Mankhim Khambu Valley Homestay

MANKHIM

Mankhim is the hilltop adjacent to the popular destination of Aritar, in the village of Dalapchand under the Rongli Sub-Division of Eastern Sikkim. Mankhim is a small hill top in the state of Sikkim, India. Mankhim is mainly the habitat of the Rai. From Mankhim one can feel the touch of the pure air that blows here all through. Here the sounds Eco on the mountains and comes back. As the powerful wind blows through the long trees, they produce a roaring sound throughout day and night. At Mankhim one will find numerous species of Himalayan ambush and flowers that grows in this region, also there are views green Coloured Mountain stretches. There is also a view point at Mankhim from a majestic view of Mt. Kanchenjunga can be seen. Mankhim is actually located on a small hill top. The altitude is about 6500 ft. From Mankhim one can visit to the nearest emerging destination Pitmachen, which is also the boundary of West Bengal. There is temple of Lord Shiva which is owned and maintained by the Rai. As the bell of the temple sound it is heard from a far distance. The road to the view point is made of stone and small boulders. From Mankhim one can see the view of Mt, Kanchenjunga along with the other peaks like Mt. Kabru and Mt. Siniolchu. From the view point of Mankhim the 180 degree range Mt. Kanchenjunga can be captured by the naked eyes. From Mankhim a route has gone downwards towards a Lake locally called Lampokhri. Mankhim offers a breathtaking view of the Lampokri Lake. On a Day tour one can walk around the lake and facilities of boating are also available which can be added in the to-do list of the tour. If there is enough time one can visit to the nearest destination Mulkharka Lake at Lingsey, this is mainly a trekking route. One these hilly terrains small wooden houses of the locals are beautifully decorated with wide varieties of colourful flowers. The locals use their own house as means of accommodations for the tourists as homestays. From the window of almost every house offers a panoramic view of Mt. Kanchenjunga. At Mankhim the locals used to serve the foods and vegetables which are organic and grown at their own farm. As the sun sets at Mankhim, the temperature drops down instantly. The universe becomes full of stars, those seems of come down to the land. The whole region seems like a planetarium. The night braes start their call in the jungles nearby. As the night comes the hamlet lightens up with the lights of the small houses on these terrains. Mankhim can be reached from Kalimpong via Algarah and Pedong. At Mankhim nature and history has an awesome blend. From Mankhim at about 5 km is Aritar to the downward side. Long stretched of Pine, Fir, Guraus (Rhododendron) and Orchids are common at this place. The Aritar Lake is at an altitude of about 4800 ft above sea level. The water of the lake is very calm and silent. On the western part of Aritar is the Kanchenjunga Range at the East Nathula Pass border and the Jelep La pass and on the southern part long stretches of Dooars. From the Aritar Lake, within ten minutes walking distance is the Aritar Gumpha, locally named as Lampokhri Monastry. The periphery of the Gumpha is surrounded by colourful prayer flags and bells. Inside the Gumpha there is statue of Guru Padmasambhav. This is one of the main Gumpha of the Tibetian Buddhists, Kagaiyappa tribes of Sikkim. The tradition and the photos of the ancient culture are one of the main watchable of this Gumpha. In this Gumpha very ancient scriptures are being preserved. One with lost themselves in the ancient Sikkiimese tradition and culture in this Gumpha. During the British rule, Sir James Clove White used to stay at Aritar. He reached Tibet via Kalimpong, Jelep La and Aritar. He used the route of Indo- Tibet border, Silk Route of east Sikkim. In the year 1896 he took the initiative and built the Dak Bungalow of Aritar. Locally known as British Bungalow. A well decorated Bungalow with varieties of Orchids and other species of unknown flowers. From Aritar at about a drive of 15 minutes is Mankhim. Mankhim is an ideal place to view the sunrise from the backdrop of Mt. Kanchenjunga. From Mankhim top a route has gone to the upward direction towards the Rai Temple, one the way one you come across many Rhododendrons those are blossoming here. At the forefront a small monastery of Kirat Rai. This monastery is the meditation point of the local tribe of this region. From the monastery the Lake (Lampokhri) clearly visible, a horse shoe shaped lake.

How to Reach: One can reach Mankhim directly from Siliguri, via Rongpo, distance is about 75 kilometer. From there via Rehnok to Aritar. From Aritar, Mankhim is about 5 kilometer. Jeeps are easily available. Aritar can also be reached from Gangtok, via Rhenock which is about 116 kilometer. Another route from Sliliguri, via Kalimpong – Pedong – Rishi – Rhenock – Aritar.