Culture and history · Aritar
Sunrise from Mankhim above the lake
Climb or drive to Mankhim, the Rai community shrine on the ridge above Aritar, for dawn over the hills. On clear winter mornings the Kanchenjunga range rises in the west and Lampokhari lies below.
Mankhim is a shrine of the Rai, one of the Kirati peoples of the eastern Himalaya, and the word itself is the Rai term for a community place of worship. The shrine at Aritar sits on a ridge above the village and the lake, with prayer flags, a small temple compound and open ground around it. Local Rai families gather here for their own rituals and festivals, and visitors are welcome to come quietly and look out from the edge.
It is also the best viewpoint near Aritar. Go up before sunrise on a clear morning, ideally between October and March, and you may see the Kanchenjunga range far to the west, catching the first light above layer after layer of hills. Below, Lampokhari shows as a slim strip of water in the forest. Most cars can reach close to the top; walkers can take steps and paths from near the lake, which is steep but short.
Treat it as a place of worship first and a viewpoint second. Take off your shoes where asked, do not climb on structures, speak quietly and ask before photographing anyone at prayer. Leave a small donation if you like. Carry a warm layer, as dawn on the ridge is cold in winter, and a torch for the walk up in the dark.
Cost: Free · donation at the shrine welcome
Questions people ask
Good to know
Can you see Kanchenjunga from Aritar?
Yes, on clear mornings the Kanchenjunga range is visible from Mankhim, the ridge above Aritar, far to the west. October to March gives the best chances, especially early in the morning before cloud rises. In the monsoon months the view is usually hidden.
What is Mankhim at Aritar?
Mankhim is a shrine of the Rai community on the ridge above Aritar and Lampokhari. Mankhim is the Rai word for a community place of worship. It is also the best viewpoint around Aritar, so visitors should come quietly and respect it.
How do we get up to Mankhim?
Cars can drive most of the way up to Mankhim from Aritar, and walkers can take steeper steps and paths from near the lake in about 30–45 minutes. Carry a torch if you go for sunrise, and wear shoes with grip, as the path can be damp.
Also in Aritar
More things to do
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