kANCHENJUNGA

Kanchenjunga as seen from Rishyap.

The canopy walk bridge in loleygaon inside the heritage forest

Firs (Abies) are a genus of between 45-55 species of evergreen conifers in the family Pinaceae. All are trees, reaching heights of 10-80 m (30-260 ft) tall and trunk diameters of 0.5-4 m (2-12 ft) when mature. Firs can be distinguished from other members of the pine family by their needle-like leaves, attached to the twig by a base that resembles a small suction cup; and by erect, cylindrical cones 5-25 cm (2-10 in) long that disintegrate at maturity to release the winged seeds. Identification of the species is based on the size and arrangement of the leaves, the size and shape of the cones, and whether the bract scales of the cones are long and exserted, or short and hidden inside the cone. They are most closely related to the cedars (Cedrus)
These trees are very commonly found in lava.

Neora Valley, one of the least tracts of virgin wilderness in the country sustains a unique eco-system where tropical, sub-tropical, sub-temperate, and temperate vegetative system still harbours a wealth of flora and fauna. The forests consists of mixed species like rhododendron, bamboo, oak, ferns, sal etc. The Valley also has numerous species of orchids.

Neora Valley National Park (Bengali: নেওরা ভ্যালি জাতীয় উদ্দ্যান)is situated in the Kalimpong subdivision under Darjeeling District, West Bengal spread over an area of 88 km² established in 1986 is one of the richest biological zones in the entire Northeast. The land of elegant Red Panda in the pristine undisturbed natural habitat with rugged inaccessible hilly terrain and rich diverse flora and fauna together make the park an important wilderness zone.

LAVA
The region is still virgin and wild animals such as the Himalayan Black Bear, barking deer are found in profusion in these parts. A Buddhist monastery is present on one of the hills of Lava.
Lava is also near the vicinity of the Jelepla Pass, the ancient trade route to Tibet and the Neora Valley National Park. The small town of Lolegaon is located near Lava.

Lava is a small hamlet situated 34 kilometres (21 mi) east of the town of Kalimpong via Algarah in the state of West Bengal, India. Lava is situated at an altitude of 2,100 metres (6,890 ft). It is one of the few places in West Bengal to receive snow in winter. The route to Lava is scenic with the change in vegetation from tropical deciduous to the wet alpine trees of fir, pine and birch. The idyllic verdant forests are an ideal spot for picnicking, trekking and bird watching and other peripatetic activities. The road is untouched by modern life and one is treated to rustic hamlets whose inhabitants are still living as they have for centuries