Beyond the capital city of Gangtok, Sikkim’s villages hold the most attractions that a tourist must visit on their trip. Explore these villages and reward yourself with a new and untouched side of Sikkim. You will see a side of Sikkim that is pleasantly different from its mainstream tourist experiences. Going around villages, talking to people, staying at homestays, and learning about the quintessential village life are all part of village tourism or countryside tourism.
Sikkim is India’s first one hundred percent organic state and achieved this status in 2016. Visiting the villages of Sikkim will offer you an opportunity to learn about local culture, traditions and sustainable ways of living. Such tourism also helps in preserving and promoting cultural heritage of a community. Villagers get a chance to show their artistry, music, dance, local customs, etc. to tourists. This enriches a tourist’s travel experience in return. With that being said, if you are planning to go on a Sikkim trip and want to explore Sikkim’s beautiful villages, consider the following places:
5 Best Villages of Sikkim to Visit For Village Tourism
Table of Contents:
1. Lachung
2. Kewzing
3. Darap
4. Ravangla
5. Pastanga
1. Lachung
The mountainous village of Lachung is located in close proximity to international borders. It has beautiful valleys. The pink, white and red rhododendron forests adorn its landscapes. The gurgling Lachung river sustains and nurtures the flora and fauna of this village. The village also boasts orchards of delicious peaches, apples and apricots. This village lies at an elevation of 8,610 ft. Most inhabitants of this village are people from the Bhutia community. If you are visiting this village, do go for a nature walk in Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary. Also explore the famous Zero Point. From Lachung, tourists have to travel 30-40 kilometers to reach the Zero Point (Yume Samdong). You can also visit the serene and divine Laching monastery to meditate or learn about Buddhism.
Where to stay: Tsomola Guest House, Rinzing Chewang Homestay, Khen Khim Regency
2. Kewzing
Located near Lavangla, Kewzing village offers magnificent views of Kanchenjunga mountain range. This quaint and lush village has an altitude of 4600 ft above sea level and lies on Legship-Ravangla Highway. The word Kewzing refers to the ‘land of wheat fields’ in the Bhutia dialect. What surprises you in this village is the small yet beautiful plantations of tea and cardamom. And needless to say, all the cultivation takes place organically with no use of chemicals whatsoever. Due to the presence of a myriad of chestnut trees, it is also called the “land of chestnut forests”. In fact, with a tiny population and little over 30 houses, this village is among the quaintest of Sikkim’s villages. Interact with the lovely locals and learn about their life up in the mountains.
Where to stay? Sherpa Homestay, Kewzing Village, Sosing Homestay
3. Darap
Darap village is one of the idyllic villages in Sikkim to experience countryside tourism. In the last couple of years, active efforts have been made to promote village tourism. Lush paddy fields and flourishing plantations of corn, millet and cardamom give livelihood to its people. This village is free from the mainstream tourist hustle and bustle. and only those in search of newer experiences visit here. With a population of little over 1700, Darap village is inhabited by the Limboo community of Sikkim. Other communities who live in this village are Tamangs, Chettris, Gurungs, Bhutias, and Rais.
Darap lies at an elevation of 5,790 ft above the sea level and is 8 km away from Pelling. The word Darap has its roots in the Limboo dialect’s word “Tan lop” which means plain land. You can visit the old traditional Limbo household. People of Darap live a simple yet meaningful and fulfilling life. The daily routine of people includes milking their cows, making butter and cheese, cultivating their farm lands etc. You, too, can try such activities with villagers to get a taste of a Sikkimese village life.
Where to stay? Daragaon Retreat, Odyssey’s Darap Eco Retreat, Mandavya Homestay
4. Ravangla
Located at an elevation of 8000 ft above sea level, Ravangla is a tourist town of Sikkim. Anyone who seeks to spend time amidst healing nature and learn about Buddhism, must visit Ravangla. This Sikkimese village offers great views of peaks of the four majestic mountain ranges: Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Pandim, Mt. Siniolchu, and Mt. Kabru.
On higher elevations of Ravangla, you will find beautiful forests of orchids and rhododendrons trees. The beauty is in full bloom during the months of April and May. Speaking of its fauna, Ravangla is home to several Himalayan birds like blue-fronted redstarts, grey bush chats, dark-throated thrush, etc. You can go and shop for local items selling at the Ravanagla market.
Where to stay? Korangi Homestay, Vamoose Sherpa Homestay, Chefung Khim Homestay.
5. Pastanga
Pastanga is a sanctuary for nature lovers and bird watchers. Located at a height of 4,700 ft, this quaint village is incredibly serene and full of panoramic views. Many species of butterflies also thrive here — the two most common being Blue Mormon and the Monarch butterflies. The village is dotted with cardamom plantations and a beautiful waterfall. You can also do a small trek to a waterfall and pass through the fascinating bamboo forest.
Where to stay? Martam Village Homestay, Atithi Homestay, Lali Guras Village Homestay
These were the top villages of Sikkim to experience the best of village tourism. Which one of the above villages are you most excited to visit on your next Sikkim tour.
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