Aritar Gumpa

Aritar Gumpa is a Buddhist monastery located on a hilltop above Aritar village in Pakyong District, Sikkim. Overlooking Lampokhari Lake and the surrounding hills, it is regarded as one of the oldest monasteries in the area. The monastery is noted for its traditional Sikkimese architecture, colourful murals, thangkas and prayer hall, and serves as an active religious centre for the local Buddhist community.

Visitors can expect a small hilltop monastery complex with a prayer hall, prayer wheels, mani walls and traditional murals and thangkas. The site is set amid forested hills with views over Aritar, Lampokhari Lake and the Mankhim ridge. Visitors can walk around the monastery courtyard, observe daily prayers when in session, and enjoy quiet surroundings. Access involves a short uphill walk or drive from Aritar market.

Aritar Gumpa is considered one of the older monasteries in the Aritar region, traditionally associated with Tibetan Buddhism. Tourism and local sources place its establishment in the late 19th century and note its long-standing role as a religious centre for villages around Aritar, preserving traditional murals, thangkas and monastic architecture.

An active monastery for the local Buddhist community, Aritar Gumpa is used for daily prayers, rituals and religious teachings. Its prayer hall, prayer wheels, flags and murals reflect Sikkimese Buddhist traditions and provide visitors with insight into monastic life and Himalayan Buddhist culture.