Aritar Lake Lampokhari
Sikkim's oldest natural lake, offering a tranquil emerald-green escape with boat rentals and a serene pine forest setting.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Calmest, most peaceful atmosphere
Aritar Lake Lampokhari
Best Time
Calmest, most peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Sikkim's oldest natural lake, offering a tranquil emerald-green escape with boat rentals and a serene pine forest setting.
"Aritar Lake is a calm and pleasant place, worth a brief visit if you're nearby."
🛶 Enjoy a Boat Ride
Rent a boat for a tranquil experience on Sikkim's oldest natural lake. Perfect for quality time with friends!
👟 Watch for Leeches
The pine forest can be damp. Wear sturdy shoes and be mindful of leeches, especially after rain.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lampokhari Lake
Center of Aritar
Sikkim's oldest natural lake, offering a tranquil emerald-green escape with boat rentals.
Pedestrian Promenade
Around the lake
A well-paved path perfect for a leisurely stroll amidst pine trees and gentle hills.
Nearby Buddhist Temple
Aritar town
A spiritual retreat offering a moment of peace close to the lake.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Serenity
Best Footwear & Preparedness
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Local recommendation for real Sikkim
🛶 Enjoy a Boat Ride
Rent a boat for a tranquil experience on Sikkim's oldest natural lake. Perfect for quality time with friends!
👟 Watch for Leeches
The pine forest can be damp. Wear sturdy shoes and be mindful of leeches, especially after rain.
🏔️ Offbeat Sikkim & North Bengal – Hidden Gems You Shouldn’t Miss
🚶♀️ Stroll the Promenade
The paved path around the lake is ideal for a relaxing walk amidst greenery.
🙏 Visit the Temple
A Buddhist temple is conveniently located near the lake for a peaceful visit.
Tips
from all over the internet
🛶 Enjoy a Boat Ride
Rent a boat for a tranquil experience on Sikkim's oldest natural lake. Perfect for quality time with friends!
👟 Watch for Leeches
The pine forest can be damp. Wear sturdy shoes and be mindful of leeches, especially after rain.
🚶♀️ Stroll the Promenade
The paved path around the lake is ideal for a relaxing walk amidst greenery.
🙏 Visit the Temple
A Buddhist temple is conveniently located near the lake for a peaceful visit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Aritar Lake is praised for its tranquil, emerald-green waters and the peaceful atmosphere it offers, making it a soothing destination. Visitors enjoy boat rentals and leisurely strolls along the well-maintained promenade. However, some find the scenery less striking compared to other Sikkim highlights, describing it as a pleasant but not breathtaking stop.
"Aritar's popularity stems largely from its beautiful and calm lake, making it a soothing destination for travel enthusiasts. Visitors can rent a boat and enjoy quality time with friends on the lake for a truly tranquil experience. Moreover, a Buddhist temple is located just a few minutes from the lake and Aritar town. This is a must-visit place to fully enjoy your travel in east Sikkim."
Supriyo Ghosh
"📍 Aritar Lake (Lampokhari Lake), East Sikkim
I recently visited Aritar Lake, and while it was a calm and peaceful experience overall, I personally didn’t find it very attractive or visually striking compared to other natural spots in Sikkim.
💧 The lake is one of the oldest natural lakes in Sikkim, and it has been nicely maintained with boating options available for visitors. The surroundings are clean, and the walking path around the lake is well-paved and good for a short stroll.
🌲 The area is surrounded by trees and small hills, offering a bit of greenery and serenity. However, the view is quite ordinary—nothing particularly breathtaking or unique. If you've already visited more scenic lakes like Tsomgo or Kupup, this might feel underwhelming.
🚣♂️ Boating is available, which adds some value, especially if you're traveling with family. But apart from that, there isn’t much to do around the lake. A small temple on one side and a few photo points are there, but overall, it's a quick-stop destination.
📍 Accessibility is easy if you're traveling along the Silk Route, and it's a good place to take a short break or have a meal at one of the nearby eateries or homestays.
In short, Aritar Lake is calm and pleasant but lacks the wow factor. It's worth a brief visit if you’re nearby, but not something I’d recommend going out of your way for."
Sarthak Dhar
"Beautiful place to relax and connect with nature, be careful about the leaches and damp road."
Shiladitya Das
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Aritar Lake is accessible if you're traveling along the Silk Route in East Sikkim. It's a good place to take a short break or have a meal.
Yes, accessibility is generally easy, especially if you are on the Silk Route circuit.
Aritar town itself is located near the lake, and it's a common stop for travelers in East Sikkim.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Information regarding specific entry fees is not widely available, but the lake is generally considered a natural attraction accessible to visitors.
As a natural lake, Aritar Lake doesn't have strict opening hours. However, it's best visited during daylight for safety and enjoyment.
No advance booking is typically required for visiting Aritar Lake itself. Boat rentals are usually available on-site.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The main activity is boating on the lake. You can also enjoy a peaceful walk along the promenade and visit the nearby Buddhist temple.
Yes, families can enjoy the calm atmosphere and boating. The paved promenade is good for a short stroll.
Take a leisurely walk around the lake, enjoy a boat ride, and soak in the serene natural surroundings.
While the views are described as ordinary by some, the lake and its surroundings offer pleasant photo opportunities, especially during calm mornings.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are a few eateries and homestays located near Aritar Lake and in Aritar town where you can find food options.
While specific details are scarce, some nearby eateries or homestays might offer views of the lake or its surroundings.
📸 📸 Photography
The lake itself, especially during the calm morning hours, and the surrounding pine forest offer picturesque scenes. The promenade provides good vantage points.
Early mornings are ideal for capturing the serene atmosphere and soft light on the lake.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the lake itself is the main attraction, the nearby Buddhist temple can offer a quiet moment of cultural exposure. Advise children to stay on the paths, especially near the forest, due to potential dampness and leeches. Overall, it's a pleasant, low-key destination that can be enjoyed by all ages.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Opting for local eateries or homestays in Aritar town can provide cost-effective dining and accommodation options. The main draw – the serene lake and its surroundings – is accessible without significant expense, making it a valuable addition to an economical Sikkim itinerary.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Charm of Lampokhari Lake
Boating is a popular activity here, allowing visitors to spend quality time with friends or family on the water. The lake is well-maintained, and a paved pedestrian promenade encircles it, making it perfect for a leisurely walk. This path offers gentle exercise and a chance to connect with nature in a relaxed environment. The presence of a Buddhist temple nearby adds a spiritual dimension to the visit, providing a quiet space for reflection.
Travelers often describe Aritar Lake as a soothing destination, ideal for unwinding. However, some note that if you've already experienced more visually striking lakes in Sikkim, Aritar might feel a bit ordinary. It's best viewed as a pleasant stopover or a place for quiet contemplation rather than a primary, awe-inspiring destination. Be mindful of the damp conditions in the surrounding forest, which can sometimes lead to leeches.
Navigating Aritar and Its Surroundings
While the lake area offers a few eateries and homestays, the surrounding Aritar town provides additional options for dining and accommodation. These local establishments often offer a homely atmosphere and a chance to experience local hospitality. For those venturing into the pine forest, it's advisable to wear appropriate footwear and be aware of the damp terrain, which can sometimes harbor leeches.
For travelers planning a longer stay in Sikkim, the mid-March period is highlighted as a beautiful time to visit, with the landscape coming alive after winter. While Aritar Lake might be a shorter stop, its tranquility complements the more adventurous aspects of exploring Sikkim.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit