Aritar / Arhitar

Arhitar - It is an idyllic spot on top of a mountain 120 kilometers from Siliguri, 63 kilometers from Gangtok.  It  is surrounded by mist - shrouded mountains with dense forest. The region offers the most spectacular views of the Himalaya including Mount Kanchendzonga, Mount Makalu, Mount Pandim, Mount Sinoulchu, etc. Rhenock is a small picturesque settlement on the Valley just 6 kilometers from the lake with sparse population. There are few of the famous spots like Zuluk, Jelep La Pass, Baba Dham, Nathang Valley, Baba Mandir, Kupup Lake, etc. The region’s botanical and zoological richness is awe – inspiring. As the place is bit off route the rush is less and the scenic view scanning across deep valley to the mystic heights of Kanchendzonga ranges is something to be cherished.  A historical site and a spectacular village, was on the way to the historic Silk Route to India.  Aritar serves as the entry point to for Tibet and Chinese during the historic period. An off beat tourist destinations particularly the snow clad mountains, the lakes and unspoiled forest areas and valleys of flowers with rich natural surrounding. This is a usual base for high altitude treks but are short in nature via Today, Tangtey through Neora Valley, even the trek to Mulkhara Lake is worth visiting.  The region is an ideal place for leisure holiday, trekker, wildlife, ornithologist, adventure seekers, botanist, etc. It is close to places like Pedong, Lava, Lolaygaon, Kalimpong of West Bengal and Gangtok, Rumtek, Jorethang and Namchi. We generally recommend our guest to stay at Pedong, Reshi, Dello or Kalimpong for the first night and then proceed to Reshi or Arhitar or Lingtam. Next we advice an excursion to Nathu La Pass or Jelep La Pass or Mememncho Lake. One can also stay at Reshi for short trek to Mulkhara Lake or Todey Tangtey trip. Reshi is an Idle place and only 10 Kilometers from Aritar and 6 kilometers from Rhenock. Honeymoon couple can stay at Rhenock in isolation or in Pedong. Rongli, Lingtam, Rorathang are few settlement with home stay facility. Lingsay monastery and Rhenock monastery are worth visiting. Places of interest in Aritar other than Arhitar Lake / Lampokhori are Phushrey Lake located few kilometers uphill from Aritar in a isolated forest, Dak Bunglow - Popularly known as Ari - Bangla, Aritar Gumpa, Mankhim Dara, Nirmal Dham, Ever green nursery & Ram Gauri Sangrhalaya, Changey water fall, etc. Trekking to Lungchok valley i.e. to Lokdara & Chujachen and trekking to Rachela is indeed a splendid experience . While staying at Zuluk you can cover Padamchen, Lungthung, Nathang, Kupup Lake, Tukla Valley and all other spots in the Silk Route circuit in day trips. The valley has high diversity of Himalayan fauna. The place shelters variety of birds like Monal Pheasant, Blood Pheasant, Khaleez Pheasant, Snow Pheasant and others. You may also catch a glimpse of Himalayan Weasel or A Martin. Sighting of Red Panda, wild dog and deer in the high hills have also been recorded. Nathang can be reached by road from any of the nearby destinations like Pelling, Gangtok, Kalimpong or Darjeeling.The nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport (IXB).The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP). One can reach Rangpo  from and then proceed to Nathang via Rongli. Pickup is arranged by us. Alternatively, one can stay overnight at Aritar or Pedong or Kalimpong or any nearby places and proceed to Nathang the next day. 

Places of Interest

• Memencho Lake
• Arhitar Lake / Lampokhori
• Jelep La pass
• Nathu La Pass
• Zuluk
• Baba Dham
• Nathang valley
• Lingtam
• Kupup Lake
• War Memorial
• Neola pass
• Tukla battle ground
• Reshi
• Phushrey Lake
• Kalimpong
• Rishyap
• Pedong
• Lava / Lolaygaon
• Today, Tangtey Trek
• Mulkhara Lake trek

The approach route from Siliguri is nice and so is the route from Rongpo passing through forest, mountains and along the river.  There are high and soaring mountains all along the route. They are dream setting for adventure lovers and nature lovers. There are some wonderful trek routes but they are all two to five days trip. Routes that pass through the wilderness to make your trip entertaining and memorable. The place is bit off beat hence the amenities are basics. We would advice tourist to avail stay at Reshi. It’s a home stay without luxury. Difficult terrain and the beauty of these place is definitely charming. It’s a peaceful away from the crowd recluse and ideal for Angling and Birding. Tour will be most enjoyable and tremendously charming trips. Permit is required from Ligtam onwards and is done by the defence deartment and Local Police station . We assist our guest to do the same

Trek Routes 

1 Night / 2 Days - Reshi - Mulkhara Lake - Reshi 

1 Night / 2 Days - Reshi - Raniban - Reshi 

4 Nights / 5 Days - Reshi - Pedong - Lava - Zero Pint (Chanda Pheri) - Alubari - Rachela - Mulkhara - Aritar - Reshi 

5 Nights / 6 Days - Reshi - Pedong - Lava - Zero Point (Chanda Pheri) - Alubari - Rachela Panglakha - Lingtam - Reshi 

Trek Includes - Tent / Trekkers Hut accommodation, Packaged Water - Vehicle transportation, Dry fruits, Chocolate Drinks, Tin Food, Cooked Food (Option of Veg & Non Veg), porter, Guide and Service. 

Communication / Connectivity

Airways – Bagdogra is approximately 120 kilometers from Aritar. Bagdogra airport is served by regular Indian Airlines, Kingfisher, Spice Jet, and Jet Airways. There are daily flights from Kolkata, Guwahati and Delhi. The airport is well connected by road and railways. Gangtok is 65 kilometers from Rhenock. There is a regular Chopper / Helicopter service to Gangtok and back. It can also be booked through Agents / Tour operators

Railways – Rhenock is nearly 125 kilometers from New Jalpaiguri railway station (NJP). Sikkim has no railway system but one can avail railways travelling to Siliguri or Darjeeling or New Jalpaiguri. The nearest major railway station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP) and is 131 kilometers drive  from Arhitar which takes nearly 4 to 5 hours.
 
Roadways – Rhenock is located  125 kilometers away from Siliguri an off shoot of national Highway 31 A. Rongpo is another 24 kilometers from Arhitar and 55 kilometers from Gangtok. Darjeeling is nearly 85 kilometers from Rhenock or Reshi or Arhitar and is 2 1/2  - 3   hours drive. Rhenock is 35 kilometers from Kalimpong and is 2 ½ hours drive. Rhenock is 6 kilometers from Reshi.

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