Sikkim a state blossomed on the lap of Mt. Kanchandzonga situated on the north-east of India has a total area of 7,096 Sq. Km. A divine place where you feel the true essence of natures gift. An esoteric Himalayan state rich with varied cultures and tradition leaves your heart vainglorious .It?s a destination not to be missed. Just a peek into this exotic place will leave you speechless so a good homestay will definitely guarantee you with heartful satisfaction. Perfect season to visit Sikkim is March to June and October to January. While from March to May present the best season for the visitors. In winter Sikkim has a special charm with a nip in the air without freezing all the excitement and an occasional snowfall adding the right colour to your holiday.

 

What to expect?

    Himalayan home stay is an unforgettable experience and a great way to explore local culture and make new friends. In the village tourism package, guests are supposed to stay with village families and eat Sikkimese meals prepared by them. Local villagers serve as guides so that guests can experience village life one on one. Cultural programme such as folk dances and singing is organised to highlight local cultures and traditions. Home stay operators strive to make visitors feel comfort in every way. However you should keep the following points in mind to make your stay as enjoyable as possible.

           Home stay hosts are trained to provide food and drinking water in a hygienic and palatable manner. Drinking water is boiled. However if you have a special dietary requirements, Please let the operator know in advance. Guests will be served traditional village foods unless they request otherwise if available. All home stay operators have been trained to provide clean furnishings and bed linens. If you require extra blankets or other items, your host will be happy to provide them.

          Many guests are apprehensive about the toilet facilities they will find in homestay. All home stay operators have been trained to clean and maintain toilets so that they are acceptable to guests. Some homes have western-style toilets, however please keep in mind that many do not. Homestay operators will provide toilet paper for the guests. The most important thing is to communicate your needs to the home stay operators and to remain flexible: villagers are as eager to learn about your life and your culture too.

 

SOME HOMESTAY VILLAGE ACTIVATES: Village walk, Cultural song and dances, Milking cows and making butter, Fodder collection and feeding cattle, cardamom weeding and harvesting, Participation in cultural festivals, Listening to folk tales and stories, Day hikes to pilgrimage sites, Bird and butterfly watching, visiting traditional village healers, Crossing cane and bamboo bridges, Exploring local flora, Preparing local food and beverages.

 

CODE OF CONDUCT:

 

DO'S: Remember that you are staying with a family, so please behave as a courteous guest.

Vegetation is fragile, follow designated trials.Avoid littering and deposit garbage at designated places.Keep all pollutants away from streams and lakes.Respect local culture and ask before taking photographs.Dress modestly, beware of the customs, manners and culture of local people.It is customary to leave a donation at monasteries and to circle shrines in a clockwise direction.

 

DONT'S: Don't disturb wildlife or its habitat.Don't buy endangered species or antiques.Don't give sweets, pens or money to children, it only encourages begging. Don't smoke, drink alcohol or talk loudly near sacred places.Don't pick plants or flowers

 

About Traditional Homestay in Sikkim

How many times have we entered the rooms in our house and wished.. Oh how I wish… I still had that old Mug over the fire place, heartwarming yet intriguing conversations with cheerful beaming faces holding that steaming cup of tea with the palms of our hands to drive away the loneliness filled days, that vulnerablepiece of antique jewelry which disappeared down the generation…The familiar aroma of vegetables, grown in the backyard, being thoroughly enjoyed by the flames of the wild burning logs, the flames imparted by which, makesus nostalgic about the house in the village which we once used to stay in or the village we visited!! If you wish even one of the above then you are warmly welcome  to give wings to your latent desired by relieving those moments again in the warm hospitable Home Stay in my native state, SIKKIM, which holds Eco-Tourism & Village-Tourism has its forte.  

 

The Sikkim home stays are spread in four different districts of Sikkim. Every place has its own distinctive flavor that makes the travel experience unique.

 

According to preference to reside in:

 

 Lepcha Home     Bhutia Home     Nepali Home

 

THE LEPCHA PEOPLE & THEIR LIFESTYLE:

The Lepchas or as they called themselves, the Rong-pa (Raving Folk), Claim to be the Autoch-thones of Sikkim proper. Their physical characteristics stamp them as member of the Mongolian race, and certain peculiarities of Language and Religion render it probable that this tribe is a very Ancient Colony fromSouthern Tibet.Lepchas survive, like all natural societies Hunters & Gathers, they developed a pragmatic and caring attitude towards their environs. Their collective experience has taught them that nature is fragile and they cannot effort to be careless towards its.

 

Hence, they have imposed strict social and religious order upon themselves and their surroundings. They strongly believed that everything belonging to the Ecosystem and the Environment is of great spiritual significance to humans, Lepchas use 268 plants as a source of food – including mushroom of various kinds. These form of

alternative vegetables or fruits sources for the other also, there by broadening the base of our food security system.

The pholospy and the technique of neutralizing the toxic content of edible plants for their consumption as food is called “Sim-Anyu-Mun”The Traditional Lepchas residents also called “Li” is usually 4 to 5 feet above ground, rectangular in shape made of Bamboo. (Or in short this can also be used) The original inhabitants of Sikkim are said to be Lepchas. They existed much before the Bhutias & Nepalese migrated to the state. Before adopting Buddhism or Christianity as their religion, the earliest Lepcha settlers werebelievers in the Bone Faith or Mune Faith. This faith was basically based on sprits, good and bad. Theyworshipped sprits of Mountains, Rivers and Forests which was but natural for a tribe that Coexisted so harmoniously with the rich natural surroundings. The Lepcha (Dzongu) Folk-Lore is rich with stories. The Lepcha Population is concentrated in the central part of Sikkim. This is the area that encompasses the confluence of Lachen, Lachung rivers and Dikchu.

 

Life in a Lepcha dwelling is very simple. The male Lepcha wears a dress called a (Pagi) made of cotton, which stripped. The females Lepcha wear a two piece dress. The Lepcha Speak a language Lepcha, although this language is not very well developed but is rich in vocabulary related to the Flora and Funa of Sikkim. Lepchas are very good at Archery. The Polyandry Marriages are permitted amongst the Lepcha.

 

 

THE BHUTIA PEOPLE & THEIR LIFESTYLE :

The Bhutias are people of Tibetan origin. After the 15th century, these people migrated to Sikkim. The northern part of Sikkim is basically inhabited by the Bhutias. These people speak 'Sikkimese' language. If compared with the Lepchas, the Bhutias are dominating large number of villages. The rectangular shaped house of a 'Bhutia' is known as 'Khim'.

 

The males wear a dress known as 'Bakhu', which is actually a loose cloak form garment with full sleeves. The females wear a silken 'Honju' that is a full sleeve blouse with a loose gown type garment. The Bhutia ladies love wearing heavy jewelry made of pure gold. Sikkim has its religion incorporated with Bhutias. Constituting around 16% of the total population of Sikkim, Bhutias regard priesthood as their academic as well as spiritual choice.

 

 

THE NEPALESE PEOPLE & THEIR LIFESTYLE:

In Sikkim, the Nepalese came long after the Lepchas and Bhutias. They migrated to Sikkim in huge numbers and rapidly, emerged as the leading community. In the present day, the Nepalese constitute 67% of the total population of Sikkim. These people commenced terrace farming in the state. Cardamom is an important cash crop

that was cultivated by the Nepalese. The Nepalese are sub-divided into various castes and tribes like Bahuns (Brahmins), Chettris, Gurungs, Pradhans, Rais, Limboos, Magars, Damais, Kamis etc.

 

The majority of their population follows Hinduism, whereas Buddhism is also practiced by some groups. These people speak language that is similar to Hindi and is understood throughout the state of Sikkim. The traditional Nepali dress for males comprises a long double breasted garment flowing below the waist along with a trouser known as 'Daura Suruwal'. The traditional dress for females comprises of a double breasted garment known as "Chow Bandi Choli'. The shawl wore by them is known as 'Majetro'. 'Khukri' is a heavy weapon that is carried in a wooden or leather case known as "Daab".

 

Accommodation:

As a tourist, you are accommodated in local homes as a guest. You stay with local families in their homes within the particular destinations. All home stay hosts have been trained to provide clean furnishings and bed linens for guest rooms. The restrooms are also clean and maintained so that they are acceptable to guests. The norms of

privacy and safety are also taken care of. Your home stay hosts are local villagers who are extremely hospitable and will strive to make your visit comfortable in every way.

 

Meals : The home stay hosts are trained to provide food and drinking water in a hygienic and palatable manner. Rice is the local food that is widely served. Traditional meals are also served to the guests