Aritar is a small town in Eastern Sikkim and a comfortable retreat into the forests for the off-beat traveler. Here you see the wealth of nature, like forests, glacial lakes, snow-covered mountains, and ancient monasteries tucked in peaks, valleys, and paddy fields. Aritar is untouched in its natural beauty and a welcome remedy to the modern noise.
Located in Silk Route Sikkim, Aritar also gives multiple options for adventure sports and trekking.
What to see
Aritar has beautiful sites around it, and even more breathtaking scenery, wherever you go. Sightseeing is a rewarding experience here, in every way.
Parbateyswar Shivalaya Mandir
This is a small temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva as the “Ishwar” of Devi Parvati. Many religious tourists visit this temple, especially during the holy “Shravan Maas,” a particularly sacred month in the Hindu calendar, dedicated to worship of Lord Shiva. There is no entrance fee. It is a quiet and peaceful location, which is best suited for spiritual travelers. One can spend time here and be in a meditative space or just connect with nature.
Lampokhari Lake
This is one of the oldest natural lakes in Sikkim, located at an altitude of 4500 feet. It is a popular place, surrounded by lush greenery and placid surroundings. It has recently been constructed to allow boating, the only lake in Sikkim which has boating facilities. Boating gives a different view of the surrounding hills. There are facilities of horse riding and archery also around the lake, for those looking for more activities. It also hosts the Lampokhari Festival in the months of April & May, which is ideal for the spiritually inclined travelers. It includes flower shows, cultural performances, and sampling of local cuisine. There is also a small temple dedicated to Lord Padmasambhava on the banks of the lake. A short trek from the lake leads to Mankhim Dara, a small temple, and a community of Rai people. Adventure tourism in the form of rock climbing and paragliding is also available here.
When to reach
Aritar is a wonderful town in Sikkim famous for its pure natural beauty, monasteries, and temples. The surroundings of the town boast of lush green forests and lovely streams which is such a treat for the senses. The rolling hills, cascading waterfalls, and amazing lakes of this region attract tourists from far and wide. The town is nestled at an altitude of 1,498 m offering great views of the Himalayas.
Winter between October To February
It is extremely cold during winter in Aritar and the temperature ranges between -2°C to 10°C. One can also experience heavy snowfall during this period and enjoy the beauty of this town at its best. The view of the snow-capped mountains is a treat to the eyes. Sometimes the temperatures drop to the freezing point making it difficult to travel. So it is advisable that you update yourself about the temperature before you plan a visit to Aritar.
Summer between May To June
Since Aritar is located at a high altitude of 1,498 m, the summer here is not so hot. The temperature hovers between 10°C to 20°C. It is quite pleasant during summer too and you can enjoy the outdoor activities and sightseeing to the fullest. Many tourists travel to Aritar during this season for relaxing holidays. Lampokhari Tourism Festival, a famous festival of Aritar is also celebrated in April and May. It is portrayed by cultural shows, local ethnic cuisine, archery contest, rides around the Lake, flower shows, and short treks to hilltops.
Monsoon between July To September
Monsoon season is the time when Aritar receives heavy rainfall which can cause hassles for travelers. Also, the region becomes more vulnerable to landslides during this time. It is advisable not to travel to Aritar in monsoon else you might have to face problems while traveling.
How to reach
By Air
Aritar is 67 km from Gangtok and the most convenient way to reach Aritar is to first come to Gangtok and then from there drive down to Aritar. Gangtok is the nearest town of Sikkim from Pakyong Airport, located in Pakyong village which is around 35 km from the south of Gangtok.
By Train
The nearest railway station from Aritar is the New Jalpaiguri in Siliguri, West Bengal. It is around 108 kilometers from Aritar. The railway station is well connected with major cities like Kolkata, Mumbai and New Delhi. From New Jalpaiguri, you can easily get a private taxi for Aritar. State-run buses are also available.
By Road
A good network of roads connects Aritar with the major cities of Sikkim and other destinations of northeast India. One can easily reach Aritar from the neighboring places by road. Rented taxis and state-run buses are easily available to reach Aritar.
