Rumlyang Home Stay, Dzongu – Homestays Sikkim

6 weeks! That’s how long I stayed at Karma bhai’s place, and I never once felt like returning to Mumbai. There are plenty of reviews and photos online showing how this place is a slice of heaven, and they’re absolutely right, even about the food, which is delicious. So, I won’t dwell on that. What I want to talk about are the people who made my stay so beautiful and unforgettable. I’ve been to a few Himalayan states before and stayed for weeks, but this place will always be special to me because of the love and hospitality I received—not just from Karma bhai and his brother Baichung (THE Master Chef)—but from everyone in the village. Every time I went for a walk, I’d meet someone, and they’d always welcome me to tag along with whatever they were doing or wherever they were going. That’s how I had so many "firsts" in Tingvong: • Building a cast and fishing in the river • Exploring less-traveled trails to discover birds, flowers, butterflies, moths, and all sorts of insects • Attending prayers at the monastery on Buddha Poornima • Going to search for vegetables in the forest • Bathing in waterfalls and streams more often than in the bathroom • Gathering honey • Witnessing the preparation of Chang (millet beer) • Helping with farming • Visiting the "Mother Tree" in Kussong village These are just a few of the experiences I can share. The rest you’ll have to discover yourself. Tingvong is a must-visit, and I recommend staying at least 3 days to get a taste of what I experienced. Once you reach Mangan, leave everything to Karma bhai—he’ll take care of you, even the permit. The weeks I spent in Tingvong were nothing short of amazing, and I miss everyone there. I can’t name each person, but they know who they are. A special thank you to Baichung, who became like a younger brother, always making sure I was well-fed and hanging out with me, and to Karma bhai, the elder brother I never had—caring, understanding, and endlessly supportive.

Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes, this homestay offers guests a mesmerizing view of the Kanchenjunga mountain right from their rooms. Karma ji excels in providing top-notch service, catering to every need with warmth and efficiency. The campfire evenings amplify the overall experience, creating a cozy and entertaining atmosphere for guests to unwind and connect. In essence, it's a delightful retreat combining natural beauty, impeccable hospitality, and memorable experiences.

This homestay is located at upper dzongu, Tingvong village. Surounding of this homestay is amazing.if the sky is clear, then kanchanjhangha, mount pandim are clearly visible from the homestay, atmosphere is very peace and calm. The owner of this homestay Karmaji is very helpful and hospitable in nature.If you want experience the local drinks and cuisine, he will arrange it.This is appropriate place for those nature lover who want to break the hustle-bustle life..

Rumlyang homestay is among the best homestays I've been to, and it is all thanks to the owner Karma Ji and his brother Bhaichung. Getting there: Karma ji's homestay is located in Tingvong village in Upper Dzongu, North Sikkim. We traveled from Gangtok to Mangan in a shared cab which we booked on the day of travel from Vajra Taxi Stand (cost per person Rs 200). On reaching Mangan, we were picked up by Karma Ji. The road to Dzongu is really bad in some stretches, and requires a lot of skill to drive on. The car pickup cost us Rs 2500. There are shared cabs to Dzongu from Mangan as well. The journey involves crossing the river Rongyong, which the car is able to do via a bridge in dry season. However, in monsoon, tourists will have to cross the river using a suspension bridge, and get picked up on the other side by another vehicle. The homestay: The homestay is absolutely beautiful. On clear days, mount Pandim and mount kanchenjunga are both visible, along with Kabru dome. The washrooms are located outside the room, but this is not really an issue since there are more than one bathrooms. The loos are equipped with geysers and jet sprays, and are extremely functional. Hot water is available all the time. What to do: Activities can include hiking to Kussong village, which is located at a height from Tingvong, visiting Tingvong school, Tingvong monastery, the Mantam river bridge area, walking along the suspension bridge, the hot spring at Lingdem, and visiting the Lingzya waterfall. Food: the food served was excellent. Breakfast, lunch, evening snacks and dinner were included in the room cost. Bhaichung is a great cook, besides being a very sweet person. Returning: we took a share cab from Dzongu (in front of the homestay, Rs 120 per person) to Mangan, and then another share cab to Gangtok. Karma ji himself arranged for our seats in the cab from Dzongu. Note: one can also visit Dzongu from NJP directly, by taking a share cab to Singtam, then Mangan, and then Dzongu. The journey will take around 8-9 hours on bad roads and may be hard for people.

Karma was an awesome host, with great knowledge about the area. Always looking out to make sure you are having a good experience. We did a couple walks together and swapped knowledge, his knowledge of butterflies is top notch if thats something you are into. Food was always good, and I got to try some more unique things I wouldnt normally have tried. Karmas brother was also very good at making sure the stay was comfortable and smooth. Altogether highly recommended.