East Sikkim · Overnight hub
Aritar
Lampokhari Lake boating and an 1895 Dak Bungalow — the gentle first night of the Silk Route.
27 photos · Wikimedia Commons contributors. Click any photo to open the gallery.
- Altitude 4,900 ft
- From Gangtok 70 km · 3 hrs
- Best months March–June and October–February
- Stay Overnight hub
1. Why visit Aritar and what to expect
Aritar is the low-altitude entry to the Old Silk Route: a boot-shaped emerald lake with paddle boats, the Aritar Gumpa, Mankhim Top viewpoint and a British-era Dak Bungalow. At 4,900 ft it is an easy, permit-free night before climbing to Zuluk and Nathang Valley.
Top sights
- Lampokhari (Aritar) Lake boating
- Aritar Gumpa monastery
- Mankhim Top viewpoint
- British Dak Bungalow (1895)
- Changey Waterfall
- Love Dara viewpoint
2. Getting there and where you sleep
| Altitude | 4,900 ft |
|---|---|
| From Gangtok | 70 km · 3 hrs |
| Stay | Overnight hub |
| Checkpost / timing rule | No permit for Aritar. Silk Route permits for Zuluk are issued at Rongli SDPO (8 AM–3 PM) nearby. |
| Monsoon (Jul–Sep) | Possible, watch landslides |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Open and pleasant |
Mountain roads in Sikkim average 20–28 km/h. Google Maps times are optimistic; use ours.
3. Permit, ID and medical checklist
4. Where to stay in Aritar
4 properties from ₹1,815 to ₹2,200 per night for two.
Atithi Griha Homestay (Silk Route) - Aritar
Heritage Homestay · Silk Route, Aritar, East Sikkim 737133
- Organic Farm Meals
- Free Wi-Fi
- Free Parking
- Mountain View
₹1,815 / night ≈ ₹908 per person, twin share
Eco Log Hut Resort, Aritar
Eco Resort · Aritar Rd, Reshi, Aritar, Sikkim 737133
- Wooden Log Cabins
- Free Breakfast
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Parking
₹1,870 / night ≈ ₹935 per person, twin share
Lampokhari Village Resort
3-Star Resort · Dalapchand, Rhenock, Aritar, East Sikkim 737133
- Private Cottages
- 24h Wi-Fi
- Restaurant
- Near Aritar Lake
₹2,089 / night ≈ ₹1,045 per person, twin share
The Aritar Retreat
Boutique Retreat · Gumpa Simana Gaon, near Rhenock Gumpa, Aritar, Sikkim 737133
- Cottage Huts
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Free Wi-Fi
- Pet Friendly
₹2,200 / night ≈ ₹1,100 per person, twin share
Aritar FAQs
Does Aritar need a permit?
No. Aritar is permit-free. You only need the Silk Route PAP when you continue to Zuluk, which is issued at Rongli or Gangtok.
How many nights should I spend in Aritar?
One night is enough: boating, the monastery and Mankhim viewpoint fit into an afternoon before you drive to Zuluk the next day.
Keep exploring
Continue exploring East Sikkim
Overnight hub · homestays only
Nathang Valley
The 'Ladakh of East India' — a 13,500 ft plateau of snow in winter and wildflowers in summer.
