Nature · Aritar
Lampokhari Lake dawn walk and boat
A 45 minute loop of Lampokhari Lake at first light, followed by a paddle boat if the counter is open. Mist, forest-edge birds and a quiet shore, before weekend crowds arrive.
Photo: Amitabha Gupta · CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Lampokhari is a narrow lake in a cup of forest and fields at about 1,400 m. The footpath runs along much of the shore and takes around 45 minutes at an easy pace. At 6 am the water is often still, and the boats are tied up. Wikipedia calls it the only boat-ready lake in Sikkim.
Birders can scan the forest edge for common hill species such as bulbuls, laughingthrushes and sunbirds. Bring a light jacket in winter, when mornings are cold, and a rain jacket in the monsoon, when the path is wet and leeches appear on the forest side.
Boats are usually available later in the morning. Fees are small and vary by boat type and season, so check at the counter. Lifejackets should be offered; ask for them, especially for children.
Good for
Questions travellers ask
Before you book
Is boating at Lampokhari open all year?
Usually yes, but not always. Heavy rain, low staffing or maintenance can pause it, and early mornings are before opening hours. Boats are normally a short paddle or rowing hire for a few hundred rupees at most. Check current status before you travel and ask your homestay to call the counter.
How long does the lake walk take?
About 45 minutes at an easy pace for the shore path, longer if you stop for birds or photos. The path is mostly flat but can be muddy after rain. Wear shoes with grip, and keep to the marked path where the lake edge is soft.
Is the lake safe for children?
Yes with supervision. The shore path has no railings in places and the edge can be slippery. On boats, insist on lifejackets and keep children seated. Do not let anyone swim in the lake.
Also in Aritar
More hours worth planning
Culture
Aritar Gumpa and Ari Bangla heritage walk
A slow walk to Aritar Gumpa, a Kagyu monastery, and the 1895 Ari Bangla dak bungalow nearby, with the trade-road history explained …
Village life
Cardamom and farm lane walk
A guided stroll through Aritar's farm lanes, where large cardamom grows under alder shade beside maize, ginger and vegetable plots. You learn …
Nature
Rorathang road falls and Rhenock market drive
A half-day drive on the hill road to Rhenock, stopping at roadside waterfalls named in Wikipedia and wandering the Rhenock bazaar. It …
Price your own route
Tell us dates, people and budget. We send a day-by-day plan with every cost shown. StartNot sure where to start?
We match districts to your month, your budget and the people travelling with you. StartAsk the Gangtok desk
An itemised quote within one working day. No payment to start. StartPackages
Trips that stop in Aritar
Budget
Top1,980M
Aritar weekend: lake, Mankhim and villages
Aritar
Value
Top1,980M
Pakyong villages: Aritar, Mankhim and Rolep, 4N
Aritar · Mankhim · Rolep
Budget
Top4,100M
Silk Route from Gangtok on a budget, 3 nights
Zuluk · Nathang Valley · Aritar
Value
Top4,100M
Silk Route family trip, 4 nights
Aritar · Padamchen · Zuluk
Price your own route
Tell us dates, people and budget. We send a day-by-day plan with every cost shown. StartNot sure where to start?
We match districts to your month, your budget and the people travelling with you. StartAsk the Gangtok desk
An itemised quote within one working day. No payment to start. StartGet my price
Tell us your dates and your budget
Who is travelling, when, and roughly what you want to spend. The Gangtok desk replies within one working day with a day-by-day plan and an itemised price.
- No payment to start
- Permits handled through registered partners
- Every hotel, car and fee listed