Aritar

One night is enough as a stop on the way to Zuluk. Two nights suit travellers who want a slow break, with a morning around Lampokhari, a walk to Mankhim viewpoint and a visit to Aritar Gumpa. There is little nightlife or shopping, so it appeals most to walkers, families and birdwatchers.

Lampokhari is a long, narrow natural lake at Aritar, often said to be shaped like a boot. It is one of the older natural lakes in Sikkim at this altitude. A paved path runs around it, and pedal boats are available for hire. Morning and late afternoon are the quietest times.

Indian nationals do not need a permit to visit Aritar. Foreign nationals need the Sikkim Inner Line Permit, which they can get at Rangpo checkpost on the way in. If you are going on to Zuluk, Indians need a separate Protected Area Permit, and foreigners cannot go. Check current status before you travel.

October to April is best, with clear skies, comfortable days and cool nights. February to April brings flowering trees and good birding. The monsoon, from June to September, brings heavy rain, leeches on forest paths and occasional landslides on the approach roads, though the village is green and quiet.

On clear days from October to March, the Kangchenjunga range can be seen in the distance from higher points such as Mankhim viewpoint and some homestays on the ridges. The view is further away than from Gangtok or Pelling, and cloud often hides it by mid-morning, so go up early.

Yes. The lake path is level and safe for children, the boats are popular, and homestays are relaxed about children's mealtimes. The climb to Mankhim is short but steep. The altitude of about 1,400 m causes no problems, and distances from Siliguri are manageable for young travellers.

Aritar is about 50 km from Zuluk via Rhenock and Rongli, a drive of about 2.5–3 hours. The road climbs steadily after Rongli, where permits are checked. Many Silk Route trips spend the first night in Aritar and the next two in Zuluk, which helps acclimatisation.

Partly. Shared jeeps run from Siliguri and Gangtok to Rhenock, mostly in the morning, and from Rhenock you take a local taxi for the final stretch to Aritar. It is cheap but takes longer than a reserved car, and return jeeps from Rhenock fill early in the day.

Mankhim is a hilltop above Lampokhari with a temple of the Rai community, one of the Kirati peoples of the eastern Himalaya, and a viewpoint over the surrounding hills. The walk up from the lake takes about 30–45 minutes. Behave as you would at any place of worship, and remove shoes where asked.