Rangpo: Rivers, Roads, and Rolling Valleys

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What To Expect at Rangpo?

Rangpo is a charming gateway to Sikkim, which is a peaceful place on the banks of the serene Teesta River amidst vibrant green hills. You will need to pass this region to reach Sikkim if you are travelling from West Bengal. You can find a small, vibrant market here and get to shop for essentials, buy local foods and book local transport. The mountain backdrop elevates its scenic beauty, making it more picturesque. You will need to show some valid IDs here if you are travelling from India, and for foreign nationals ILP (Inner Line Permit) is required.

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Best Time to Visit Rangpo

Rangpo enjoys a pleasant climate throughout the year, making it a year-round spot. However, considering the safety, visibility and weather factors, the Autumn season from October to November and the Spring season from March to April are the most recommended seasons.

Weather and Temperature of Rangpo(Season-wise)

The weather and temperature breakdown of Rangpo is mentioned below-

Spring (March to April) remains pleasant with mild weather, fresh greenery and blooming wildflowers all around. The temperature ranges between 18°C to 25°C during the day and 10°C to 15°C at night. It is an ideal season to enjoy the view of the Teesta River, scenic drives and sightseeing.

Monsoon (July to September) creates misty hills, and you can experience heavy rainfall, thus filling the rivers. The temperature ranges between 20°C to 26°C during the day and 16°C to 22°C at night. Although the landscape appears lush and misty, you must stay cautious of the slippery roads and roadblocks or landslides.

Autumn (October to November) offers great visibility with clear skies, crisp air and cool evenings. The temperature ranges between 18°C to 25°C during the day and 10°C to 15°C at night. It is an ideal season to enjoy river views, road trips and nature photography.

Winter (December to February) offers cool weather, although not freezing, with a pleasant climate in comparison to other towns, which are in the higher altitudes. The temperature ranges between 10°C to 20°C during the day and 5°C to 10°C at night. It is an ideal time to enjoy peaceful stays with foggy riverbanks and crisp mornings.

Geography and Natural Beauty

Rangpo is located in the laps of the East Sikkim on the border region of West Bengal at an elevation of about 1000 feet above the sea level. It is a warmer sub-tropical region compared to Gangtok which is in higher altitude. It is situated at the convergence of Rangpo and Teesta river giving the town its ultimate charm and name. This region is surrounded by small settlements, terraced ridges, bamboo groves and green hills.

Attractions and Activities

Some attractions and activities near Rangpo are mentioned below-

Attractions

Rangpo Bridge- This is a meeting point between the Rangpo and the Teesta rivers, where you can witness clear turquoise water with green hillsint the backdrop. You can take some peaceful stops here and enjoy breathtaking sunset/sunrise views.

Hanuman Tok- This is a serene temple made for worshipping Lord Hanuman where you can enjoy some spiritual vibes and breathtaking views of the river and winding valleys in the surroundings.

Rangpo Bazaar- This is a vibrant local market of Rangpo where you can shop for some Tibetan goods, local produce and enjoy delicious street foods. It is an ideal place to enjoy a hot plate of Thupka, momo and shop for some woollens and teas.

Nearby Tea Gardens- There are some emerald green tea gardens in the nearby regions, such as the Majitar and Rorangthang, where you can enjoy fresh mountain air, capture scenic photos or simply go for a short drive.

Activities

Enjoy Local Food- You can visit the cafes or the roadside stalls to enjoy delicious local foods such as Darjeeling tea, thukpa, aloo dum and momo.

Photography- It is an ideal place tro enjoy photography creating opportunities to click the pictures of misty hills, river confluence, bridges and busy town life. The monsoons and early mornings especially appear scenic.

Adventure Stopover- It is a favoured stopover amongst the road-trippers and bikers who are heading towards higher altitudes. It is an ideal spot for refuelling, refreshment, and simply enjoying the transition between Sikkim and Bengal.

Relax by the River- It is a perfect spot to pause by the bank of the Teesta River and enjoy some time on the bridge while feeling the hilly breeze.

Nearby Attractions and places to visit in Rangpo:

Teesta Bazaar- This quaint town by the side of the Teesta River showcases the dramatic version of the Teesta River and is situated just a 30-40 minute drive away from Rangpo. You can enjoy local shopping and white river rafting here.

Rorathang- This green valley, situated just 25 minutes away from Rangpo, is surrounded by small villages and peaceful vibes. It is an ideal spot to enjoy photography, bike rides and serene picnics.

Pakyong Town & Airport- The Pakyong airport ranks amongst the highest airports in India. You can enjoy the charming views of the Sikkim hills and homestays from here.

Rumtek Monastery- It will take you about 1.5 hours from Rangpo to reach this Tibetan Buddhist monastery. You can witness prayer rituals, rich history and serene atmosphere in this monastery.

Local Cuisine and Cultural Experiences

This riverside border town offers blended flavours inspired by the Sikkimese, Tibetan and Nepali communities. You can enjoy these delicious local cuisines at the homestays, Rangpo Bazaar or the roadside eateries. Some of the recommended dishes to try out here include- Momo, Thukpa, Dal Bhat Tarkari, Gundruk, Kinema, Smoked Pork or Bamboo Shoot Curry, tea, aloo dum, sel roti and Puwa or Pitha.

Experiencing the blended culture at the border- Ranpo is a convergence of different cultures, such as Bengali, Bhutia, Lepcha and Nepali communities. You will get to witness a fusion of lowland vibrancy and hill culture of the Himalayas in this gateway to Sikkim.

Visiting the local monasteries and temples- You can visit the nearby Buddhist shrines or the Hanuman Tok and enjoy some serene time in silence, or take part in the rituals with respect.

Exploring the Rangpo Bazaar- You can find several items such as textiles, homemade pickles and Tibetan goods in this vibrant local market. You will get to witness the rhythms of the mountain town and daily trade here.

Experiencing the Local Festivals- If you visit the region during the time of local festivals, such as Tihar, Maghe Sankranti, Dasain and Losar, you can witness the lively music, vibrantly glowing streets with lights, colours and community prayers of the locals.

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Accommodations

There are some mid-range lodges and hotels in Rangpo situated near the market area and the main highway. It is an ideal accommodation option for travellers who are travelling towards North Sikkim or Gangtok the next day. Few examples include- Hotel Green Valley, Hotel Rangpo Delight and Hotel Sunrise Residency. There are also a few locally run guesthouses in the area near the Rangpo Bazaar and Rangpo Bridge. It is a popular stay option among budget travellers, where you will be offered clean rooms with attached bathrooms.

Homestays in Rangpo

Although there are few homestays in Rangpo, you will be provided with clean, basic rooms with an attached bathroom and heartfelt hospitality. The hosts are friendly and might also share locally prevailing stories if asked. Most of these are situated near the Teesta River or just outside Rangpo. Some of the recommended homestays of Rangpo include Rangpo Riverside Homestays, Majitar Homestays and Homestays in Rorathang & Pakyong. Most of these homestays are not listed online, thus you must call ahead to check availability and ask the hosts for meal options, hot water and the river view.

Where Is Rangpo

Rangpo is situated on the border of Sikkim and West Bengal and acts as the gateway to Sikkim, situated in the Pakyong district of Sikkim at an average altitude of around 300 m above sea level. It is situated at the convergence between the Teesta and the Rangpo rivers and is in proximity to Gangtok, Pakyong airport and Kalimpong.

How To Reach Rangpo

By Air: The Pakyong airport is the nearest to Rangpo, situated at a distance of 25v km. There are limited flights available here and the total travel time will take you around 1 hour.

By Train: The nearest railway station to Rangpo is the NJP railway station, which is situated at a distance of 85 km. You can take a cab from this railway station and travel via Sevoke Road → Teesta → Rangpo.

By Road-

From Siliguri: The distance between siliguri and Rangpo is around 80-90 km and the road route include Siliguri → Sevoke → Kalijhora → Teesta Bazaar → Rangpo. This journey by road will take you about 3-3.5 hours.

From Darjeeling: The distance between Darjeeling and Rangpo is about 70 km, and the road route includes Darjeeling → Jorethang → Melli → Rangpo. There is also an alternative route, which includes the Darjeeling → Teesta → Kalimpong route. Although this route is longer, it is comparatively more scenic.

Pro-Tips while travelling to Rangpo

  • Carry a valid ID proof as Rangpo is a check-post town. Keep some digital copies and photocopies to avoid any issues.
  • Try to travel during the morning between 7 am and 5 pm, as the road from Darjeeling or Siliguri is hilly and winter fogs or misty trails of monsoon may disrupt the trip.
  • The nights here can get quite chilly, so pack some light jackets.
  • There are limited ATMs here; thus, carry enough cash.

    • Conclusion

    Rangpo offers the first air of Sikkim, is more than just a checkpoint; you will be mesmerised by the serene rivers and misty hills of the region. It is the beginning of your adventure with easy access to some of the charming places such as Pakyong, Rorathang and Gangtok. You can also simply sit by the serene river, enjoy delicious local food or explore the lively markets.

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