Nestled in the Eastern part of Sikkim, Aritar is a small quaint hamlet famous for its splendid natural beauty, verdant landscapes, and a panoramic view of the picturesque Kanchenjunga Mountain. This small quaint hamlet in Eastern Sikkim is less known to tourists, making it an ideal place to seek tranquility amid the splendid views of the mountains. On your trip to Sikkim, Aritar sightseeing is a must for its natural charm, sacred temples, monasteries, and lush green valleys. Aritar is a paradise for nature lovers and trekkers. Here is a complete guide to discovering the unexplored Aritar in Eastern Sikkim.
Best Time To Visit Aritar
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Aritar is known for its splendid natural beauty and picturesque view of Mount Kanchenjunga. Summer is the best time to visit for a delightful vacation, as the skies are more transparent. Since Aritar is located at a higher altitude, the temperature ranges from 10 to 20 degrees Celsius.
It is advisable not to travel during the monsoon months (July-September) due to the heavy rainfall, which could be dangerous for tourists as landslides are common during these months. During the winter months (November-February), the temperature drops drastically, ranging from -2 to 10 degrees Celsius, and the probability of watching the snowfall is quite high. However, being outdoors and visiting places may be difficult due to the extreme cold.
Also Read: Sikkim In December
Aritar Sightseeing: 5 Places To Visit
Here is a complete traveller’s guide for Aritar sightseeing that includes all the places to visit in Aritar.
1. Lampokhari Lake
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It is one of the oldest lakes and a popular tourist attraction in Sikkim. The Lampokhari Lake, also known as the Aritar Lake, is at an altitude of 1400 meters. The lake is surrounded by lush green forests on both sides, making it even more splendid for tourists. A pathway has been built around the lake, making it more convenient for tourists to walk in the tranquil environment. The trail that connects the Lampokhari and Mankhim is an ideal place for bird watching, and you can find a small shrine on the pathway dedicated to Guru Padmasambhava. The Lampokhari Lake is the only lake in Sikkim where boating is allowed.
Best Time to visit Lampokhari Lake: March to May
Ideal for: Boating, hiking towards Mankhim
2. Parbateshwar Shivalaya Mandir
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Located 60 kilometres from Gangtok, the Parbateshwar Shivalaya Mandir is a sacred Hindu temple. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva and is a popular pilgrimage site in Aritar, Sikkim. The Parbateshwar Shivalaya Mandir offers visitors a spiritual and calm atmosphere. During the “Sawan” time, or the monsoon months, the temple attracts many devotees from different regions to offer their prayers to Lord Shiva. During the “Sawan”, devotees drink the holy water from a sacred vessel as a part of the ritual. The sacred Parbateshwar Shivalaya Mandir is a must-visit for every tourist because of its spiritual atmosphere.
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
Timings: 6:00 A.M.-9:00 P.M.
Related Post: Gurudongmar Lake
3. Lungchok Valley
One of the picturesque locations in Aritar, the Lungchok Valley is a must-visit for every tourist planning to visit Aritar. Surrounded by mountains, the Lungchok Valley is an ideal place for trekking enthusiasts. Situated at 7000 feet, the Lungchok Valley offers a spectacular view of Mount Kanchenjunga and the surrounding verdant valleys. The place is a paradise on Earth for bird watchers and nature lovers. There are some natural attractions that you would love to visit like the 45-foot-high Buddha waterfalls and the hanging bridge over Shokey Khola River. The Lungchok Valley is an ideal place for tourists looking to rejuvenate themselves.
Best Time To Visit: March to May
Ideal For: Trekking, sightseeing
4. Aritar Gumpa
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Perched on the hills of Pakyong Valley, the Aritar Gumba, also known as the Ari Gumpa, is a popular Buddhist Monastery that belongs to the Karma Kagyu lineage and is famous among tourists for being a vantage point due to the panoramic views of the Himalayas. The Monastery is located in a secluded area so tourists often overlook it. The Gumpa is beautifully decorated with artefacts, paintings, murals, and ancient manuscripts. This Buddhist Monastery is a must-visit destination on your Sikkim tour due to its natural charm and the pleasant view of the surroundings. It will be a captivating experience for tourists.
Timings: Every day, 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.
Best Time to visit: May-July
Related Post: Places To Visit In Sikkim In May
5. Changey Waterfall
Perched on the picturesque landscapes, Sikkim’s mesmerizing Changey Waterfall is unexplored. The scenic Changey waterfall is located 20 kilometres from Aritar and offers a captivating sight amid the lush green forests. The waterfall cascades from a height of 150 meters creating a soothing sound making it a symphony to the ears. You can observe various floras around the waterfall. The Changey Waterfall is a lesser-known waterfall in Sikkim that provides a sense of solitude and a tranquil environment for tourists. Whether you are an adventure seeker, a nature lover, or looking for solitude daily, this place is an ideal location.
Timings: Open 24 hours
Best Time to visit: March to June
Places To Stay Near Aritar In Sikkim
After exploring the famous tourist attractions in Aritar, relaxation is necessary to regain energy. The area is bestowed with some fabulous hotels. Here is a list of hotels that provide the best-in-class services for cosy stays.
1. Aritar Dak Bungalow
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Perched at an altitude of 4750 feet, the Aritar Dak Bungalow is a Heritage Bungalow situated near Lampokhari Lake. The Dak Bungalow was built in 1896 by Sir James Claude White and now the heritage Dak Bungalow has been renovated to accommodate guests. The rooms of the Dak Bungalow are furnished with wall carpeting, wood panels, and comfy beds. The bungalow has a beautiful verandah where you can see a lush green garden while enjoying your morning tea. The Dak bungalow offers all the modern amenities like a restaurant, western bathrooms, etc.
Address: East Sikkim, 737133
Tariff: INR 1500
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2. Lampokhari Village Resort
Located just a few minutes from the enchanting Lampokhari Lake, the Lampokhari Village Resort offers a captivating stay to the visitors and scenic vistas and stroll around the spectacular Lampokhari Lake nearby. Talking about the rooms, the rooms of the Lampokhari Village Resort are well-decorated with wooden handicrafts. For the convenience of visitors, the Lampokhari Village Resort provides guests with all the modern amenities, such as a multi-cuisine restaurant with Indian, Chinese, and Tibetan delicacies, along with 24-hour room service.
Address: Dalapchand, Rhenock, East Sikkim, 737133
Tariff: INR 3362
3. Orange Court Resort
The Orange Court Resort is located in Silk Route Aritar. The Resort is considered one of the top-rated resorts in Aritar. The Orange Court Resort is 4 hours drive from the Bagdogra Airport and the New Jalpaiguri Station. The Orange Court Resort provides guests with modern amenities like a restaurant, and complimentary Wi-Fi, the resort also provides car rental facilities. This resort also provides excursion trips to places like Zuluk, Phushrey Lake, Reshi Khola, Rulep, and many more. Orange Court Resort caters to all your needs whether you are a traveller seeking tranquillity or an adventure lover.
Address: Aritar Road, near Shiv Mandir, Sikkim, 737133
Tariff: INR 3432
You May Also Like To Read: Hotels In Majitar
Now that you have a complete traveller’s guide to Aritar in Sikkim. So, book your trip to Sikkim and explore the lesser-known hamlet. It is a beautiful quaint town with Buddhist monasteries and sacred temples. The Aritar is a must-visit place in Sikkim for any traveller seeking solitude amid the charm of nature.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Aritar
What is Aritar Famous for?
Aritar is famous for its picturesque landscapes, cascading waterfalls, and Buddhist monasteries.
How to reach Aritar?
By Road:Several buses operate from Gangtok and New Jalpaiguri. You can easily hop on a bus to reach Aritar. By Airways: The nearest airport to Aritar is the Bagdogra International Airport, after landing at the airport you can hire a taxi to reach Aritar. It will take around 4-5 hours to reach. By Railways: The nearest railway station The New Jalpaiguri Station is well-connected with other states. After reaching the railway station hire a cab that will take you to your destination.
Where is Aritar Lake?
The Lampokhari Lake or the Aritar Lake is located in Aritar, East Sikkim situated at an altitude of 1400 meters.
What are the things to do in Aritar?
The top things to do in Aritar are visiting Lampokhari, Parbateyswar Shivalaya Mandir, Trekking, Dak Bungalow, Nirmal Dham, and Aritar Gumpa.
What are the places near Aritar?
The top places near Aritar are Gangtok which is 18 km from Aritar, Darjeeling which is located 44 km from Aritar, Kalimpong which is located 24 km from Aritar, North Sikkim which is located 37 km from Aritar, South Sikkim which is located 30 km from Aritar.
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