Even though it is a small state, the amount of Himalayan diversity that Sikkim packs is simply breathtaking. From high-altitude lakes strung across the Tibetan plateau to green rice fields spread across the mountain face, the state has a lot to offer to nature lovers.

While most Sikkim travel trips center around Gangtok, North Sikkim, and the Pelling belt, there are plenty of quaint little villages in Sikkim that are perfect for solitude seekers. Most of these villages have homestays that are a part of community-based tourism and offer traditional hospitality.

The good news is, many of these villages also have a steady internet connection and are great destinations for Himalayan workcation in Sikkim.

So here are ten beautiful villages in Sikkim that can be included in your Sikkim trip itinerary. All these spots can be reached from the Pakyong airport. Otherwise, you can travel to these spots from Bagdogra or NJP. 

Kaluk

Kaluk is a small village in West Sikkim that is around 115 kilometers from Gangtok. The village itself is located in the buffer zone of the Varsey rhododendron sanctuary and is bordered by dense forests. If the skies are clear, you will see Mt. Kanchenjunga towering at one end. At night, you can view the distant lights of Pelling from your room.

Unlike most other villages, there are no homestays in Kaluk. Instead, there are a few resorts that offer comfortable rooms with great views. Both Mandarin Village Resort and Ghondey Village Resort are good options. Kaluk is also a great place for birdwatchers and is home to plenty of Himalayan avian species, especially during spring.

The best time to visit Kaluk is between October to March. This is the period when the sky usually remains clear. However, if you want to hear the sound of rain and enjoy the beauty of cottony clouds over the green mountains, the other seasons are fine too.

Uttarey

Uttarey is a village where trekkers coming down from the Singalia pass spend their night. The village itself is a lovely destination and is around 35 kilometers from the touristy town of Pelling. The village is close to the Nepal border and surrounded by high mountains.

There are multiple other trekking routes from Uttaray, including the Goecha La trek. A few of them, like the ones in the Varsey rhododendron sanctuary, are good treks for beginners. There are a few homestays in the village. The facilities are basic, but comfortable.

There are a few sightseeing spots like the Tenzing Hillary Memorial Park and the Trout Farm. Another attraction is the Kagyu Gumpha which was originally built in 1711. Otherwise, you can simply relax and enjoy the lush setting of the village or enjoy the murmur of the Kalej Khola stream.

A great way to explore the forests around the village is to go for a 5-kilometer-long trek for the Mainibas waterfalls. During March- April, the blooming rhododendrons make the trail a visual delight.

Darap

Less than 10 kilometers away from Pelling, Darap is a picturesque village whose residents are mostly from the Limboo community. Walking through the narrow roads of the lovely village and interacting with the locals are great ways to enjoy the idyllic setting.

You can also visit the small village named Rimbi which is famous for its orange orchards. Other sightseeing options are the Khecheopalri Lake and Kanchenjunga waterfalls. In the evening, you can sit with a warm cup of tea and enjoy the colours of the dusk as darkness slowly envelops the mountains. 

Again, autumn and winter are the two best months for visiting Darap. In spring, the village gets enveloped by various flowers, but the sky can remain cloudy. You can check out the Daragoan Village Retreat (Gurung Homestay- 095939 76152) for a stay in the village.

Sadam

Sadam is a village in the Namchi subdivision of south Sikkim and is an off-beat destination in Sikkim. What makes the village special is the Tarey Bhir viewpoint which offers excellent valley views of the entire south Sikkim and also of Darjeeling in West Bengal.

If you ask me, this is one of the best lesser-known tourist spots in Sikkim. There are a few homestays in Sadam that offer comfortable accommodations.

Tarey Bhir is a high cliff with a narrow top and a vertigo-inducing drop at one side. On the other side, there is a dense forest. A two-kilometer-long walk over the windy trail takes you to the edge of the cliff which offers great views. The hours during sunrise and sunset are perfect for enjoying the beauty of the location.

Biksthang

Biksthang is another village destination in West Sikkim that is a great option for travellers looking for solitude in Sikkim. It is a great place for birders and on a clear day, you can get lovely views of Mount Kanchenjunga as well.

The village is around 104 kilometers from the state capital Gangtok and has a few resorts. As of now, there are no homestays in the village. The Bliss Village resort in Biksthang has good facilities spread across a large area and is a great choice for families.

Biksthang is a great place to relax and enjoy the serenity of a mountain village. There are plenty of sightseeing opportunities too. You can visit the Rinchenpong Monastery or the Samdruptse Hill near Namchi. The weather remains pleasant year-round and apart from the monsoon, Biksthang can be visited at any time of the year.

Borong

The quaint village of Borong is around 17 kilometers away from Ravangla and around 85 kilometers from Gangtok. With dense forests, snow-capped mountain peaks, and colourful birds, Borong offers a perfect break from the chaos of city life. There are a few hotels and homestays around the area which offer all the facilities.

While it is not in focus like the common tourist spots in Sikkim, Borong is a popular destination for bird photographers. Species like Sunbirds, Black Bulbul, Yuhina, Redfinch, red-billed Leothrix and more are found here.

A few kilometers from the village is a hot spring, located on the banks of the Rangeet River. Another attraction is a waterfall known as the Silver Falls. You can also visit the Ralam monastery and the Tathagata Tsal near Ravangla.

I wouldn’t suggest visiting Borong in the rainy season as leeches can be a problem. For birding March and April are the best months. I have stayed in the Wildflower Retreat in Borong, and it is a lovely place to enjoy the peaceful setting.

Okhrey

Okhrey is a village that can be called the gateway to the Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary. However, this typical Sikkimese village is no less beautiful on its own. You get fantastic views of the rolling mountains and valleys from the village homestays. Okhrey is around 120 kilometers from Gangtok and around 130 kilometers from New Jalpaiguri.

You can go for nature walks around the village or hike to the lovely village called Latitar. The best season for visiting Okhrey is between mid-March and April. This is the period when rhododendron flowers bloom in the sanctuary and can cover the entire forest in a flaming shade of red.

From Okhrey, you can drive to Hilley and then trek to Varsey through a forested trail. The trail is easy and you can spend a night in Varsey to enjoy great views of Mt. Kanchenjunga.

Lungchok

The small village of Lungchok offers views of lush green forests, paddy fields, and the majestic views of Mt. Kanchenjunga. It also lies on the popular Silk Route of Sikkim in East Sikkim, a common Sikkim trip package for tourists. Some of the homestays are located at the top of the hill and offer a 360-degree view of the mountains.

Lungchok is located at an altitude of 6700 feet and it gets quite cold in the winters. Aditionally, it also offers access to the snow viewpoints around Zuluk. You can also visit the nearby Rolep village and enjoy the view of the river and Budhdha waterfall.

Another option is to laze around and interact with the homestay owners and learn about the local customs. The local organic food is another attraction that you will love.

Chaya Tal

Chaya Tal, also known as Hee Patal, is a lovely little village located near the small Chaya Lake in West Sikkim. Apart from the peace and quiet of the forest, the village also offers great views of Mt. Kanchenjunga. The village is around 140 kilometers from New Jalpaiguri and 38 kilometers from Pelling. 

There are a few homestays and resorts near the village that provide excellent facilities. You can take a short hike to the lake and spend a few minutes enjoying the quietness of the place. The locals never eat the fish caught from the lake but offer it to the temple on the bank. 

Due to its vicinity to the Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary, April is the best month to enjoy the beauty of the blooming rhododendrons. The Chayatal heritage Homestay is a good place to spend a few nights.

Naitam

This tiny village is located around 25 kilometers from Gangtok and is a treat for solitude lovers. With a wide variety of colorful birds in the forests around the village, it is another hotspot for bird photographers and butterfly enthusiasts. In addition, you also get superb views of the Kanchenjunga range on a clear day.

For the best mountain views hike to the Tashi Choling gompha, around a kilometer from the village. You can also walk to the upper reaches of the village to get a view of the Pakyong airport. On the other side of Naitam is another village called Changthang, which is another great spot for bird watching.

Naitam is a less-known tourist destination in Sikkim, and only a few homestays are opening up in the village. The other option is to stay in Gangtok and visit the village on a day trip. You can call the Hidden Village Homestay ( 07001883611) and check for accommodation.

Final Thoughts

So these are ten of the best village destinations to keep in mind when you plan for your next Sikkim trip. Obviously. these are not the only villages in Sikkim that have a charming setting. But when you want to look beyond the common tourist destinations in Sikkim like Gangtok, Pelling and Ravangla, these are some great spots to start with.

To start with, take a look at the tourist map of Sikkim and plan your route. All four tourist zones of Sikkim have some great options to choose from.

Hello fellow travellers! If you found this Malta travel guide helpful, please leave a comment. That helps.

By Suvajit Banerjee

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