Siliguri to Aritar
Your options
Ways to make the trip
4–5 hours plus a local taxi
₹250–350 a seat to Rhenock, then ₹300–500 for a local car · Shared jeeps to Rhenock leave from the Sikkim stand near the Tenzing Norgay Central Bus Terminus in Siliguri, mostly in the morning. From Rhenock, a local taxi covers the last few kilometres up to Aritar and Lampokhari lake.
3.5–4.5 hours
₹3,500–5,000 per car · A reserved car from NJP or Bagdogra is the usual choice for families, and it can continue to Zuluk the next day. When NH10 is closed, cars use the route via Kalimpong and Pedong, which reaches Rhenock without going through Rangpo.
Worth a stop
- Coronation Bridge at Sevoke
- Rangpo checkpost
- Rorathang
- Rhenock bazaar
Questions travellers ask
Good to know
How far is Aritar from Siliguri?
Aritar is about 105 km from Siliguri, around 3.5–4.5 hours by car via NH10 to Rangpo, then up through Rorathang and Rhenock. Bagdogra airport and NJP station are slightly further. In the monsoon, landslides on NH10 can add time, so start in the morning.
Is there public transport to Aritar?
There is no direct shared jeep to Aritar from Siliguri. Take a shared jeep to Rhenock, which runs mainly in the morning, and then hire a local taxi for the final climb to Aritar. It is cheap but slow, and best for travellers with light luggage and flexible time.
Do Indians need a permit for Aritar?
No. Aritar is open to Indian nationals without a special permit. Foreign nationals need the Sikkim Inner Line Permit, available at Rangpo. A Protected Area Permit is needed only if you continue up the Silk Route to Zuluk, and that is for Indians only. Check current status before you travel.
Can I go from Aritar to Zuluk the same day?
Yes. Aritar to Zuluk via Rongli is about 50 km and takes 2.5–3 hours, so an early start from Aritar gets you to Zuluk by lunch. Your permit must be ready at Rongli. Spending a night in Aritar first helps with acclimatisation before Zuluk at about 3,000 m.