About Lampokhari Lake (Aritar Lake)
Lampokhari — also called Aritar Lake — sits at 1,500 m at the heart of Aritar village in East Sikkim. The lake is boot-shaped, ringed by pine, rhododendron and oak, with a small island at its centre connected by a wooden footbridge. Morning mist drifts off the surface from October to March, and the 45-minute circuit walk around the shore is gentle enough for all ages. Aritar is one of the quieter destinations on the East Sikkim–Old Silk Route circuit, and the lake is its anchor. Combine the morning circuit with the Aritar Monastery (20 minutes uphill above the north shore) and the Mankhim Viewpoint for a full and unhurried morning.
Why go to Lampokhari Lake (Aritar Lake)
Boot-shaped lake with island and bridge
The distinctive shape and the pine-framed island make Lampokhari one of East Sikkim's most photographed lakes. The wooden bridge to the island is the best viewpoint on the circuit.
Morning mist on the water
Low cloud and mist sit on the lake surface on most mornings from October to March. Arrive by 7 am to catch the full effect before the sun burns it off.
Birdwatching on the circuit
Kingfisher, Brahminy duck, cormorant and various egrets are regularly seen on the water and in the lakeside trees. Bring binoculars.
Why Lampokhari Lake (Aritar Lake) is revered
Natural lake at 1,500 m — anchor of Aritar village and East Sikkim's Old Silk Route gateway. Boot-shaped with a central island, known for morning mist and birdlife.
What people do here
- 45-minute lake circuit walk
- Boating
- Birdwatching
- Photography from the island bridge
- Aritar Monastery walk (20 min above north shore)
Rules at the lake — please respect
- No swimming
- No littering on the circuit path
- Boating hours 8 am – 5 pm only
How to reach Lampokhari Lake (Aritar Lake) from Aritar
Aritar is 68 km from Gangtok — around 2.5 hours by shared jeep via Rongli. The lake is a 5-minute walk from the main market. Shared jeeps from Gangtok's SNT stand depart in the morning for Rongli, and from Rongli you connect to Aritar. We Care Holidays includes the permit and transfer as part of any East Sikkim itinerary.
Best time to visit Lampokhari Lake (Aritar Lake)
October to May gives the best combination of clear skies, mist on the water and dry circuit paths. The rhododendron on the north shore blooms from late February. Heavy monsoon (June–September) brings cloud and leeches on the path but the forest is intensely green.
Time of dayArrive by 7 am for the mist effect. The north shore path through the pine trees is the most atmospheric section — walk it first.
What you need to visit Lampokhari Lake (Aritar Lake)
Inner Line Permit (ILP) required for foreign nationals visiting East Sikkim. Indian nationals do not need a permit. ILPs are available from the DC Office or Sikkim Tourism Office in Gangtok. We Care Holidays arranges this as part of any East Sikkim itinerary.
Things we always tell our guests about Lampokhari Lake (Aritar Lake)
- Carry your ILP and passport / ID at all times in East Sikkim — checkpoints are common.
- The boating is worth the ₹100 — the island view from the water is better than from the shore.
- Combine the lake circuit with the Aritar Monastery (20 minutes uphill from the north shore) and Mankhim Viewpoint for a full morning.
- Most Aritar homestays are simple but serve excellent home-cooked food. Book ahead in October–November.
- The circuit path can be slippery after rain — wear shoes with grip.
Lampokhari Lake (Aritar Lake) — your questions answered
Other places in Aritar
- ViewpointMonasteryHeritage