If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into a postcard-perfect village where mountains kiss the clouds, monks walk past you in maroon robes, and every second plate of food is fresh off a backyard farm – Uttarey in West Sikkim might just be the place for you. We recently travelled here from Delhi to attend the Sikkim Rural Tourism Meet, and what started as a formal visit turned into a deeply personal journey through one of the most serene pockets of India.

Getting There from Delhi

We flew from Delhi to Bagdogra and then drove through the winding mountain roads to reach Uttarey. The drive was long but full of views that can make even the most restless city soul pause and smile. For anyone planning a West Sikkim trip from Delhi, keep at least 5-7 days aside.

Sikkim Homestays – Warm, Wholesome, and Wonderfully Local

Our home for the trip was the beautiful Yakthung Homestay. The rooms were cozy, the people even warmer. Every meal felt like it was made with love. What stood out? The food wasn’t just traditional all the time. One morning, we were served noodles, and the next evening, millet pancakes with Churpi bhaji (local cheese chutney). Their small greenhouse just outside the kitchen meant most of the vegetables on our plate were literally homegrown.

We also got a taste of Tongba – a warm millet-based beer. It’s strong, local, and exactly what you’d want after a long walk in chilly mountain weather.

The Sikkim Rural Tourism Meet – Culture, Craft and Cleanliness

The Sikkim Rural Tourism Meet in Uttarey gave us a taste of everything Sikkim stands for – sustainability, culture, and a no-compromise attitude towards cleanliness. There were handwoven textiles, locally made crafts, and cultural performances that left us in awe. Shri Tshering Thendup Bhutia, the Honourable Minister of Tourism, Sikkim, inaugurated the event and also engaged in very friendly, positive chats with us while welcoming us with Khada – the ceremonial silk scarf from Sikkim.

The highlight? Watching the Singhi Chham performers in their white lion costumes during the inaugural ceremony. These dancers embody the snow lion – a symbol of good luck. While the performance happened at the ceremony, the artists later visited the nearby monastery and happily posed with us for photos that we’ll probably frame!

Exploring Uttarey – Monasteries, Walks and Local Spirits

Kagyu Monastery, Uttarey

After the formal ceremony, we strolled to the Kagyu Monastery nearby to soak in the divine vibe. The monastery had a small shrine with beautiful paintings on the wall and ceiling. A big Stupa added a lot of oomph to this otherwise simple monastery. Little trainee Buddhist monks were preparing for the evening service. There was a calm here that city folks like us find addictive.

Tenzing Hillary Memorial Park, Uttarey

With not much time on hand, we just about managed to walk up to the Tenzing Hillary Memorial Park. It is a quiet, green space in Uttarey dedicated to the legendary climbers Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary. With life-size statues, manicured lawns, and a peaceful vibe, the park is an ode to Sikkim’s mountaineering legacy. It’s perfect for a short, mindful break.

Adventure Beckons – Hot Air Balloons and Bungee Dreams

Uttarey isn’t just about culture and calm. It’s getting ready to woo the adventure junkies too. We witnessed test runs of hot air balloons and were told that bungee jumping and other adrenaline-rush activities will soon be available here. If this happens at scale, Uttarey could very well become West Sikkim’s most complete travel destination.

The Big Trek – Conquering Phoktay Dara

This was hands down the most challenging and rewarding part of our trip. We started early with breakfast at the homestay and then drove to Chewabhanjyang, which was our starting point of the Phoktay Dara trek. The ride itself was half the adventure, with off-roading paths and broken tracks that tested both the vehicle and our nerves.

Phoktay Dara sits at 12,500 feet, and parts of the trail were flat, but most were steep and undulating. We learnt more about our limits and strengths on this one trek than in many others we’ve done across India.

The final stretch to the summit was brutal, but when we reached the top, oh man – 360-degree views with clouds zooming past like a time-lapse video. We barely had ten minutes at the top before the weather changed, and we had to rush down. But hey, we did it.

Also Read: Adventure @ Mechukha: India’s First-Ever Border Adventure Racing Championship

Back to Base – And Bidding Goodbye

That night, our early dinner at Yakthung Homestay felt like a feast. We bid goodbye to our local guide, packed up, and went to bed with sore legs but full hearts. The next day, after breakfast, we started our journey back to Delhi.

Final Thoughts – Why Uttarey Should Be on Your Radar

Uttarey is not your usual touristy Sikkim destination. It’s real, raw, and refreshingly rural. The people are kind, the place is pristine, and the government and locals are serious about keeping it that way. No plastic, no mess – just natural beauty and cultural richness everywhere you turn.

If you’re looking for homestays in Sikkim that offer more than just a bed, or searching for hotels in Sikkim that come with a dose of authenticity, this is the kind of place that stays with you long after you’ve left.

We’ll be back, no doubt, because one trip to Uttarey is just not enough.