Yakten Village: Sikkim’s Hidden Gem for Nature Lovers and Digital Nomads

Located in the fertile foothills of South Sikkim, Yakten village, 10 km above Pakyong Airport (35km from Gangtok), is a serene Himalayan village that is emerging quickly on the off the beaten track travel itinerary. A relaxing village of verdant forests, flowering mountain orchids and an expansive view of the snow-capped Himalayas Yakten is a perfect escape from the stress and noise of city life. The biodiversity and warm welcome from locals in Yakten is a gift for those who love nature and those who are on a mindful journey wanting to value the calm and serenity of nature.

What Makes Yakten Special

Located at an altitude of about 5,300–6,000 ft, Yakten provides panoramic views of snow‑capped peaks like Kanchenjunga, Kumbhakarna, and Kabru at sunrise from different vantage points, such as Jhandi Dara Viewpoint. The alpine forests in the vicinity abound with rare Himalayan orchids, colorful butterflies, and differing kinds of birdlife, making it a mecca for nature lovers and photographers.

Activities You Can Enjoy

• Hike to Jhandi Dara (about a 3–7 km trek): 

Winding paths through forests of rhododendron, with stunning views of the Himalayan range.

• Visit Budaang Gadi (the ruins of Bhutia Fort) and Bojeytaar Cave:

both reachable by short hikes through forests where you can find orchards and birds.

• Nearby Serendipity House and Kartok Monastery:

offer cultural connection with how people lived in the region and Buddhist culture.

• Village walks & homestays:

Take some village walks, and homestays and taste organic home-grown vegetables, delicious local Sel Roti/clay oven-roasted rice dishes and various local chu-tneys, and interact with the communities of Limboo, Buddhist, and Hindu peoples.

What is a Digital Nomad Village in India?

There currently are eight eco-homestays designed to afford 100-1100 Mbps ultra-high-speed broadband, guaranteed backup lines, no power cuts, ergonomically designed workspace aesthetics, and water supply upgraded under "Jal Jeevan Mission". This was part of an aspiration towards 12-month, 12-hours-a-day tourism opportunities that would heighten livelihoods for locals and support sustainable rural enterprises under the "One Family, One Entrepreneur" initiative.

Getting There

Your best choice is to go for Pakyong Airport which is around 10 km away. Alternatively, you can arrive at the Bagdogra Airport (145 km) or New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (140 km). Regardless, from the airport or railway station take a taxi or a shared jeep that will take you towards Yakten and will go through Gangtok and Pakyong and route a fabulous forest road.

Dreamy and controllable in all four seasons, Yakten's summer and winter are the best: pleasant days, crisp nights and beautiful views. The monsoon (June - August) season brings heavy rain and muddy roads, so we'd recommend staying away during these months.