Places to visit in Aritar

Aritar is the fairyland of Sikkim with thick backwoods and lavish green paddy fields also offering a breath-taking view of the mighty Himalayas. Located in the eastern part of Sikkim, it is known for its picturesque setting, cascading streams and peaceful monasteries and a rich verdant hill slope. Aritar is protected from the main stream of commercialisation and still lies unexploited. This destination is a heaven for trekkers, botanists, ornithologists and nature lovers. Follow the less trodden paths of this quaint town to have a glimpse of raw natural spectacle that you will cherish for life. Aritar beckons humanity to the lap of nature and stands in awe of the beauty of creation. Located in the lap of Himalayas, it has an unbeatable beauty and unexplored charm.

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Lungchok Valley: Beauty at Its Best

Lungchok in North Sikkim is a calm and quiet Himalayan hamlet and is located near Lokdara, Chujachen. The stunning views of the high mountain ranges all around adds beauty to the prevailing peace of the surroundings. This valley also serves to be a base camp for trekkers far and near. It is the vantage point to have a wild and awesome view of the Aritar Lake and the Kanchenjunga Peak. Kabi Lungchok is usually visited together. The Sacred Grove of Kabi is noteworthy as the “blood brotherhood treaty” was signed between the Lepcha Chief and Bhutia King in the 13th Century. This destination is also distinguished on account of the beautiful statues that are built here. The forest cover all around offers a peace and sanctity that gives a remarkable break from the hectic modern fast life that we lead. Discover the inner peace within you by wandering around and soaking in the tranquillity of the notable viewpoints all around such as Phodong Monastery, Phensang Monastery, Seven Sisters Waterfalls and the sacred Tingchim Lake. The deep dense forested areas of Kabi have a diverse and wondrous variety of flora and fauna that includes more than 22 tree species that house thousands of beautiful here. Kabi thus makes for a heavenly abode for bird watchers and also a thrilling jungle trail for hikers and trekkers. The local guides help the nature wanderers to discover the hidden caves, springs and wildlife. The mystical ancient caves of the Sacred Grove of Kabi, possess a group of ancient caves belonging to the Lepcha Chief Thekyoung Thek which holds a lot of reverence and religious significance among the local community. Trails leading from Kabi to the Zekthang Valley are quite popular among the trekking and hiking enthusiasts. Travellers and visitors can spend joyous and peaceful moments in Kabi Lungchok Monastery in complete peace and solitude and gaze at the beauty of Mt. Narimchi to gather some beautiful moments of your life.

Also Read: Places to visit in Sikkim & Things to do in Sikkim

Suggested Read: Best Time to Visit Sikkim & How to Reach Sikkim

Phushrey Lake: Nature’s Blessing

Phushrey Lake can melt your hearts with its exquisite beauty. It has a special appeal for all nature lovers. The tranquillity that prevails around the lake along with the exotic vegetation that surrounds the lake adds to the beauty of the lake. The orchids that bloom along its banks and the butterflies that flutter all around create an environment of peace and sanctity. The endangered and rare Red Panda can be seen wandering around the lake. This lake is located a few kilometres away from Aritar and welcomes all nature lovers to admire and visit its beauty. Cabs can be hired from Aritar to reach this lake.

Lampokhri Lake: The Green Boot of Aritar

Lampokhri Lake is one of the oldest lakes in Sikkim and is located 4600 feet above sea level. The lake measures 1120 feet in length by 240 feet in width. It is a lake in the shape of a boot and one can enjoy pedal boating in this lake. This lake is also called Aritar Lake and is surrounded by rich green pine forests and dense woodlands lending it a sense of awe and reverence. At the banks of the lake, there is a corner devoted to Guru Padmasambhava where locals and visitors can pay their homage and seek blessings when they visit the Lampokhari Lake. This lake is located not very far away from the main town of Aritar. Tea and fish food stalls for fish feeding are there on its banks and one can feed the infinite number of fishes that dwell in the lake waters. A superb, friendly, family vibe exists all around the lake.

Kali Khola Falls Aritar: Cascading Milky Falls

The Kali Khola Falls is also known as ‘Kuikhola falls’ by the local people and falls in the Old Silk Route, while one is travelling from Rorathang to Rongli, East Sikkim. This 100-metre gushing waterfall forma a major tourist attraction in this quiet and off-beat destination of Aritar. The waterfall is magnificent and allures lovers of nature with its sparkling cascading rush of water. The clear waters pitted against the verdant greenery of the green hills create a spectacle. The Kali Khola Falls is also fondly referred to as Lonely Falls for its remote location in the heart of nature. Kali Khola Falls is easily accessible via the Silk Route through some of the most picturesque environments via a taxi ride from Aritar and takes approximately 49 minutes to cover the distance of around 60 km.

Aritar Monastery: Secluded Gem

Aritar Monastery is a beautiful Buddhist monastery that belongs to the Kagyupa order of Tibetan Buddhism and holds immense religious significance for the local community. Visitors experience the peace of the ambience and wonders at the intricate architectural designs and colourful decorations that adorn the structure. It is also known as Rhenock Gumpa. The monastery lies with the majestic mountains as the backdrop and offers a panoramic view. The Lampokhri Lake can be viewed from a bit higher altitude if one climbs a bit till Makhim Top Viewpoint as a green algae covered serene water body along with panoramic view of the lush green vegetation covering the mountain slopes. The lazy winding roads climb and descend the slopes towards and away from this one of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim. It lies en route to Mankhim hill top but very often tourists simply miss its secluded beauty while on their visit to Aritar because of its secluded location. With all the artifacts that the monastery contains, including the intricately carved and traditionally painted unique murals, ancient manuscripts and thoughtful architecture Aritar Monastery or Ari Gompa is an asset to Sikkim tourism and worth visiting. It is also a school for monks and is a bit smaller in size compared to other more ornamental and grander monasteries of Sikkim.

Parbateyswar Shivalaya Mandir: Aritar Tourist Attraction

Parbateyswar Shivalaya Mandir is an exquisite temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is thronged by visitors far and near, especially in the Hindu month of ‘Sawan’. For those with a religious bent of mind and for whom no trip gets complete without stepping into the most important shrine of the locality for blessings and worship, Parbateyswar Shivalaya Mandir is the place to be. During Sawan as a part of the traditional culture and ritual, the devotees drink the holy water from the sacred vessel as a mark of receiving blessings. It is one of few temples for Shiva worshippers in Sikkim.

Also Read: Sikkim Pilgrimage Tourism

Changey Waterfalls: Waterfall to Delight Aritar Visitors

Changey Waterfalls is located close to Lamphokari Lake. It tumbles down from a height of 400 feet. It makes for a soothing and beautiful waterfall in Aritar. It is a serene hideaway surrounded by lush greenery on all sides. The fall has two minor stages before the final tumble which are known as Tiffin Dara and Ghanti Dara among the local people. It is quite cold depending on the season you visit. The waterfall is at a height of around 2200 metres. The area is an intense temptation for wildlife lovers and nature enthusiasts with a rich cover of flora and fauna. Vegetation primarily comprises Tropical Deciduous trees and alpine forests. As long as the fauna is concerned, birds occupy a major share of attraction. People come to pursue bird watching as an interest and spend a quality time gazing at the White Capped Water Redstart, Verditer Flycatcher, Niltava, Blue-Fronted Redstart, Grey Treepie, Indian Robin, Blue Whistling Thrush and Brown Dipper.

Nirmal Dham, Aritar, Sikkim: Abode of Peace

Nirmal Dham is a major attraction of Aritar and is the revered home of Nirmal Guruji, who is also known as Kopchi Baba or Kopchey Baba. The sage is believed to possess magical powers that can heal people. Nirmal Dham is located at a distance of just 5 km from Rennock Bazar, Aritar, Sikkim. Some captivating waterfalls such as Kali Khola Falls and Badalte Waterfalls add magic to the surroundings. Visitors can club the tours to Hari Nursery and Ram Gauri Museum along with a visit to Nirmal Guru and feast their eyes on a large variety of flora collections. Nirmal Baba’s reputation is quite spread and has devotees not only from India but also from other neighbouring countries.

Ram Gauri Sangralaya and Ever Green Nursery: Soothing Greenery

Evergreen Nursery and Ram Gauri Sangrahalaya is an exclusive nursery which was established in the year 1970 at Rhenock, East Sikkim. This fascinating nursery is famous for its unique collection of driftwood, creative stones, archives, stamps and unique species of flora. The place has now been revamped to attract vacationers from all across the globe. The visitors get a chance to enjoy the beautiful plants growing here. Evergreen Nursery and Ram Gauri Sangrahalaya remains open for tourists during the day time.

Aritar Dak Bungalow: British Heritage

Aritar Dak Bungalow also known as Ari-Bangla is a notable tourist attraction in the small town of Aritar. The architecture will take you back several hundred years with its British style. It was built under the supervision of the first political British officer of Sikkim in 1896, Sir James Claude White. The building still has sustained the ravages of time and stands upright as a legacy cottage at a height of 1447 metres as a reminder of the British rule in India. It proudly overlooks the widespread mountains, woods and valleys spread far and wide. It was put to some good use in the earlier days back in the twentieth century for the welfare activities of the local communities, as a resting place for the wounded soldiers. Currently, it has been converted to give the shape of a sophisticated inn in Aritar, with a massive facelift to look modern and at the same time charming.

Mankhim Temple: A Divine Retreat

The Mankhim Temple is a popular tourist destination in Sikkim and is increasingly getting more noticed due to the better influx of tourists and its spreading religious importance. The temple is located at the highest point of the hill close to Hattipailay Village and the adjacent locality cater to the Khambu and Rai indigenous ethnolinguistic gatherings of Nepal who are believed to have established the Maity Village. This vantage point of the temple offers a stunning view of Lampokhari Lake with towering and vividly green pine trees and thick vegetation covering the surroundings. Along with the verdant greenery that is soothing to tired eyes, the visitors will be awestruck by the beauty of the breath-taking view of Mt. Kanchenjunga from this viewpoint. At the time of the famous ritual of Sakewa puja or Sakew, which is held annually by the Rai community in this temple, visitors can cherish local custom and be a part of the viewers of the colourful dance and a display of folklores during this celebration. Watch the golden orb rising and dipping from this hilltop at the time of stunning sunrises and sunsets. Also have a bird-eye view of the mesmerizing Aritar spread below and the boot-shaped Lampokhari Lake. The other names by which the temple is known locally are Mankhim Rai Temple, Mankhim Dara and Maney Dara. The instruments that are played during the festival include dhol (dhela), jyamta, bow and arrow among others. It is also a ritual not to play musical instruments till the harvest festival happens. This festival usually falls in the month of August or September.