spiritual · Aritar, Gangtok
A quiet hour at Aritar gompa
Aritar gompa sits on the slope above Lampokhari and serves the Buddhist families of the village and the hamlets around it. It belongs to the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism, one of the main traditions in Sikkim, and the building is in the familiar Sikkimese style: a sloping roof, painted woodwork, prayer wheels along the walls and murals inside showing the Buddha, great teachers of the lineage and protector deities, painted in strong colours.
Mornings are best. If monks or village elders are at prayer, sit quietly at the side and wait until they finish before you move about. Walk clockwise round the building and turn the prayer wheels with your right hand. Remove shoes before entering the prayer hall, keep hats off and voices low, and ask before taking photographs inside, as some monasteries do not allow it. Dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered.
There is no ticket. A small donation in the box near the entrance, ₹20–100, is customary and goes to the upkeep of the gompa. Combine the visit with Ari Bangla, the old dak bungalow on the same ridge, and a walk down to the lake for a full slow morning. During Losar, the Tibetan new year in February or March, the village is busier and the monastery may hold special prayers.
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Questions people ask
Good to know
Is there an entry fee for Aritar monastery
No. Aritar gompa is free to visit. A small donation of around ₹20–100 in the box near the entrance is customary and helps with upkeep, but it is not required. Remove your shoes before entering the prayer hall, walk clockwise round the building, keep voices low and ask before taking photographs inside, as rules can differ from one monastery to another.
Which tradition does Aritar gompa follow
Aritar gompa belongs to the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism, one of the main monastic traditions in Sikkim alongside the Nyingma. It serves the Buddhist families of Aritar and nearby hamlets, many of them of Bhutia descent. The building is known for its traditional architecture and painted murals, which are worth a slow look in good morning light.
What is the best time of day to visit Aritar gompa
Morning is best, when the light is good on the murals and the gompa is quiet. If prayers are under way, sit at the side and wait. Afternoons are also fine, but you are more likely to find the prayer hall locked if the caretaker is away. Combine the visit with the dak bungalow and the lake for an easy half-day.
