labour to build infrastructure for two home stays - one each at Gairi Gaon ( Nepali) and Kabi ( Lepcha). Gen Jimmy Singh has provided funds for the buildings 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, and excellent service provided by caring hosts.

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

1. An opportunity to explore rural lifestyles and interact with rural people.
2. Learning skills from village craftsmen and supporting traditional crafts. 
3. Imparting your skills to village folk and their children and teaching English to children
4. Relaxing and enjoying a holiday in scenic surroundings, amongst friendly people

A double room with all meals has been priced at INR 2250 per night. 33 %, of this goes towards supporting the Awake & Shine Pre School. The balance of 66 %  goes directly to the host family. Gurudongma Tours & Treks is providing management inputs free of cost.

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

Number of guests: Ideally a couple or a family group. We are happy to host individuals, The price for a single person occupying the home stay cottage with meals is INR 1750 per night. 33 % goes towards supporting the Awake & Shine Pre School. The balance of 66 % goes directly to the host family

Languages spoken: Nepali is the main language of the people. One member of the host family and local guides can communicate in English.

Holiday profile

For a do it yourself holiday, visitors can, arrive at Samthar and manage their own day to day activities. A range of activities which are available are listed below:-

Enjoy the breathtaking panorama of the snows as the sun rises - Khangchenganga group of peaks, Simvo, Siniolchu, Lama Anden, Chomoyomo, and Paunhari, and the passes of Chola, Natula, and Jalepla, leading into Tibet, are all vissible.

• Take guided walks through the local hamlets, to meet people in their homes and fields. Visit Christian, Hindu, and Buddhist homes, learn about the seasonal agriculture cycle, religious beliefs and cultural customs. These walks provide fascinating glimpses of rural life  
• Visit the homes of local artisans and craftsmen and watch them working with traditional skills, such as Black smithy, Basket making, Weaving mats out of paddy waste and more.
• Learn Indian, Nepali and Lepcha cooking, and cooking with solar cooker 
• Watch housewives demonstrate, extracting mustard oil using ancient press made of wood, bamboo and stone, husking of paddy using hand and foot pounding tool and grinding of corn using ancient stone grinding machine.

• Participate in village chores – ploughing, sowing, harvesting, collection of firewood and fodder
• Learn pickle making from housewives – Mango, Radish, Tomato, Ginger and more.
• Learn about traditional methods of bee keeping using hollow tree trunks
• Learn how to prepare Chang (millet beer)
• Learn about  traditional dry wall,  frame and thatch houses and watch their construction
• Learn about care of family livestock and participate in milking and cow herding
• Learn about the institution of Bomthang and Jhakri – Nature doctors, shamans, and faith healers. A chance to meet these men and watch demonstrations

• Learm making bows & arrows from the Lepchas, and participate in local archery games.
• Participate in Nepali & Lepcha singing and dancing.

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.