The Hindu Business Line : Nestled in nature

Planning a trip to the Himalayas? If it’s adventure, a heavy dose of thrill, a peek into exotic culture and heritage, plenty of solace and quietitude, and loads of happy memories that you seek, then head to Sikkim.

A tiny oasis of natural beauty and cultural diversity, tucked away in far north-east corner and protected by the mighty Khangchendzonga, Sikkim will surprise you with what she has to offer and leave you wanting more!

And if you think Sikkim is all about the Tsomgo Lake, Nathula pass, the small and great passes of Lachung and Lachen, the Yumthang Valley and Pelling (the perennial favourite of domestic holiday-makers), then it’s time to change your mind.

Sikkim has plenty for the discerning visitor, with places that are yet unexplored and unspoiled. There are tourist festivals during peak seasons of March-April and September-November; your holiday will prove to be an exotic blend of nature’s finest sights, adventure sports, delectable local culinary and lungful of cool, fresh mountain air. You will be certainly spoilt for choice here.

ARITAR AND LAMPOKHARI LAKE

Located on the edge of the Himalayas, in the Rongli sub-division of East Sikkim, Aritar (5,000 ft) is a fascinating place, steeped in history and unspoiled natural beauty. Isolated from the rest of the State and nestled in the laps of the Himalayas, Aritar is neatly lodged between the Sikkim, West Bengal and Bhutan tri-junction. Its lush green forests, sweeping hills of paddy fields and placid lakes hidden inside dense foliage is complemented with a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire Khangchendzonga range in the west; misty high mountain passes of Nathula and Jelepla in the east; and vast fertile plains of Dooars and North Bengal in the south.

Aritar has interesting offerings — trekking, adventure sports, nature trails and a trip down memory lane for history aficionados.

Aritar finds special mention in Sir James Claude White’s memoirs. Sir James, who was the first political officer in the erstwhile kingdom of Sikkim, took the arduous trip to Tibet via the Jelepla Pass, passing through Aritar from Kalimpong. This route was part of the historic trade route to Tibet in the late 1900s. Long caravans of mules laden with salt and other goods headed for the Chumbi Valley in Tibet and would pass through Aritar. A Dak Bungalow built by Sir James in 1896 just below the Aritar village still stands today and is now a tourist bungalow run by the State Public Works Department. Under extensive renovation over the years, this Dak Bungalow nevertheless provides visitors a glimpse of the century-old architecture. A clear morning would greet you with a beautiful sunrise and view of Kalimpong and its surrounding areas.

Another riveting experience in Aritar would be the car safari to Tsomgo Lake, while negotiating the steep climb uphill through Padamchen, Jelepla, Kupup and Gnathang along the Indo-China border.

The Aritar Gumpa or Buddhist Monastery is one of the oldest and sacred monasteries in Sikkim belonging to the Karma Kagyu lineage order of Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery’s traditional architecture, paintings and rare manuscripts and artefacts are a must see.

In the lap of nature

The piece-de resistance in Aritar is of course the Lampokhari Lake (Ghati-Tso in the local Bhutia language) located half kilometre above the Dak Bungalow, saddled on the top of a hill facing north-east. This serene lake, surrounded by lush greenery is considered one of the oldest in Sikkim and is about 350 metres long and 75 metres wide. Shaped curiously like a human foot, this lake, although natural, has been recently provided with artificial embankment to facilitate boating, a first for Sikkim.

Visitors can also go on short treks to Phusery Lake, Pangolakha and Rachela, the historic tri-junction border of Sikkim, West Bengal and Bhutan. The destinations are home to the Red Panda, pheasant, rare species of butterflies, wild orchids and other exotic flora and fauna. A short trek to the Mankhim Dara (6,500 ft), a hilltop overlooking the Lampokhari Lake is a must. A footpath leads you to the hilltop, where a temple dedicated to the ethnic Rai community is located. Mankhim provides a breathtaking sunset. The entire hilltop, with three viewpoints, provides a panoramic 360 degree view of the surrounding areas.

A taste of local culture

The local community has come together to promote this place as a tourist destination with diverse activities and facilities. Started in 2006, the Lampokhari Tourism Festival is a huge crowd-puller. The festival, held during end of March and early April, around the time of the Hindu festival of Ramnawami, is an annual affair in Sikkim’s tourism map.

The major attraction of the festival is adventure sports, and there is something to suit every taste and endurance level. There is the leisurely boating in the Lampokhari lake, horse-riding around the lake, traditional archery competition and short treks to nearby hilltops and view points. For the more adventurous, there is rock climbing and para-gliding, which is guaranteed to keep your adrenaline rushing. Organised by the NGO Aritar Dalapchand Lampokhari Development Society and the Sikkim Tourism Department and Sikkim Cultural Affairs and Heritage Department, the festival offers visitors traditional cultural shows, flower exhibition and local ethnic cuisine. The succulent fire-roasted dry meat washed down by local beers and wines, and complemented by an assortment of other local delicacies, is highly recommended.

Fact file

Getting there: Take tourist or share taxis from New Jalpaiguri Railway Station or the

Bagdogra Airport to Gangtok (About three-and-half hours). Direct taxi services are available from Gangtok to Rhenock and then to Aritar. (About two hours)

Accommodation: A number of lodges are situated around Aritar. A recent addition is the

"Couple Houses". Situated just above the banks of the Lampokhari Lake, the cottages are single accommodation units with an attached kitchenette and well-fitted bathrooms. A cafeteria nearby provides meals on order. For details contact: 094341-44082.

Best time: March-April and October-November

Clothing: Light woollens

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