The Chhettri Family Homestay  is located at Hi Barmoik village in West Sikkim .  This village lies at the foot of the Vershay Rhododendron Sanctuary at an elevation of 1400 m. The community here is a blend of cultural, and ethnic mutiplicity, flourishing amidst bio diverse nature with a wide range of flora.  The village stands on a series of ledges continuing up hill to 2400 m, with a massive spur of the Vershay Ridge rearing its head in the backgroud. Covered with lush vegitation, terraced cultivation, and lovely homsteads, the surroundings are tranquil and serene. A short walk from the house presents views of the panarama of snows.

Dhongey House is the family home of the Chhettri family. This is a large homestead surrounded by terraced fields, and homes of extended family members. Based on advice from the Awake and Shine team, and training at Samthar, the family has converted two rooms into comfortable guest rooms with modern toilets, and refurnished a lounge and a "chang " bar.  Interiors have been decorated to showcase heritage household articles used by the family for generations.

The house retains its farming roots - cow shed, goat house, herb garden, and hollow tree trunk honey comb.

The Family kitchen is traditional with old style mud plastered hearth/ The adjoining dining room provides both table and floor seating arrangements. Guests are offered home cooked simple meals served in family heirloom  brass utencils. If desired guests can experience traditional floor seating service.

Guests are hosted by the handsome Ran Bahadur Chhetri and his beautiful wife Deo Maya. They get to meet the spritly 84 years old Purna Bahadur, the eldest member of the family. English speaking son Ganesh and daughter Jamuna will be there to enable conversation with the elders and  interpretation of customs, rituals, food and drink.

Tours are tailormade to individual requirements A typical 03 nights package could comprise of the following itinerary:-

Day 01: Arrive and meet family members. Explore immediate surrounding and homes of extended family

Day 02: Morning: Lifestyle exploration village walk which will include visit to homesteads of various ethnic groups - Limboos, Bahun, Sherpa, Tamang, Bhutia, Rai, Gurung, Mangar, Sarki, and Kami Damai communities. Song and dance can be arranged 

Afternoon. Option of trip to Rinchenpong Buddhist gompas ( 03 hrs trip) or continue exploring village, and participate in song and dance.

Day 03: Day trip to Pamayangtse Monastery and Sangacholing Monastery ( 01 hr drive each way) 

Stay can be extended to include treks to Vershay Rhododendron Sanctuary- blooming Mid Feb to end March( 03-05 days). Trekkers walk through pristine forests, yak partures, Rhododendrons, with superb views of the panorama of Khangchendzonga group pf peaks, as well as  views of Everest (from Phoktey Dara). Go to www.gurudongma.com > Trekking > ST/07 or Click here.