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Sikkim, the tiny jewel nestled in the Himalayas of Northeast India, is known for its stunning natural scenery of snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, pristine lakes, and Buddhist monasteries. While there are many hotels and resorts to choose from when visiting, staying in a homestay is often the best way to truly experience authentic Sikkimese hospitality and culture. Homestays offer a cozy, friendly environment while allowing visitors intimate glimpses into daily local life. They are also much more reasonably priced than hotels.
Here are some of the best homestays in Sikkim find when traveling in this magical land, in no particular order:
Located close to MG Marg in the heart of Gangtok, Mimah Homestay is run by a friendly local family. The simple but comfortable rooms with wooden floors and Buddhist wall hangings have all the basic amenities. The meals make it one of the best homestays in Sikkim. Delicious home-cooked meals feature traditional Sikkimese and Indian cuisine. The family offers helpful travel advice and can arrange tours, day trips, permits, and transport. Rates start at around ₹1,200 per night.
Set amidst abundant greenery just above Pelling Town, Tara Homestay feels secluded and peaceful but is within walking distance from the main market area. Clean, bright rooms decorated with bamboo furniture overlook the garden and mountain views. The attentive host offers guided nature walks to nearby waterfalls as well as transport services. Breakfast features a generous spread of local dishes. Rates are around ₹1,900 per night.
Run by apple farmer Sonam Bhutia and his wife, this homestay in the breathtaking Lachung Valley provides a window into traditional village life in North Sikkim. Comfortable wood-paneled rooms have basic amenities and hot water bottles to keep warm. Hearty meals using fresh farm-grown organic vegetables are served in the rustic kitchen. Sonam also provides apple orchard tours and local guiding services. Rates are around ₹1,500 per night.
Nestled amidst cardamom plantations and expansive gardens, this family-owned heritage home blends history with hospitality. Guests can opt for charming rooms in the main 1915 farmhouse or independent cottages, and it makes this place one of the best homestays in Sikkim. Cultural shows, farm visits, and organic Sikkimese meals immerse visitors into rural Sikkimese life. Yangsum also works to empower local women through income generation. Rates are around ₹3,500 per night with full board meals.
In Dzongu, the heartland of the native Sikkimese Lepcha tribe, visitors can experience authentic indigenous culture at this homestay run by Lama Gonpad and their family. Guests are warmly welcomed as part of the family and can participate in daily activities like cooking traditional cuisine using foraged herbs and wild greens. Guided walks showcase surrounding villages, holy caves, and Kanchenjunga views. Rates are reasonable at around ₹1,200 per night, including meals.
With incredible views of snowy peaks and the Ralong Valley, this homestay on an organic vegetables and spices plantation is perfect for nature lovers. The warm family hosts provide farm tours and village walks, highlighting local culture and biodiversity. Rooms feature handmade wooden furniture and cozy private balconies for gazing at dazzling Himalayan sunsets. Rates are quite affordable, around ₹1,500 per night with full board organic meals.
True to its name, this homestay located near the sparkling Lachung River offers uninterrupted vistas of snow-laden Himalayan giants like Shilla Peak from each room’s windows and balcony, giving it a place in the list of the best homestays in Sikkim. The friendly host, Dawa Bhutia, serves delicious home-cooked meals featuring local cuisine made from Lachung’s famous red rice and wild herbs. Guests can also opt for short village hikes to Singhini’s ‘magic’ hot springs. Rates are around ₹1,700 per night with full board.
Perched on a high mountain slope surrounded by fruit orchards above Gnathang Valley, this warm countryside retreat offers a peaceful alternative to the hectic Gangtok. Rustic wooden-floored rooms feature breathtaking Himalayan views from sit-outs. Hearty organic meals cooked in a traditional wood-fired hearth use farm fresh produce. Sonam arranges cultural shows and local sightseeing trips. Rates are approximately ₹1,400 per night, including full board.
In the same peaceful valley as above, Dakmara homestay is run by a charming elderly couple who treat guests like long-lost family. Clean, cozy rooms have abundant charm, showcasing carved wooden panels and vintage touches, which make them among the best homestays in Sikkim. Mrs. Manger whips up astounding regional cuisine with farm-fresh spices, cheese, and more in their soot-covered traditional kitchen. The gracious hosts love sharing stories about local history and culture over home-brewed wine by the hearth. Rates are around ₹1,200 per night, including full board meals and wine.
With astounding views of snow-draped Kanchenjunga stretching across wide valley vistas, this homestay’s peaceful location above Pelling Town makes it a winner. Bright, clean rooms open onto a shared balcony, offering uninterrupted panoramas from each angle. Friendly owner Passang Bhutia serves fabulous home-cooked meals featuring local organic ingredients. Day trips around West Sikkim can also be arranged. Rates start at around ₹1,200 per night.
Nestled on a hillside enveloped by cardamom and ginger plantations near Uttarey village, this homestay gives visitors a sense of Sikkimese village life. Watching hosts Tempa and Nima cook traditional cuisine over a woodfire hearth is a highlight, making it one of the best homestays in Sikkim. The area’s chief attraction of ancient rock carvings and paintings at Bermiok-Labdang, as well as treks, can be arranged. Rates are quite reasonable, around ₹1,100 per night, including delicious organic meals.
Named after footballer Baichung Bhutia, this homestay with breathtaking views of Kanchenjunga and surrounding valleys has clean, comfortable rooms exuding rustic charm with lovely sitting areas to relax in. Delicious home-cooked meals mainly feature organic ingredients from their large vegetable garden, tended with care by M/s Bhutia and her family, who take great pride in providing a memorable experience for each guest. Rates are around ₹1,700 per night with full board.
An oasis of serenity tucked amid the lush cardamom groves blanketing the hills around Ravangla, this aptly named homestay truly provides a peaceful retreat to soothe the soul. Charming wooden cottages exude simple rural beauty, set against the scenic backdrop of verdant forests and farmlands sweeping across the surrounding valley.
For those seeking gentle adventure, Tempa can also arrange guided day hikes through spice-scented forests or casual strolls to explore nearby hamlets. Truly an oasis far from urban chaos, rates to find your inner peace here start around a reasonable ₹900 per rejuvenating night.
This homestay is located very close to Pelling town yet seems enveloped by nature. Bright, spacious rooms with charming traditional touches overlook profuse gardens. You can watch birds while savoring tasty organic meals featuring veggies straight from their garden, accompanied by friendly hosts Shanta and Ugen Sethi’s delightful company. Local sightseeing trips are happily arranged on request. Rates are quite reasonable, from ₹1,100 per night.
If you are seeking to escape touristy areas and experience authentic village life, Mangalbar homestay near Rumtek monastery is the perfect choice. Anita Rai’s big, welcoming family treats guests like their own, letting them participate in daily household chores, cooking lessons, farm activities like feeding Mithun cattle, weaving sessions, and more to intimately experience real Sikkimese culture. Rates are amazingly affordable at ₹700 per night, including all organic meals and activities.
Located away from Sikkim’s popular tourist routes, closer to the Darjeeling border, the Avilasha Homestay presents visitors with a rare chance to discover the rich cultural legacy of the state’s native Lepcha community. Run by the gracious Lepcha family near Rhenock town in East Sikkim, this homestay offers an intimate glimpse into indigenous customs through its unique experiences. Watch as the skilled Lepcha women demonstrate the intricate traditional art of weaving on looms made of bamboo while housed inside charming bamboo dwellings reflecting ancient architectural styles.
These features make it one of the best homestays in Sikkim. The family also enthusiastically leads guided walks for guests to explore historic caves marked with ancient Lepcha rock carvings hidden nearby that provide a portal into the original tribal culture. Beyond delving into profound heritage, the homestay provides clean, comforting lodging and delicious meals featuring local Lepcha cuisine to nourish the body as well. Rates are quite reasonable at around ₹1,000 per night, including all meals showcasing native flavors.
Run by deeply hospitable couple Pemba Bhutia and wife, this homestay near Rabong Monastery offers immersion into cultural and village life. Watch hosts cook cuisine with foraged herbs on a traditional hearth. Milk cows, harvest cardamom, or weave bamboo baskets during your stay. Located off the tourist track ensures an authentic experience. The rate is ₹1,100 per night with full-board organic meals.
In all, staying in a warm and welcoming homestay is one of the best aspects of visiting incredible Sikkim, offering visitors comfort while opening doors to experiencing authentic culture, cuisine, and hospitality unique to the region that no hotel can match. I hope this list of some of the best homestays in Sikkim helps you choose an amazing retreat catered to your tastes for a vacation as unique as the captivating land itself. Let the friendly Sikkimese hosts make your trip one to cherish forever amidst breathtaking Himalayan beauty.
