Aritar, Sikkim

‎ Aritar, a region in East Sikkim of India under Rongli Sub-Division, 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

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 half km below the lake.

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 Bunglow : Popularly known as Ari-Bangla it is an old British built bunglow 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 veneratedshrine with picturesque splendour is considered a very holy pilgrimage site, where thousands ofdevotees throng for the blessing andparticipate during the month of “SAWAN” to offerwater 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 5km (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 neghbouring 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 (Lonley 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.

References

* [http://www.sikkimonline.info/sikkim/Aritar Unofficial page of Aritar]