Aritar Sikkim

In the Eastern Part of Sikkim, Aritar is a small town full of enchanting natural beauty. It is certainly an ideal destination because of its lush forest, shimmering waterfall, glacial lakes, snow-covered mountain peaks, and more. Not more than four hours of driving distance away from the capital town of Gangtok, Aritar is truly a less trodden holiday destination you should definitely explore while staying far from the hustle and bustle of the city life.

Places to Visit in Artitar

Aritar has a lot to offer to the visitors spending a great holiday in Sikkim. All these places are quite popular and offer a unique charm to feel and beauty to witness by the visitors. There are several sightseeing attractions and the major ones are:

Lampokhari Lake

A natural boot-shaped lake located in a beautiful setting surrounded by thick alpine forest, Lampokhari Lake is quite a popular tourist site. Also known as Aritar Lake, it is around 1120 feet long and 240 feet wide. At an elevation of 4500 ft. above sea level, it is also known as Aritar Lake. The tranquil environment and the surrounding lush greenery bring solace to the minds of the visitors. A boating facility is also there to enjoy the surrounding verdant forest and the daunting hills. The horse riding and archery facilities are also available to experience. Lampokhari Festival is also celebrated here during the months of April and May. The festival organizes flower shows and cultural performances. On the bank of the lake, you will be also seeing a small temple dedicated to Lord Padmasambhava.

Parbateyswar Shivalaya Mandir

In Aritar, you can also explore a small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva as the "Ishwar" of Devi Parvati. The devotees of Lord Shiva flock here in a large number in the month of "Shravan" in the Hindu calendar to worship the almighty god Shiva. You don't have to pay any entry fee to enter the temple. The surrounding peaceful ambiance is quite suitable for the devotees.

Aritar Gumpa Monastery

Aritar Gumpa Monastery is another worth visiting tourist attraction. Nestled on the foothills of the Himalayas, the monastery offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the lush green mountains and the lush green vegetation. It is one of the ancient monasteries and a sacred Buddhist pilgrimage site. Here, you will get to see several artifacts, finely carved and painted murals, ancient manuscripts, and more.

Mankhim Temple

The Mankhim Temple in Aritar is another religious site. The temple is being popular among tourists due to its great historical and religious significance. At the top of the hill near Hattipailay Village, the temple is worshiped by the indigenous Khambu or Rai community. From the premise of the temple, you can enjoy the tantalizing view of Lambokhari Lake and the surrounding tall pine trees.

Phushrey Lake

Just like Lampokhari Lake, Phushrey Lake is another visual treat for the visitors. The lake is settled on a charming landscape and is surrounded by huge trees and hills. Known for its variety of flora and fauna, this lake possesses a calming ambiance that is capable of soothing the distressed soul of anyone. Moreover, the various species of butterflies and birds can be seen flying here. You can also witness rare and beautiful orchids blooming around it. A boating facility is also available here just like at the Aritar Lake.

Kali Khola Falls

Situated on the way from Rorathang to Rongli, Kali Khola Falls is also known as Que Khola Falls among the locals. This is a breathtaking waterfall where the cascading water is falling from a great height of 100 meters. The view of the crystal clear cascading water from the lush green hills and descending over the bumpy mountains bewitch the travelers towards it to spend some quality time and take some stunning pictures and selfies for their Instagram feed.

Ramgauri Sangralaya & Evergreen Nursery

Built-in the year 1970, Ram Gauri Sangrahalaya and Evergreen Nursery are quite a popular tourist site not more than a 10 km distance away from Aritar. It is located at Rhenock, East Sikkim, and quite popular for its exhibition of various sorts of driftwood, creative stones, old archives, uncommon composition, philately stamps, and agricultural plants. The place is now a paradise for holidaymakers coming from all around India to witness what this place has to offer along with its beautiful plants and blooming flowers.

Aritar Dak Bungalow

One of the most popular attractions in Aritar is undoubtedly its Dak Bungalow. It was built in the year 1896 under the supervision of the first political officer of Sikkim, Sir James Claude during British rule. Being constructed at an elevation of 1447 meters above sea level, it offers a sweeping view of the Himalayan peaks, breathtaking forest, and valleys. Prior to its transformation into a reputed hotel in Artitar, it was a healthcare center for the injured soldiers dating back to the 20th century.

How to Reach Aritar

By Air: Bagdogra is its nearest airport. Aritar can be reached by taking a flight to this airport from any of the connected cities. From Bagdogra Airport, the approximate distance of Aritar is around 115 km which requires somewhere around 4 to 5 hours to cover.

By Road: You can most conveniently reach Aritar by bus or private car anywhere from West Bengal and all its nearby cities. For instance, from Siliguri, you can quite easily rent a car to reach the town. The approximate distance from Siliguri to Aritar is around 105 km and this distance can be covered within 4 hours.

By Train: NJP is its nearest railway station. You can get a train to this nicely connected railway station from most of the major cities of West Bengal including Kolkata. The approximate distance from NJP to Aritar is around 110 km that takes around 4 hours to cover by road.

Best Time to Visit Aritar

You don't require any special season to visit the town. However, to enjoy the magnificent natural beauty, composed environment, and the breathtaking view of the Himalayan peaks including Kanchenjunga, the best time to visit Aritar is considered to be during the months of summer (mid-March to May). This season offers pleasant weather and a clear sky so that the visitors can enjoy their tour to the fullest. However, it is best to avoid the monsoon season as heavy rainfall causes landslides and frequent road blocks.