A Quiet East Sikkim Village
Aritar, in East Sikkim, sits near Zuluk on the same broader Old Silk Route circuit, making the two a natural pairing for an offbeat East Sikkim trip. Its centrepiece is Aritar Lake (also known as Lampokhari), a horseshoe-shaped lake offering boating in a quiet, uncrowded setting — a genuine contrast to Sikkim's busier lakes closer to Gangtok.
The village itself has a relaxed, rural character, with orange orchards adding to the scenery. Aritar Gumpa (monastery) is a notable local religious site, and the area is also known locally for having one of the higher-altitude golf courses in the region — a distinctive local curiosity worth a mention.
🏞️ Aritar at a Glance
Best Time to Visit Aritar
Clear weather makes the biggest difference here, both for the lake and the surrounding orchard views.
Clear post-monsoon skies and pleasant temperatures, with orange season adding extra charm to the countryside.
Comfortable temperatures and generally clear conditions for both the lake and wider East Sikkim sightseeing.
Rain can affect both road conditions and views, making this a less predictable window for a visit.
Cold mornings but often crisp, clear skies — still workable for a visit with warm layers.
Our pick: October to December — clear skies, comfortable temperatures, and orange season adding extra character to the village.
How to Reach Aritar
- From Gangtok: A comfortable road trip into East Sikkim — most visitors combine it with Zuluk on the same Old Silk Route loop.
- Via Zuluk: The two sit close together, making it easy to visit both on a single East Sikkim itinerary.
Aritar Lake, Orchards & the Gumpa
Aritar Lake (Lampokhari)
A horseshoe-shaped lake at the centre of the village, offering quiet boating away from Sikkim's busier tourist lakes — a peaceful, low-key highlight of a visit here.
Orange Orchards
The countryside around Aritar is dotted with orange orchards, giving the village a relaxed, agricultural character that's especially pleasant to walk through in season.
Aritar Gumpa
A notable local monastery, easily combined with a lake visit for a fuller half-day of sightseeing.
High-Altitude Golf Course
A local curiosity worth a mention — Aritar is known in the region for having one of the higher-altitude golf courses around, a distinctive feature for a village this size.
Where to Stay in Aritar
Accommodation here is generally quieter and less developed than around Gangtok, mostly homestays and small resorts.
- → Village homestays
- → Basic guesthouses
- → Simple lodges near the lake
- → Lakeside cottages
- → Small resorts
- → Comfortable homestays
- → Premium lake-view stays
- → Boutique orchard resorts
- → Full-board East Sikkim packages
Suggested Visit Plan (2 Days)
Gangtok to Aritar
- ✓Drive from Gangtok into East Sikkim
- ✓Check in, afternoon at Aritar Lake
- ✓Evening walk through the orchards
Aritar Gumpa & On to Zuluk
- ✓Morning visit to Aritar Gumpa
- ✓Depart for Zuluk to continue the Silk Route loop
Where to Eat in Aritar
- Homestay kitchens: Most accommodation serves home-style Sikkimese meals to guests — the most reliable option in this small village.
- Local tea stalls: Simple snacks and tea near the lake, useful between activities.
Budget Breakdown
| Expense | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation/night | ₹1,000 | ₹2,800 | ₹6,000 |
| Food/day | ₹400 | ₹900 | ₹1,800 |
| Boating (per session) | ₹150 | ₹300 | ₹500 |
Essential Tips for Visiting Aritar
- Combine with Zuluk: Aritar works best as part of a wider East Sikkim loop rather than a standalone trip.
- Visit during orange season: Adds extra charm to the countryside if timing allows.
- Carry cash: ATM access is limited in this small village.
- Pack warm layers: Evenings can get cool even outside peak winter.
✅ Do
- →Combine Aritar with Zuluk on the same trip
- →Try a boat ride on Lampokhari Lake
- →Visit during orange season if possible
- →Carry enough cash for the whole stay
- →Pack warm layers for cool evenings
❌ Don't
- →Plan Aritar as a standalone destination only
- →Rely on ATMs in the village
- →Visit during heavy monsoon
- →Expect a large restaurant scene
- →Skip Zuluk if you've come this far
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Aritar from Gangtok?
Aritar is a comfortable road trip from Gangtok, in East Sikkim near the Old Silk Route circuit — most visitors combine it with Zuluk rather than visiting it alone.
Can Aritar be combined with Zuluk?
Yes, this is the most natural way to visit — the two sit close together on the same East Sikkim loop, and combining them makes the most of the journey out this way.
What is Lampokhari Lake?
Lampokhari is another name for Aritar Lake, a horseshoe-shaped lake at the centre of the village offering quiet, uncrowded boating — a contrast to Sikkim's busier lakes closer to Gangtok.
What is the best time to visit Aritar?
October to December and March to May offer the clearest weather and most pleasant temperatures for both the lake and the surrounding orchard countryside.
Is Aritar a standalone destination or best as part of a wider loop?
It works best as part of a wider East Sikkim loop with Zuluk — as a standalone destination it's a pleasant but modest stop, while paired with Zuluk it becomes a genuinely rewarding offbeat trip.
Published by the Kudozz Club editorial team · Last updated · How we research our guides
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