Aritar, Sikkim

Aritar आरिटार
Hill station
Aritar Aritar Location in Sikkim, India
Coordinates: 27°11′17″N 88°40′29″E / 27.18806°N 88.67472°ECoordinates: 27°11′17″N 88°40′29″E / 27.18806°N 88.67472°E
Country	India
State	Sikkim
District	East Sikkim
Elevation4600 ft	1,498 m (4,915 ft)
Languages
• Official	Nepali, Bhutia, Lepcha, Limbu, Newari, Rai, Gurung, Mangar, Sherpa, Tamang and Sunwar
Time zone	IST (UTC+5:30)
Vehicle registration	SK

Aritar is a region in the East Sikkim district of the Indian state of Sikkim under Rongli Sub-Division. It is known for its natural and landscaped beauty. It is located on the edge of the Himalayas, and can be reached in about four hours' drive from Gangtok via either Pakyong or Rangpo.

Isolated from the rest of the state, on the far eastern border of Sikkim and bounded by Mt. Kanchendzonga, the region is characterized by lush forest, mountains and rivers. The Aritar Lake (Ghati-Tso) is a nearby attraction, as are traditional villages and monasteries such as Lingsay. Visitors may also stay in a British-built bungalow of 1895 located 0.5 kilometres (0.31 mi) below the lake.

Gallery

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  Lampokhari (lake) of Aritar

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  Lampokhari Lake of Aritar

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  Mankhim (Temple) of Rai (ethnic group) of Nepali Origin

Places of Interest in Aritar.

Lampokhari : Initially one of the oldest natural lake in Sikkim and recently artificially constructed to facilitate boating for the tourists. At an altitude of 4600 ft (1,400 m) it is the only lake with boating facility in Sikkim.

Dak Bungalow : Popularly known as Ari-Bangla, it is an old British-built dak bungalow built by Sir James Claude White (first political officer of Sikkim during British rule in India) in the year 1895. At the same premises Sikkim’s first treasury was built as well as Sikkim Police was raised and the first outpost started functioning in the year 1897.

Aritar Gumpa : A monastery of the Kagyuapa order, considered as one of the holiest and oldest in Sikkim. The visitor’s can imbibe the tranquil air with splendour of monastic arts reflected in its traditional architecture, carved & painted murals and treasure of manuscripts and icons.

Parbateyswar Shivalaya Mandir : The most venerated shrine with picturesque splendour is considered a very holy pilgrimage site, where thousands of devotees throng for the blessing and participate during the month of “SAWAN” to offer water and sip the sacred water from a sacred vessel.

Mankhim: “Mangkhim”, a Temple of the Rai of Nepali origin is located at a height of 6500 ft at “Maity Village” (Kheselakha) . Hattipailay is another virgin village where the visitors can see elephant footprints on rock.

Nirmal Dham : This place situated about 5 km (approx) from Rhenock Bazar, is an abode of “Nirmal Guruji” (a.k.a.) “ Kopchey Baba”, known for his miraculious healing power, which has attracted hundreds of devotees from all over India and neighbouring countries.

Ever green nursery & Ram Gauri Sangrhalaya : Located at Rhenock Bazar, the nursery and museum is privately owned and has drift wood collections, botanical & other varieties of flowers.

Kali khola falls (Lonely falls) : 100 m in height (Rorathang-Rongli road)

Changey water fall : 50 m in height (Near Lampokhari)

Lungchok valley : Trekking destination (Lokdara, Chujachen)

Love Dara : Low hill picnic spot. Aritar.