Planning for a vacation in the hills but unsure where to book your stay? You’re in the right place. It’s no surprise that Darjeeling and Sikkim offer a LOT of homestay options given that they both are top travel destinations. We have created an Ultimate Guide for you to help you find just the right homestay in Darjeeling or Sikkim according to your needs.
Why choose a Homestay in Darjeeling and Sikkim over a Hotel?
It’s simple. If you’re a traveller, who’s looking for an authentic local experience – living at a ‘home’ with a local family, gives you a real experience of what life is like in Darjeeling or Sikkim. I’m talking about home-cooked local cuisines, local hospitality (people from Darjeeling and Sikkim are known for their hospitality), friendly and homely atmosphere, meeting locals and friendly vibes, etc.
Homestays provide you with rich experiences you wouldn’t get elsewhere. Expect a friendly, welcoming atmosphere that feels like a home away from home.
Where to Book a Homestay in Darjeeling and Sikkim?
Alright, let’s get down to it. Choosing the right homestay is synonymous with picking the right location. So where should you stay in Darjeeling or Sikkim? Well, your ideal location depends on the type of trip you’re planning.
For Relaxation and Chill vibes:
Darjeeling:
- Tinchuley – Peaceful village with great views of the mountain
- Lamahatta – Tall pine trees and misty atmosphere
- Takdah – Colonial buildings and misty forest
- Sittong – Orange orchards and off-beat
Sikkim:
- Pelling – Mountain view and beautiful nature
- Temi tea garden – Tea estates and cherry blossoms
- Mangan – Foothills of the mountains and cold
- Dzongu – Tribal region and beautiful nature
For Sightseeing and Tourist Attractions
Darjeeling:
- Darjeeling town area – Accessible, convenient and town life
- Ghoom – Close to Tiger Hill for early sunrise
- Singamari/ Lebong – Near tea estates and zoo
Sikkim:
- Gangtok – State capital and main location in Sikkim
- Ravangla – Buddha Park and great views
- Namchi – Char Dham and beautiful town
- Lachen/ Lachung – Gurudongmar lake and Yumthang Valley
For Adventure and Outdoor Activities
Darjeeling:
- Chatakpur – Hiking & Biking Trails, Eco-village, Camping
- Teesta – White water Rafting and camping
- Bijanbari – River sports
- Maneybhanjan – Sandakphu – Phalut trekking start point
Sikkim:
- Yuksom – Starting point for Dzongri – Goechala Trek, Camping
- Rinchenpong – Forest walks and nature
- Zuluk – Beautiful Silk Road for bike/car trip
For Local Culture and Life
Darjeeling:
- Mirik – Nepali and Tibetan culture
- Darjeeling town – Life of the Town people, walk around town
- Tinchuley – Organic farming and village life
- Lepcha Jagat – Monasteries and nature and a beautiful community
Sikkim:
- Dzongu – Lepha community experience
- Kewzing – Village life and guided walks
- Hee-Bermiok – Heritage rich and rural
- Lachen/ Lachung – Live among the people of the mountains
Budget or Luxury Homestays in Darjeeling and Sikkim?
Once you’ve picked a place, It’s time to decide on your budget. Relax, the great thing about choosing a Homestay is that they’re very budget-friendly! You get all the perks of a hotel with the warmth of a home. Picking a homestay is the best option for tourists visiting Darjeeling or Sikkim as it gives you flexibility in terms of pricing.
Homestays in Darjeeling and Sikkim can be divided into 3 categories based on their price.
Note that Homestay pricing depends heavily on the season. Expect peak rates in March–April and October–December.
Budget-friendly Homestays in Darjeeling and Sikkim (₹600 – ₹1,200 per night)
Best for: Backpackers, Digital Nomads, Solo Travellers, Budget-conscious tourists
What to Expect:
- Basic room with a bed
- Private or Shared bathroom
- Home-cooked meals
- Wifi available but limited speed
Mid-Range Homestays in Darjeeling and Sikkim (₹1,500 – ₹3,000 per night)
Best for: Family, Couples, Leisure travellers
What to expect:
- Private rooms with attached Bathrooms
- Hot water and heaters
- Complimentary Breakfast
- Good Wifi
- Personalised services on request
Luxury Homestays in Darjeeling and Sikkim (₹4,000 – ₹10000+ per night)
Best for: Luxury Travellers, Honeymoon
What to expect:
- Fully furnished and decorated rooms
- Spacious rooms with qualities like woodwork
- Good view and balconies
- Gourmet meals
- Personalised services
- Usually a heritage or eco property
- Holistic experience
What to look for in a Homestay? – Pick the right one
Once you’ve decided the budget for the homestay, It’s time to find the right Homestay. There is a checklist of things that you should consider while picking out a homestay from Darjeeling or Sikkim.
Welcoming Hosts
Homestays are all about living in someone’s home. Ensuring you have a good time means staying with a warm and welcoming host.
You can find out about the hosts from Google reviews page about the homestay or from platforms like Airbnb.
Home-cooked meals
A hearty meal nourishes more than just the body — it touches the soul.. What is a good home without good home-cooked food? Home-cooked meals give you a chance to experience the local cuisine like no other.
You can find out if the Homestay in Darjeeling and Sikkim offer home-cooked meals on the Homestay page on any booking platform.
Amenities
Always check if the Homestay is providing amenities according to your needs. Usually, all the standard amenities are fulfilled by the Homestays but it’s always good to make sure before you book.
You can find out about all the amenities a Homestay offers online on booking platforms. If amenities aren’t listed, you can try calling them to ask.
A Local Experience
You’ve chosen a Homestay to experience staying in a traditional/ local home. The best Homestays give you a taste of what it is like living the local life as a part of their experience. Look for places that offer village walks, cooking lessons, farming etc.
You can find out if a Homestay provides their guests with local experiences by looking at photos online on Google.
Conclusion
In conclusion, all Homestays in Darjeeling and Sikkim offer a unique experience. The best Homestay depends on your preferences and travel style.
Here is a summary of the Guide to picking a Homestay in Darjeeling or Sikkim:
- Choose your destination based on what kind of trip you want.
- Decide on the budget for your travel.
- Check important features like food, host and location.
- Read reviews and make an informed choice
You can start searching and booking a stay at www.tripdoko.com
We hope this guide helped you choose the perfect Homestay in Darjeeling or Sikkim. We hope you have a wonderful trip in the mountains.
Get in touch with us – tripdoko.com/blog/contact-us
See ya!