The Bhutia Legacy
Short Stay - Sikkim
About THE BHUTIA LEGACY
One arrives on the property and a gorgeous rustic heritage farmhouse after a beautiful drive through bamboo groves. The farm is tucked away far from the crowds, in an idyllic countryside with a backdrop of the Khangchendzonga group of peaks and the skyline of the Singalila Range. The homestay which was built in 1833 and remodeled in 1966 is run by a Sikkimese couple who are truly one with nature and live with values that bring their sustainable lifestyle to the fore.. The accommodation is simple and rustic with wood panelled standard and heritage rooms. The 44 acre mountain farm spans across a mixed forest of Pine, Himlayan Alder, Chestnut and cherry trees, Rhododendron and Magnolia flowers and tea terraces. The farm also has cardamom, ginger, mango trees and peach orchards.
Region
Uttarakhand (India)
Best Time
March - May & Sept. - Nov.
No. Of Days
Minimum 3 days
Trip Character
Short stay with activities
Altitude
1500 m
Price
INR 5500 & 6500/ $ 74 & 88
per double room, incl. breakfast
For WHOM?
This place is ideal for travelers who enjoy and respect oneness with nature. Individuals interested in farming will find the opportunity to learn indigenous Sikkimese tips and techniques.
The accommodation is also ideal for hikers, trekkers, rafters and bird watchers. Those who enjoy getting an insight into Buddhist culture will find the surroundings especially rich, with several monasteries to visit.
WHAT TO EAT
The hosts offer organic meals sourcing the vegetables and animals from their very own farm. The hosts grow a variety of produce including cardamom, avocados, oranges, bananas, pears, apricots, and mangoes. Cultivated agriculture yields maize, paddy, millet, potatoes, ginger, turmeric, and sweet potatoes.
In addition to these, seasonal vegetables such as cauliflower, cabbage, tomatoes and peas are also grown. Guests are encouraged to volunteer to help with farm and pick vegetables and fruit that they would like to include in their meals.WHAT TO DO
There are a variety of activities to keep one busy on the farm. Guests can help on the organic farm during the day and take cooking classes in local Sikkimese dishes if they wish as well. There are several trails close to the property and nature and village walks are quite popular, especially if one wishes to observe the unique lifestyle of the locals.
The hosts also offer sightseeing tours in West and South Sikkim and these usually include day long trips to various Buddist monasteries, citadel ruins, Buddha parks, sacred lakes, etc.
For the more adventurous travellers, the white waters of the Teesta and the Rangit rivers offer some good stretches of thrilling rapids. The rapids, rated according to the Colorado River standards, are grade 2 and 3. There are also longer 10km and 8km treks one can enjoy.
ABOUT THE PLACE
The farm has simple bedrooms which are bright with Sikkimese fabrics and family photos, and traditional Tibetan bathrooms that are spotless and new.
There’s a communal sitting room, a traditional Buddhist altar room and a courtyard where one can sit in the sun during the day and enjoy starlit views at night. All rooms have access to spacious verandahs where you can choose to have your meals served, or just while away the time enjoying the leafy views while reading a book.
At this homestay, you can take a journey above the clouds to a lush and tranquil setting that offers peace and calm. You get the chance to exchange city noise and polluted air for the sounds of birds and cicadas, and fresh mists from the valleys. The accommodation is open all year long.
HOW TO REACH?
The property is located 40km west of the capital Gangtok. Accurate details will be given at the time of confirmation.
