Sikkim, a jewel in India’s northeastern crown, is renowned for its natural beauty, cultural richness, and homestay culture that provides travelers with an authentic experience of local life. Here’s an overview of homestays in Sikkim:
Types of Homestays
Village Homestays: Scattered across Sikkim, these offer insights into rural life, often in places like Yuksom, Pelling, and Namchi, where you can engage in farming, attend local festivals, or learn traditional cooking.
Eco-friendly Homestays: Emphasizing sustainability, these are found in areas like Ravangla and Gangtok. They might practice organic farming, use solar energy, and promote eco-tourism.
Heritage Homestays: Some homestays are located in buildings with historical or architectural significance, offering a blend of comfort and tradition.
Adventure Base Homestays: Especially in areas like Lachung and Lachen, where treks to places like the Dzongri-Goecha La are popular, these homestays cater to adventurers with local guides and information.
Popular Locations for Homestays
Gangtok: The capital, with a mix of urban and rural homestays, offering experiences from city life to nearby natural attractions.
Pelling: Known for its views of Kanchenjunga, homestays here provide a peaceful retreat with cultural immersion.
Yuksom: Often called the ‘Gateway to Kanchenjunga National Park’, it’s ideal for those looking to blend trekking with homestay culture.
Lachung and Lachen: These villages in North Sikkim are famous for their scenic beauty and offer homestays that are gateways to exploring the region’s natural wonders.
Ravangla: With homestays offering breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains and promoting eco-tourism.
Experiences Offered
Cultural Immersion: Learning about Sikkimese culture, including Buddhism, local festivals, and traditional dances or music.
Cuisine: Savoring authentic local food like momos, thukpa, and other dishes made from local ingredients.
Nature and Adventure: Many homestays are perfect bases for trekking, bird watching, or visiting nearby monasteries and natural sites.
Community Interaction: Engaging with the host family, participating in daily chores, or learning crafts like weaving or pottery.
Amenities
Basic: Many homestays offer simple accommodations with shared facilities, focusing on the experience rather than luxury.
Modern: Some, especially around more tourist-heavy areas like Gangtok, might provide modern amenities like Wi-Fi, private bathrooms, and heating or cooling.
Booking and Finding Homestays
Local Tourism Boards: The Sikkim Tourism website often lists registered homestays with contact details.
Online Platforms: Websites like Airbnb, Homestays of India, and local travel platforms offer listings with reviews.
Community-Based Tourism: Some homestays are part of community initiatives for sustainable tourism, offering unique, offbeat experiences.
Considerations
Seasons: Availability can vary with the tourist season; booking in advance is advisable, especially during peak times.
Permits: For areas like North Sikkim, remember you might need special permits, which your host can sometimes help arrange.
Cultural Respect: Understanding local customs, dressing appropriately, especially when visiting monasteries, and being respectful of the family’s lifestyle.
Homestays in Sikkim not only provide a roof over your head but an opportunity to connect deeply with the land, its people, and its traditions, making your journey through Sikkim memorable and enriching.
Sikkim, being one of India’s most eco-conscious states, boasts a selection of eco-friendly homestays that blend sustainability with the unique cultural and natural experiences of the region. Here’s a look at some of the notable eco-friendly homestays in Sikkim:
Eshab Homestay, Sribadam
Location: West Sikkim
Highlights: This homestay practices the three R’s – Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. It features three tribal huts built in the traditional architecture of the Bhutia, Limboo, and Lepcha tribes. The homestay also has an organic farm where vegetables for meals are grown. They offer traditional spa experiences with locally cultivated herbs.
Lake View Nest Eco Retreat & Homestay, Khecheopalri
Location: Near Pelling, West Sikkim
Highlights: Known for its tranquil setting by Khecheopalri Lake, this eco-retreat emphasizes sustainability with organic food, eco-friendly construction, and activities that promote understanding of local ecology and culture.
The Bamboo Retreat, Gangtok
Location: Near Rumtek, East Sikkim
Highlights: Although not strictly a homestay, this eco-retreat is worth mentioning for its permaculture practices. It features lush bamboo groves, organic farming, and recycling initiatives. Guests can participate in permaculture workshops and enjoy Sikkimese cuisine from the garden.
Phamlhakhang Ecohomestay, Pelling
Location: West Sikkim
Highlights: This homestay is praised for its garden and eco-friendly initiatives. It provides access to nature trails and local organic cuisine, promoting a sustainable lifestyle.
Yangsum Farm, Yuksom
Location: West Sikkim
Highlights: An old farm converted into a homestay, Yangsum Farm focuses on organic farming and offers guests a chance to participate in farm activities. The accommodations are simple, aiming to provide an authentic experience with minimal environmental impact.
General Characteristics of Sikkim’s Eco-friendly Homestays:
Organic Farming: Many homestays grow their own food, ensuring meals are fresh, organic, and locally sourced.
Solar Energy: Use of solar panels for heating water, lighting, or even cooking to reduce dependency on non-renewable energy sources.
Waste Management: Composting toilets, recycling, and minimal use of plastics are common practices.
Water Conservation: Rainwater harvesting and efficient use of water resources.
Eco-Construction: Buildings might use traditional materials or designs that are naturally insulating, reducing the need for artificial heating or cooling.
Cultural Preservation: By staying with local families, guests learn about and help preserve Sikkimese traditions and customs.
Education and Participation: Visitors often get involved in sustainable practices, learning about permaculture, local flora and fauna, or cultural heritage.
Finding and Booking:
Websites: Platforms like Homestays of India, Airbnb, or specific Sikkim tourism sites might list eco-friendly options. Look for mentions of sustainability practices in listings.
Local Tourism Offices: They often have lists of certified or recommended eco-friendly accommodations.
Direct Contact: Sometimes, contacting the village councils or local NGOs involved in eco-tourism can lead you to authentic experiences.
When planning to stay in an eco-friendly homestay in Sikkim, consider the impact of your visit on both the environment and the local community. These stays not only offer a unique way to experience the region but also contribute to the conservation of its natural and cultural heritage.