Nestled within the great Himalayan mountain ranges is the amazing city of Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. It is known for its stupas, monasteries, and serene views of Mt.Kanchenjunga. It definitely is a must-visit destination to soak in views of towering mountains, go hiking, and trekking.
Now if you’re looking for an authentic experience while traveling to Gangtok, consider staying in a homestay. It is one of the most immersive ways to experience Gangtok. You will enjoy delicious homecooked meals and gain insider knowledge on the best places to explore in Gangtok. If you’re interested in the idea of unique accommodation, here are some of the best homestays in Gangtok to consider.
Aura Homes is one of the best homestays in Gangtok and perfect for budget-friendly travelers. The property offers a 360-degree view of the city and is located in the interiors of the town, cut off from any noise. But don’t worry the property isn’t completely isolated from things to see. In fact, it sits in close proximity to several tourist attractions.
So if you have planned to do a lot of sightseeing this property will be ideal for you. Popular places to visit nearby include the Hanuman Temple, Enchey Monastery, Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre, Ganesh Tok, Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary, and Tashi View Point. You can also go check out the local market, Lal Bazar which is within walking distance from the homestay.
Another perk of living here is that there is a caretaker on the premises to cater to any of your requirements. Overall, rooms with a good view and comfortable amenities await travelers at Aura Homes.
Food Availability: The property has an in-house restaurant to feed your appetite. You can enjoy a good homecooked meal along with an enchanting view.
Accessibility: Pakyong airport is the closest airport to Aura Homes. From the airport, it takes about 1 hour and 25 minutes to reach the homestay via taxi. The homestay is also easily accessible from the SNT Bus station.
Ideal For: Individuals, families, and couples.
Pet Friendliness: This property does not entertain pets.
Rate: Starts at INR 1,240 per night.
Location – Chandmari Rd, Chandmari, Gangtok, Sikkim.
Also Read: Homestays In Sikkim
Mr. and Mrs. Chandra Rai are the hosts of Norling Homestay and they welcome each of their guests with warm hearts. Their kindness and amiable personalities are what make this homestay special. Their property also enjoys a prime location, it is only 3 km away from M. G. Road. Nearby tourist attractions to explore from here include Gangtok Ropeway, Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden, Bakthang waterfall, and Do Dhrul Chorten among many others.
Giving a vintage yet modern vibe, this homestay has a really beautiful décor inside out. Some rooms also have appealing balconies decorated with plants on the railings. You can get a gorgeous view of the foggy hills of Gangtok from your room here.
Food availability: The Chandra Rai family provides scrumptious homecooked food. The meals can be tailored as per your individual taste, so you feel absolutely at home.
Accessibility: The property is easily accessible from both Bagdogra airport (74.9 km) and Paro airport (82 km). You can avail of a taxi from the airport to reach Norling homestay.
Ideal For: Individuals, families, and married couples.
Pet Friendly: This property does not allow pets.
Rate: Starts at INR 2,408 per night
Location: Opp. Old Jewels Gate, M.P.Golai, Tadong, Gangtok, Sikkim.
Also read: Traveling To Gangtok Guide
Karma Casa A Boutique Homestay is a property where you enter the property as strangers to the hosts but leave making them your friends. All credit for creating such an atmosphere goes to the hosts, Mr. Karma Wangchuk, and his family. You will find that they go the extra mile to provide great hospitality for their guests.
Another great reason to pick this homestay is that you will be blessed with a picturesque view of the city and the Kanchenjunga. The property is also close to tourist attractions like Ganesh Tok and the Sikkim Himalayan Zoological Park. If you’re up for some more sightseeing but unsure what to explore you can sit for a chat with the owner to guide you on the same. The rooms at the property are spacious and also come with a private patio. So when you’re tired from all the sightseeing, you can sit and unwind with a view on the patio.
Food Availability: The property has its own restaurant with a dinner buffet and also provides free breakfast. You wouldn’t want to miss out on the delicious home-cooked momos and thukpa here.
Accessibility: Karma Casa A Boutique Homestay is accessible from two airports. So, whether you arrive at Paro Airport or Bagdogra Airport, the property is equidistant from both of them.
Ideal For: Individuals and married couples.
Pet Friendliness: No pets are allowed on this property.
Rate: Approximately starts at INR 2,158 per night.
Location: 2nd Mile, Jawaharlal Nehru Rd, Gangtok, Sikkim.
Also Read: Lakes In Sikkim
Located in the census town of Tadong, this amazing homestay gives away a homely vibe and all the comforts of modern living. If you’re someone looking to get away from the uproar of the city, then this is the place for you. Tara’s Urban Homestay is also located in a convenient spot to avail local transport. You can also visit the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, which is only a 9-minute drive from here to enlighten yourself about the Tibetan cultural era.
The best part is that Tara and her husband Manoj, are welcoming and are just a call away to cater to your needs and ensure you have a comfortable stay. It’s always better to know someone who has good contacts around a place, and Tara and Manoj are just the people you need.
The homestay is well facilitated and covers all the essentials. The rooms are well spaced and offer remarkable views. The amenities offered here include airport pick/drop, room service, kitchenette, Wi-Fi, and free breakfast.
Food Availability: You’ll be treated to some lip-smacking food here at Tara’s Urban Homestay. There are also other restaurant options within a distance of 3 to 4 minutes.
Accessibility: The closest airport to the property is the Pakyong airport. It takes only about 2 hours to reach the property via taxi. The hosts also provide transport services to and from the airport.
Ideal For: Families, individuals, and married couples.
Pet Friendliness: Furry friends are welcome at this property.
Rate: Starts at INR 4,275 per night.
Location: Khadka Complex, Lingding Rd, below ICAR Colony, Daragoan, Upper Tadong, Tadong, Gangtok, Sikkim.
Also read: Adventure Sports In Sikkim
Tashi Norkhil Villa is located away from the city's hustle, so if you’re looking for accommodation that features silence and solitude, this would be perfect. The calm atmosphere of the property is sufficient to cure your blues. The property also features an open terrace where you can enjoy watching the sunrise and the night sky.
Ranka Monastery, Ban Jhakri Falls Park, and Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden are a few of the popular tourist places which are in close proximity to the homestay. The hosts, Sanjay, and his family are very friendly and helpful. They also arrange for vehicles for sightseeing. A family environment is what Tashi Norkhil has to extend to its guests. You should know that they have three types of rooms at this homestay, semi-deluxe, deluxe, and cottage rooms. All rooms are large, featuring minimal decor, and airy.
Food Availability: There’s a shared kitchen for the guests to use. You can try the Indian, local and Chinese dishes prepared by the in-house chef.
Accessibility: It is best to arrive at this homestay from Pakyong airport. It is the closest airport at a distance of about 1 hour 19 mins by taxi.
Ideal For: Solo travelers, families, and married couples.
Pet Friendliness: Pets are not allowed at this property.
Rate: Starts at INR 2,120 per night.
Location: Luing road, Sangtong, Ranka Rd, Gangtok, Sikkim.
Enchanted Forest Farm is a beautiful boutique accommodation run by Deep and his wife Priya. The property is set amidst lush greenery and you will truly be living in the lap of nature. Chirping birds and the buzz of insects will be the only sounds accompanying you during your stay here.
The atmosphere here will clear and refresh your mind. The cottages at this property are tastefully decorated and each room is truly one of a kind. Deep and Priya do their best to ensure you have a comfortable stay and a restful state of mind. They also have an in-house kitchen where they can arrange piping hot meals for you. All in all, if you’re looking for a homestay to meditate, relax, and for time to slow down, this is the place for you.
Food Availability: There aren’t many restaurants in close proximity to the property but you won’t have to worry about your meals. The hosts can arrange for your lunch and dinner at additional costs. Do note that breakfast is complimentary.
Accessibility: The nearest airport to this property is the Bagdogra airport, situated at a distance of 133 km. By road, it will take you roughly 4.5 hours to reach the homestay.
Ideal For: Individuals, families, and couples.
Pet Friendliness: This is a pet-friendly homestay so you can bring your furry friends along.
Rate: Starting at approximately INR 4,000 per night.
Location: C/o O.P. Basnett,, 5/31(1), Near Parbing School,, Ranka-Parbing, Gangtok, Sikkim 737101
Located at a fair distance from the airport, this property has a lot to offer. The host Sonam and her family are a friendly bunch. Apart from the various amenities like free parking and Wi-Fi they also offer home-cooked food.
There are five spacious bedrooms to choose from, all of which are clean, neat, and humble. The best part about opting to stay here is the easy accessibility to the nearby tourist attractions. Tsomgo Lake, Rumtek Monastery, Hanuman Tok, you name it and you’ll find them within 10 km from Pegs Homestay.
Food Availability: The hosts of the property offer homely food. However, you can also try some of the nearby restaurants like Shuffle Momos, Café Live & Loud, Roll House, and many others should you choose to dine out.
Accessibility: If you’re planning on traveling by train the closest railway station is New Jalpaiguri. From New Jalpaiguri you can take a taxi to Pegs Homestay. However, if you’re traveling by flight, you can arrive at Bagdogra Airport and get a taxi to Pegs Homestay. It is about 79 km from the airport.
Ideal For: Family and couples
Pet Friendliness: This property allows pets.
Rate: Starts at INR 3,320 per night.
Location: House no 77, Upper Sichey, opp. DC Office, Gangtok.
Also read: Traveling To Sikkim Guide
Ronglyang Homestay is a wonderful luxurious stay that can give tough competition to the best of chain hotels in Gangtok. The property overlooks a range of mountains and has nothing obstructing its views. It is the perfect fit for any of you looking for an airy rustic retreat. The property also features a pool so if you love swimming this could be just the place for you.
You should know that the homestay also enjoys a good location. It is only 2.3 km away from the Palzor stadium and 2.7 km away from the Enchey monastery. A couple of nearby attractions from the property include the Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre, Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, Do Dhrul Chorten, Ganesh Tok, and the Tashi View Point.
Food Availability: The homestay serves vegetarian breakfast and can arrange homecooked meals for you. If you wish to dine out you can try continental cuisines from Porky’s restaurant and a complete Indian meal from Annapurna Dhaba. Both these restaurants are close to the homestay.
Accessibility: The nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport, which is about 76 km from the homestay. You can get a taxi service from the airport to Ronglyang homestay. Since the property is away from the hustle and bustle of the city, it can be difficult to access public transport. However, the hosts of the property do offer to make arrangements for your pick up and drop, in case you wish to avail of it.
Ideal For: Individuals, families, and couples.
Pet Friendly: Pets are not allowed at this property.
Rate: Starts at INR 2,240 per night.
Location: Upper Syari, Gangtok, Sikkim.
Summing Up
Gangtok is a picturesque town nestled in the Himalayas and is home to some of the best homestays in India. If you're looking for an authentic travel experience, look no further than the comfortable homestays on this list. From breathtaking views to mouth-watering cuisine, these homes away from home will make your trip unforgettable.
Are Homestays Cheaper Than Hotels?
You won’t find yourself paying an exorbitant amount for homestays. They are comparatively way cheaper than traditional chain hotels because they feature less luxurious amenities.
What Is A Homestay Room?
A homestay room is an accommodation type that is part of somebody’s home. The owner/host of that home accommodates you as a guest by partially converting part of their property into lodging rooms. Homestays don’t function like traditional hotels but have a more personalized touch to their services.
Do Host Families Provide Food?
Most homestays will arrange home cooked meals for you on prior request. However, it is not an obligation that homestays always take care of your meals. In such cases you can always dine out at local restaurants for meals.
How Is Homestay Different From A Regular Hotel?
When you are accommodated in a homestay, you will get to learn about the lifestyle and culture of the family you are living with. In a regular hotel, you don’t form personal connections with the staff. Things are way more personal and you feel at home in a homestay in comparison to a chain hotel. Regular hotels are also more expensive and feature more amenities.
Are Homestays Safe?
Homestays can be a safer option sometimes. The locals can give you a broader idea regarding the area. They can guide you better in terms of the local transport and can give you a heads-up in case there’s anything their guests need to be aware of.
How Many Days Are Enough For Gangtok?
You can explore Gangtok in a single day with the help of a well-planned itinerary, but if the weather is too cozy to leave, you can stay in Gangtok for at least 4 more days.
When Can We See Snow In Gangtok?
Try visiting Gangtok between the last weeks of December and the early days of February. That's when snowfall is prominent in this city.
How Far Is Nathula Pass From Gangtok?
Nathula Pass is approximately 56 km from Gangtok.
