Nature · Rangpo
Rangpo to Aritar scenic drive via Rorathang
Follow the Rangpo river upstream from the gateway through Rorathang to Rhenock and Aritar, watching the valley narrow and the forest take over.
Photo: Arup1981 · CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Wikipedia says the Rangpo river comes from the Rongli, Rorathang and Kumrek side. The road from Rangpo follows its valley upstream to Rorathang, about 12 km, then climbs to Rhenock and Aritar.
The drive passes cardamom plots, small villages and the occasional waterfall. In the monsoon the road can have slides, so check current status before you travel.
Stop at Rorathang for tea and at viewpoints your driver knows are safe. The whole route takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to Aritar.
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Questions travellers ask
Before you book
How far is Aritar from Rangpo?
About 30 km by Wikipedia's figure, taking about 1.5 to 2 hours.
Is the road safe?
Usually, but slides can happen after rain. Check current status before you travel and ask your driver.
Is there a shared jeep?
Shared jeeps run to Rorathang and Rhenock, then local vehicles to Aritar. A private car is simpler.
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