The short answer
Aritar and Lampokhari Lake: what visitors should know first
A good, low-altitude start or finish to the Silk Route. Walk around the lake, take a boat if it is running, and use Aritar to adjust before higher stops. It is much easier for older travellers than the upper route.
History and context
The story behind Aritar and Lampokhari Lake
Wikipedia describes Lampokhari as one of the oldest natural lakes in Sikkim, shaped for boating, and Aritar's Gumpa as a monastery of the Kagyu order. A British-built dak bungalow, Ari-Bangla, is listed as dating to 1895. The article carries a note that it needs more citations, so treat details cautiously.
Useful facts
Aritar and Lampokhari Lake facts at a glance
- Location
- Aritar, about 67 km from Gangtok per Wikipedia
- Experience type
- Lake and village stop
- Known for
- Lampokhari lake, monastery, dak bungalow
- Altitude
- About 1,400-1,500 m; sources vary
- Permit
- Before Rongli; confirm current rules
Why it matters
Why Aritar and Lampokhari Lake is worth your time
Aritar sits on the far eastern edge of Sikkim and gives a gentle introduction to the Silk Route area at lower altitude. It is a rare place on this circuit where older travellers can walk comfortably around a lake and visit shrines without altitude concerns.
Wikipedia notes Lampokhari as the only boat-ready lake in Sikkim, and the village also has a monastery of the Kagyu order and colonial-era structures. It is the quiet, green start to the route, before the road climbs into the high Himalaya.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
Boot-shaped lake
A calm, level walk around the water.
- 02
Aritar monastery
A Kagyu-order gumpa described as one of the oldest in Sikkim.
- 03
Gentle altitude
A good first night before the high stops.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Arrive in the morning or late afternoon, when the light is softer. Walk the short path around the lake, stopping at the small shrine and the boating area. Wikipedia describes Lampokhari as one of Sikkim's oldest natural lakes, shaped to allow boating.
If you have more time, look at the other sites in Aritar: Wikipedia lists a Kagyu-order monastery, a Shiva temple and a British-built dak bungalow dating from the 1890s. Opening and access vary, so ask locally.
Use Aritar as a base for the first night before heading up to Rongli and Zuluk; the lower altitude helps acclimatisation. Homestays and small resorts are available here, with a quieter pace than Gangtok.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Use Aritar as a lower-altitude first night
- Ask locally about boating and monastery access
- Carry light layers; evenings are cool
- Confirm permit status for your route
- Pair with a night in Rongli or Zuluk
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Aritar, Rongli subdivision, Pakyong district, East Sikkim
- Time needed
- 2-3 hours
- Best time
- Spring and autumn; mornings for clearer views
- Walking level
- Easy
- Senior comfort
- At roughly 1,400-1,500 m, this is by far the most comfortable stop on the route, with a level path around the lake. Seating and boat rides are available locally when the lake is operating; check on arrival.
- Tickets and access
- Wikipedia and travel sources note Aritar lies before Rongli, so the Protected Area Permit is not described as required here; confirm current rules. Boating and parking charges are set locally and not stated here.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Aritar and Lampokhari Lake
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
At roughly 1,400-1,500 m, this is by far the most comfortable stop on the route, with a level path around the lake. Seating and boat rides are available locally when the lake is operating; check on arrival.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
Do I need a permit for Aritar?
Sources say Aritar lies before Rongli, so the Protected Area Permit is not described as needed. Confirm current rules.
Is Aritar good for older travellers?
Yes, it is low altitude with a level lakeside path.
Can I go boating?
Wikipedia describes the lake as boat-ready. Availability varies, so ask locally.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
