Village life · Mankhim
Forest walk from Mankhim down to Aritar
A downhill walk through forest, cardamom plots and farm lanes from the temple ridge to Aritar, with a local guide, avoiding the road's hairpins.
Photo: Rajani Gairshail · CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Paths from Mankhim to Aritar cut across hairpins and run through mixed forest, farm terraces and cardamom shade. A local guide is worth the few hundred rupees: junctions are unmarked and paths change with landslides.
The walk takes about 2 to 3 hours downhill and is steep in places. Wear shoes with grip, carry water and a rain jacket, and start by 9 am. In the monsoon, leeches and slippery earth make it a poor idea.
The forest here is part of the wider Pangolakha landscape, where Wikipedia lists bird species such as laughingthrushes, minlas and yuhinas. Walk quietly and early for the best chances. We never promise any particular animal sighting.
Good for
Questions travellers ask
Before you book
Is the walk down difficult?
It is a steep descent of 2 to 3 hours on earth and stone steps, with slippery sections after rain. Reasonable fitness and good shoes are enough, but seniors may prefer to ride down. Take a local guide and avoid the monsoon.
Do we need a guide?
Yes, we advise one. Paths branch through forest and farmland, and landslides can change routes. A guide costs about ₹300–600 for a half day. Your homestay can arrange this. Agree the price before you set off.
What should we carry?
Water, a rain jacket, a hat, snacks, shoes with grip and a charged phone, though signal can be weak. Bring a small bag for your litter. In the monsoon add leech socks. Ask your host about current trail conditions.
Also in Mankhim
More hours worth planning
Nature
Sunrise at Mankhim ridge
An early drive from Aritar to the ridge, timed for first light on the snow peaks and the valley below. The temple …
Culture
Visiting Sakewa as a guest
A respectful visit to Mankhim during Sakewa, when the Rai gather for the earth festival. You watch dance and listen to recitation …
Food
Hill homestay evening near Mankhim
An evening at a Mankhim hill homestay: dinner cooked at home, tea on the veranda and a quiet night above the lake, …
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 Mankhim
Value
Top1,980M
Pakyong villages: Aritar, Mankhim and Rolep, 4N
Aritar · Mankhim · Rolep
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