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 offbeat villages in Sikkim 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 a Himalayan workcation in Sikkim.
So here are ten hidden 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.
Table of Contents
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 and 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.
How to reach: Kaluk is around 115 kilometres from Gangtok. If you are coming from NJP ( New Jalpaiguri Railway Station), you can take a vehicle to Jorethang taxi stand and then take another shared vehicle to Kaluk from there.
Uttarey
Uttarey is a village where trekkers coming down from the Singalia Pass spend their night. However, the village itself is a lovely destination and located around 35 kilometers from the touristy town of Pelling; it is one of the best villages to stay in Sikkim. 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 to the Mainibas waterfalls. During March- April, the blooming rhododendrons make the trail a visual delight.
How to reach: Uttarey is around 35 kilometres from Kaluk, and you can cover the two villages in a single Sikkim trip. You can also reach Uttarey directly from Gangtok or Jorethang on a shared vehicle or by hiring a personal vehicle.
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 for a stay in this lesser-known tourist spot in Sikkim.
How to reach: You can visit Darap from Pelling, which is a popular destination. From Gangtok, the shortest route to Darap is around 115 kilometers, and the journey takes over 4 hours by vehicle. You can combine Darap with a trip to Uttaey as the two villages are around 36 kilometres apart.
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 in Sadam, South Sikkim, is a high cliff with a narrow top and a vertigo-inducing drop on 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.
How to reach: Sadam can be easily reached from the town of Namchi, and also from Pelling. That makes it feasible to combine it with a trip to Darap. The shortest distance between Sadam and Gangtok is around 75 kilometers.
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.
How to reach: You can reach Biksthang directly from Gangtok and also from Pelling. It is around 105 kilometres from NJP railway station, and the journey takes 3.5 hours.
Borong
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 that offer all the facilities. Plus, it is also one of the best offbeat romantic places in Sikkim.
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 Leiothrix, and more are found here.
A few kilometers from the village is the Borong 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.
How to reach: The quaint village of Borong is around 17 kilometers away from the town of Ravangla and around 85 kilometers from Gangtok. From NJP, it is around 135 kilometres.
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.
How to reach: Okhrey is close to the Sikkim-West Bengal border and it will take you around 4.5 hours to reach the village from NJP. It is almost the same distance away – around 135 kilometres- from Gangtok.
Lungchok
The small village of Lungchok offers views of lush green forests, paddy fields, and the majestic views of Mt. Kanchenjunga. Many travelers also include it in the popular Silk Route of Sikkim in East Sikkim, a common Sikkim trip package for tourists. It is also a great destination to explore Sikkim village tourism and local homestays. 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. Additionally, 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. Try tasting Chhang, the local drink. Plus, the sunset colours from the village are fantastic.
How to reach: Lungchok is located near the town of Rongli and the maps also refer to it as Chujachen. Note that locating the village in Google Maps can be tricky as it will direct you towards another spot named Lungchok near Singtam. Search for Lungchok Top Nature View Homestay for accuracy. If you are coming from NJP, the distance is around 135 kilometers and the time for the drive will be close to 5 hours. If you plan to come by a shared taxi, firstly, reach Rongli. From there, you will find taxis to Lungchok.
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 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.
How to reach: The drive to Chaya Tal from NJP takes around 5 hours. From Gangtok, the distance is around 120 kilometers and the drive time is close to 5 hours. It is less than 40 kilometres from Pelling. So you can combine the two spots in a single trip.
Naitam
This tiny village is a treat for solitude lovers and can be a great Himalayan workcation destination in Sikkim. 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.
Since Naitam is a lesser-known tourist destination in Sikkim, only a few homestays are available 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.
How to reach: Naitam is 25 kilometers from Gangtok, and you can easily visit it from the state capital. You can stay close to Gangtok while enjoying the ambiance of a peaceful mountain village in Sikkim.
FAQs
What is the best month to visit Sikkim’s offbeat villages for clear mountain views?
The ideal time for crisp, unobstructed views of snow-capped peaks is between October and December (post-monsoon autumn) and March to May (spring). Spring is also prime time if you want to witness the vibrant blooming of rhododendrons across sanctuaries like Varsey and Okhrey.
Are these offbeat Sikkim villages suitable for a workcation with internet connectivity?
Yes, many villages in Sikkim have seen a significant improvement in mobile network coverage (primarily Jio and Airtel 4G). While remote hamlets like Uttarey or Okhrey can experience occasional fluctuations, places closer to subdivision hubs or villages equipped with homestay Wi-Fi make viable spots for a quiet Himalayan workcation. Check the network availability from the homestay owner.
How can I reach these offbeat destinations in Sikkim?
Most of these villages can be accessed via Bagdogra Airport (IXB) or New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) in West Bengal. While the Pakyong Airport in East Sikkim is closer, you may not find it operational. Besides, the service depends on weather conditions.
Which part of Sikkim is most beautiful to visit?
North Sikkim is often considered to be the most beautiful portion of this small state. However, the road connectivity to North Sikkim depends on weather conditions, and it may remain cut off for a few months, especially during the summer and monsoon months. That said, as we have listed in this article, there are plenty of amazing offbeat village destinations in East and West Sikkim with better accessibility.
Which is better, Zuluk or Pelling?
Pelling is more populated and congested than Zuluk, even though it offers better views of Mount Kanchendzongha. Zuluk is more secluded and is located at a higher altitude. It also provides access to multiple other destinations on the old silk route.
Which is more beautiful, Meghalaya or Sikkim?
These are two of the most beautiful states in Eastern India, and each has its unique charms. Sikkim offers a better view of the high Himalayas and Mt. Kangchenjunga. On the other hand, Meghalaya has a unique geology with hills and plateaus and a vibrant tribal culture. While Sikkim is a great winter destination for snow views, the views are unavailable in the rainy months. However, Meghalaya is one of the best destinations in India during the rainy season and has its own unique charms during the winter months.
Final Thoughts
So, these are 10 of the best village destinations to keep in mind when planning 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 in Sikkim offer great options to choose from.
If you are looking for more similar Himalayan village destinations, check out our guide on North Bengal tourism.
Hello fellow travellers! If you found this Sikkim travel guide helpful, please leave a comment. That helps.
By Suvajit Banerjee
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