About Aritar Monastery
Aritar Monastery is a compact Nyingma gompa in the forest above Lampokhari Lake, reached in 20 minutes on foot from the lake circuit's north shore. The prayer hall has vivid floor-to-ceiling murals and a collection of hand-painted thangkas, some over a century old. The resident monks are few but welcoming, and the morning puja at around 7:30 am is open to respectful visitors. Combined with the lake walk, this is the natural second stop of a morning in Aritar — the kind of small, authentic monastery that gets overlooked in favour of the famous gompas in Gangtok, but rewards the detour.
Why go to Aritar Monastery
Nyingma prayer hall with century-old thangkas
The monastery holds a collection of hand-painted thangkas attributed to the founding 19th-century monks. The floor-to-ceiling murals are vivid and in good condition.
Morning puja at 7:30 am
The resident monks conduct their morning ritual at approximately 7:30 am. The sound of drums and cymbals echoing through the forest makes timing the lake walk to arrive at puja an excellent plan.
Forest setting above the lake
The monastery sits in dense temperate forest 100 m above the lake's north shore. The walk up is quiet, shaded and gives a different perspective on the lake from above.
The significance of Aritar Monastery
A small 19th-century Nyingma gompa above Lampokhari Lake — one of the quieter, more authentic monasteries in East Sikkim. Home to hand-painted thangkas and vivid murals from the founding period.
What to see inside
Main prayer hall
Floor-to-ceiling murals depicting the Nyingma Buddhist pantheon. A central Buddha statue flanked by the eight bodhisattvas. The craftsmanship is older and less restored than most Sikkim gompas.
Thangka collection
Several hand-painted thangkas in the hall and on the side walls — some attributed to the founding 19th-century monks. Worth a slow look.
Forest approach path
The 15-minute walk from the lake circuit through dense temperate forest is itself part of the experience — orchids on the tree trunks, birdsong, and the occasional view down to the lake.
Etiquette — please read before you go
- Remove shoes at the entrance — racks provided outside.
- No photography during active puja without permission.
- Walk clockwise around any chorten or statue.
- Speak quietly inside and around the prayer hall.
- Donations are welcomed but never expected — ₹50–100 is appropriate.
How to reach Aritar Monastery from Aritar
From the north end of the Lampokhari lake circuit, follow the forest path uphill for 15–20 minutes. The monastery is clearly visible through the trees. No vehicle access — foot only.
Best time to visit Aritar Monastery
Year-round — the monastery is open in all seasons. The morning puja at around 7:30 am is the most atmospheric time to visit, and conveniently follows the early-morning lake circuit.
Things we always tell our guests about Aritar Monastery
- Remove shoes before entering the prayer hall.
- A small donation to the monastery fund is appropriate — ₹50–100.
- Do not photograph during active puja without explicit permission from the monks.
- The path from the lake circuit to the monastery is not clearly signed — ask at the lake or your homestay for directions to the trailhead.
Aritar Monastery — your questions answered
Other places in Aritar
- Sacred LakeViewpointHeritage