Individual community members have provided land, Stone and unskilled labour to build infrastructure for four home stays rooms – Three at Gairi Gaon ( Nepali) and one at Kabi ( Lepcha). Gen Jimmy Singh has provided funds for the building hardware, skilled labour and furnishings. Community members retain ownership of their land and have been gifted the buildings and furnishings to start the home stays.
The visitor is offered a village home stay in separate cottages, within family holdings. The home stays have been especially designed to offer comfort, convenience and cleanliness in a unique ambiance. In sum these home stays offer first class accommodation in a rural ambiance, comfort, privacy, excellent service provided by caring hosts at reasonable prices.
Village Homestays
Gairigaon Homestay (Nepali)
Kabi Homestay ( Lepcha)
We are offering a unique, relaxed and fulfilling holiday; which is truly a journey of discovery – at four levels
- An opportunity to explore rural lifestyles and interact with rural people.
- Learning skills from village craftsmen and supporting traditional crafts.
- Imparting your skills to village folk and their children and teaching English to children
- Relaxing and enjoying a holiday in scenic surroundings, amongst friendly people
Rates for Home stay Paying Guests
Rooms Available
- Gairi Gaon: 02 x dbl + 01 x sgl.
- Kabi West: 01 x Dbl
| Gairigaon (Nepali) Village home stay hosted by Bhujel Family |
| Accommodation |
Double Occupancy |
Single Occupancy |
| Bhujel Family Home Stay |
Rs 2000 per night full board |
Rs 1500 per night full board |
| Kabi West Lepcha Village homestay hosted by Charles Lepcha |
| Charles Lepcha Home Stay |
Rs 2000 per night full board |
Rs 1500 per night full board |
| Activities and Guides |
| English speaking guide for Samthar village tours |
Rs 300 per day |
| English speaking guide for Samthar treks |
Rs 500 per day |
| Porters to village homestays |
Rs 100 per porter per trip |
| Learning cooking, mat making, basket making, smithy, & more |
on request |
Notes
- Income from Village homestays go directly to host families and support the Awake and shine School
For profile of host hamlets and host families click here to open Host hamlet fact file >>
When: Available year round. The best season for snow views and clear skies is from Oct - Dec, and for flora it is March – May. However there is also opportunity to enjoy the magic of the monsoons and participate in paddy sowing during Jul - Aug. Click here for Samthar Seasonal cycle, and festivals.
Duration: The duration is flexible. However a minimum of a 03-04 nights is recommended
Languages spoken: Nepali is the main language of the people. One member of the host family and local guides can communicate in English.
Homestay at The Samthar Farm House

Guests are also personally hosted by General Jimmy Singh at his country home at Samthar, Called The Samthar farm house. This unique house is listed in Alastiar Sawday,s Special places. All proceeds from paying guests support the Awake and Shine village School. More details>>
Holiday profile
For a do it yourself holiday, visitors can, arrive at Samthar and manage their own day to day activities. Enquire for a range of available activities.
All activities are modestly priced. Enquire with your hosts
How to book ?
Gudongma Tours & Treks provides its professional services, for booking and arranging the home stay holidays, free of charge. All earning go directly to the host family and the school. Click here for your bookings.
Package Tours
For package tours linked to Home stay holidays, click here to open Awake & shine Package Tours
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