently working in the Sikkim Transport Department and is trying hard to establish himself in India’s football mecca, Kolkata.

But the main credit for the Rolep trip goes to my childhood friend (Neelmani Banerjee), who is a senior official in the Ministry of Home Affairs of the Central Government, because it was through his sincere efforts that we reached Siliguri. Thank you, my friend.
One man I must mention is my father-in-law, an ex-bank employee, who accompanied me. Thanks to my wife for her creation of the “Connect Logo” for my blog.

A special thanks to Mr. Roshan Rai & Sherya Madam to make our trip memorable & hassle free.
Definitely, I would travel to Rolep again because I would have to do riverside camping at Chachal and taste the delicious trout fish.

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An almost round shape and bright red chili, locally known as Dalle Khursani in Sikkim. This is well known for its unique flavor and high pungency. This is one of the hottest chilies in the world. The chili is known to have a Scoville scale in the range of 1,00,000 to 3,50,000 SHU (Scoville Heat Units). The Scoville scale is a measurement used to trace the spiciness of chili peppers across the world.