Morning at Aritar Gumpa
The gumpa belongs to the same Karma Kagyu school as Rumtek, and its prayer hall has the colourful murals, butter lamps and statues typical of Sikkimese monasteries. A few monks live here, and the courtyard is usually calm, with prayer flags snapping in the wind.
Visit in the morning, when there may be prayers. Walk clockwise around the building, turn the prayer wheels with your right hand and ask before entering the hall or taking photographs. A small donation is welcome. Combine it with Mankhim and the lake for a relaxed half day.
Questions travellers ask
Good to know
How far is Aritar Gumpa from Lampokhari?
The monastery is a short drive or a walk of about 20–30 minutes uphill from the lake area, depending on where you start. Homestay hosts can show you the way or arrange a car. It fits easily into a morning with the lake and Mankhim viewpoint.
Is Aritar Gumpa open to visitors?
Yes, visitors are generally welcome during the day. The prayer hall may be locked when monks are away or during private rituals, but the courtyard and exterior are usually open. Visit quietly, dress modestly and ask before going inside or taking photographs.
Which school of Buddhism does Aritar Gumpa follow?
It follows the Karma Kagyu school, whose main seat in Sikkim is Rumtek near Gangtok. Many monasteries in East Sikkim belong to this tradition, alongside Nyingma monasteries. If you visit both Rumtek and Aritar, you will notice similar images and rituals on a very different scale.
Also in Aritar
More hours to plan around
