What Aritar is really like
Aritar sits quietly at 1,500m in East Sikkim around the boot-shaped Lampokhari Lake and a few old stone paths. It's the southern entry to the Old Silk Route that once connected Tibet to the Bay of Bengal — and the combination of the lake, a forest monastery and the Mankhim hilltop temple makes it one of the most undervisited corners of Sikkim.
Why travellers love Aritar
Lampokhari Lake — East Sikkim at its prettiest
A boot-shaped natural lake ringed by pine and rhododendron, with a single island connected by a small bridge. Morning mist, boating, a 45-minute shore circuit. Almost no other tourists.
Mankhim temple viewpoint
Ridge-top temple sacred to both Hindu and Lepcha traditions — a forest walk up from the village, valley panorama from the top. Kanchenjunga visible on clear winter mornings.
Southern entry to the Old Silk Route
The ancient Tibet–Bengal trade road begins here. Stone caravanserai ruins and old paved paths hint at centuries of commerce. Best combined with the Zuluk circuit to the north.
Authentic homestays
Aritar has well-run family homestays serving the growing Old Silk Route tourism niche — considerably more peaceful than Zuluk and a natural complement to it.
Things to do in Aritar
4 experiences our travellers ask for again and again
How long should you spend in Aritar?
One night for the lake, monastery and Mankhim. Two nights if doing the full Old Silk Route from Aritar to Zuluk.
Arrive afternoon, lake circuit + monastery (Day 1). Mankhim Temple trek + Old Silk Route drive toward Rongli (Day 2 morning), continue to Zuluk.
Day 1: Lake + monastery. Day 2: Old Silk Route drive toward Lungthung and back. Day 3: Depart.
Getting to Aritar
Bagdogra Airport (IXB)
110 kmBagdogra to Aritar via Siliguri and Rangpo: 3.5 hours. Private cab ₹2,500–3,000. Inner Line Permit required for foreigners.
New Jalpaiguri (NJP)
108 kmNJP to Aritar via Siliguri and Rangpo: 3.5 hours. Shared jeeps from Rangpo to Aritar (₹100–150).
Driving in
NH10 from the plainsFrom Gangtok: 90 km via Rangpo (3–3.5 hours). From Rangpo: 40 km (1.5 hours). From Siliguri: 110 km via Rangpo (3.5 hours).
The lake, monastery and main village are walkable from most homestays. Mankhim is a 2 km walk up (or vehicle + 20 min walk). The Old Silk Route drive north from Aritar is by vehicle.
Hotels in Aritar
Homestays and basic lodges with lake views are the main options.
Family-run homestays near or above the lake. Home-cooked East Sikkimese food.
When to visit Aritar
October–April for clear views. March for rhododendrons above Mankhim. Avoid July–August when roads from Rangpo can wash out.
Clear views, dry trails, best lake photography. Peak season.
Rhododendrons on Mankhim ridge, mild temperatures.
Cold and quiet, Kanchenjunga visible on clear days.
Heavy rain, road risks from Rangpo, beautiful green but difficult visiting.
Aritar is a farming community — oranges, ginger and cardamom — and the homestay food reflects this. Evenings are very quiet; the lake at dusk with mist coming off the water and no other tourists is the defining Aritar moment. The Mankhim walk in the morning, through forest with excellent birdwatching, is as good as the view from the top. Don't rush it.
Aritar questions we get all the time
Combine Aritar with
Towns that pair naturally with Aritar on the same trip.
More places in Aritar
- Sacred LakeViewpointMonasteryHeritage