Neora Valley National Park

The Neora National Park (160 sq km) is named after the river that flows within its borders. The park has a number of torrents and hill streams spread across it, feeding the Neora River and sustaining a wonderful array of vegetation within the protected area. From tiny wild strawberries, wild white orchids (Kurseong white orchid) and primulas, to the towering Himalayan yew and hemlocks and about ten species of rhododendrons recorded in the higher ridges of the park, there is an amazing variety of flora here which in turn supports an impressive population of birds and mammals. The area is home to more than 200 species of birds.

If you set out for a trek, then you have every chance to see the flashy male satyr tragopan, kalij pheasant, golden eagle, Jerdon’s baza, nutcracker, magpies and numerous finches and sunbirds. During spring and summer, the entire area is filled with the songs of different species of cuckoos, from the Indian cuckoo and the large hawk cuckoo to the oriental cuckoo and the lesser cuckoo. Mammals in the park include the tiger and the leopard, among the big cats. While pugmarks and scratch marks of the Asiatic black bear are common, sighting the rare red panda could be difficult. The goral and barking deer oblige by putting in regular appearances.

Red-headed bullfinch at Neora Valley NP

Archyushman Dubey

Visible from the top of the pass is the Kangchendzonga Range, a magnificent sight that amply compensates for the long hike to the top. In close competition is the breathtaking view of cloud cover, over the valley of Bhutan, on the eastern side of Rechi La.

However, permission from the wildlife authorities is required in advance to enter the park. Contact the office of the Divisional Forest Officer (Gorumara Wildlife Division) in Aranya Bhavan, Jalpaiguri (Tel: 03561-222233, 220017) for permits.

Park Entry ₹ 100 per person; Camping ₹ 100 per person per day; Porter/Guide ₹ 350-500

THINGS TO SEE AND DO

Neora Valley National Park provides excellent trekking routes with the backdrop of the Kangchenjunga. These day treks range from easy to moderate levels. You can set off on the easy trek to Alubari, break it there and return to your base, but the more accomplished trekkers can walk up to Rechi La. You could also go on jungle safaris that are conducted in a jeep.

A gorgeous sunset at Neora Valley NP

Zero Point-Alubari

On the Lava-Damdim Road, a bridle path heading southeast hugs the slope just below the Nature Interpretation Centre. An 8-km jeep-taxi drive through the oak-rhododendron-fir forest past the Pankhasari Check-Post will take you Zero Point, where the road ends, and from where you will start walking.

This trail, going downhill, is steep at places, so carry a bamboo staff to steady yourself. About a kilometre away is the Neora River. Walk along the water supply pipeline towards the northwest, entering an oak forest for a couple of kilometres until you arrive at a flat piece of land called Jaree-Butee. The place is full of wild strawberries and hidden amid them are medicinal plants, hence the name Jaree-Butee. Alubari is about 3 km from here. The track continues along mountain streams and enters a moist, temperate forest with long mossy growths hanging down from large oak trees.

The camp at Alubari is near the river, and the large rocks provide adequate cover for setting up a makeshift kitchen. If you decide to spend the night here, ask the guide to show you an Asiatic black bear’s feeding place on an oak tree, popularly known as bhalu-ka-gur or the bear’s nest.

Alubari-Rechi La

The trek from Alubari to Rechi La is an uphill slog. Walk out of Alubari Camp (3,152 m), past an old wooden bungalow, heading north. Watch out for the red-headed bullfinch as they are found in good numbers here and can be a photographer’s delight. From this point, the path heading northeast enters a dense oak and rhododendron forest inter spersed with bamboo groves. It continues to climb uphill for about 4 km. While walking, watch out for remnants of camouflaged bunkers, which were once used by the Indian Army for keeping an eye on Bhutan and Sikkim. The final part of the climb is through rhododendron forest. During spring and summer, there is always a red-carpet welcome for visitors. Before reaching Rechi La, turn towards the east to get to the Rechi La Camp. This is a concrete construction, with a long hall and a kitchen that can accommodate up to ten people.

Trekker at Neora Valley NP

Rechi La Top can be reached by walking back and following the trail northwards. A short 10-15-minute climb will bring you to the top (3,152 m). Spend the evening on Rechi La Top to see the lights of Gangtok Valley and return early the next morning for the sunrise. This place is wonderful for sighting sunbirds and flowerpeckers. Also present is the spotted nutcracker.

Trekking Options

You can explore the Todey-Tangta route from Rechi La and make your way to Pankhasari the next day and follow it up with the Pankhasari-Lava trek after that. However, instead of returning to Lava from Rechi La, there are two other options that can be followed. With the help of a good guide, one could pass through Todey-Tangta to go further south to Chalsa, the roadhead in the Dooars is about 20 km away. An easy walk on a motorable road, it takes about an hour and a half by vehicle. So, if you don’t feel like walking, a taxi ride is an option.

Seasoned trekkers could do the Rechi La-Mouchouki-Samsing route. This route requires some mountaineering experience. Cliff-scaling skills and ropes are useful. Samsing is an hour’s drive from Chalsa town.

WHERE TO STAY AND EAT

Basic accommodation is available for trekkers within the park. For details and bookings contact the DFO, Jalpaiguri (Tel: 03561-220017, 222233). Help Tourism’s Neora Valley Jungle Camp (Kolkata Tel: 033-24550917, 2454919, Cell: 09733000442/ 43; Tariff: ₹5,500-7,500, with meals) is located on the outskirts of the park. You can also opt to stay at Lava. Choose from WBFDC’s Lava Wilderness and Nature Resort (Kolkata Tel: 22258549, 23350064; Tariff: ₹900-1,500) and Paradise Hotel (Cell: 09932889565; Tariff:  ₹900-1,400).

When to go October-December, March-April. The park remains closed from 15 June – 15 September Location Darjeeling District, at the tri-junction of Bhutan, West Bengal and Sikkim Air Nearest airport: Bagdogra Rail Nearest rail: New Jalpaiguri

Neora Valley Np