Homestay operators ensure that visitors are comfortable in every way. It's important to keep the following points in mind to make your stay as enjoyable as possible. Homestay hosts are trained to provide food and drinking water in a hygienic and palatable manner. Drinking water is boiled, and special dietary requirements can be accommodated if communicated in advance. Guests will be served traditional village foods unless they request otherwise. All homestay operators have been trained to provide clean furnishings and bed linens and can provide extra blankets or other items upon request. Additionally, all homestay operators are trained to clean and maintain acceptable toilet facilities for guests, and toilet paper will be provided. While some homes have Western-style toilets, many do not, so it's important to communicate your needs and remain flexible, as villagers are eager to learn about your culture just as much as you are about theirs.
Dzongu
Dzongu is the homeland of the Lepchas, the original inhabitants of Sikkim, located about 70km north of Gangtok. This picturesque valley offers panoramic views of Mount Khanchendzonga and is home to rare flora and fauna. The Lepcha people practice animism and Buddhism, and the area is surrounded by remote valleys, forests, and alpine zones. Visitors can enjoy invigorating walks, bird watching, and exploring thundering waterfalls. Please note that a Restricted Area permit is required to visit Dzongu.
Kewzing
Kewzing, a traditional Bhutia village 8km from Ravangla in South Sikkim, offers an ideal place to experience the traditional Bhutia (Buddhist) way of life. The Kewzing Tourism Department Committee (KTDC) arranges accommodation, meals, guided walks, and cultural activities. Visitors can enjoy village hikes, visit monasteries, explore cardamom plantations, and take an overnight trek to Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary. Sightseeing tours to nearby attractions are also available.
Pastenga
The picturesque village of Pastenga, only 70 minutes from Gangtok, offers a glimpse of traditional Sikkimese village life. Home to Kirat Rai, Bhutias, and Lepchas, the village is surrounded by rich farmland and forests teeming with bamboo. Visitors can explore traditional houses, cardamom plantations, cultural shows, and an herb garden. For the adventurous, a trek to the remote site of Khedi is also an option.
Yuksum
Yuksum, meaning "meeting place of the Three Learned Ones," is the first capital of Sikkim and holds rich historical significance. The village is a biodiversity hotspot, serving as a base for the famous Yuksam Dzongri Trail inside Khangchendzonga National Park. It is also a birders' paradise, with over 250 bird species and diverse vegetation. Yuksum is home to a diverse ethnic community, including Lepcha, Bhutia, Limboo, and Nepali. The village is a hub for experiencing cultural convergence through homestays promoted by ECOSS and KCC. Additionally, Yuksum provides easy access to other important sites in west Sikkim.
