A Serendipitous Journey to Aama Homestay: Two Days Tour in North Sikkim’s Hidden Gem

Our two-day sojourn to North Sikkim’s Singhik village in 2022, turned into one of those travel experiences that completely redefines our understanding of authentic mountain hospitality. Nestled just four kilometres from Mangan, the district headquarters, Aama Homestay proved to be far more than just accommodation—it became a window into the soul of Sikkimese culture, complete with breathtaking mountain vistas, extraordinary hosts, and the most memorable Bhutanese cuisine we’ve encountered in the Himalayas.

Mount Kanchenjunga at sunrise viewed from Singhik viewpoint in North Sikkim

The Perfect Base Camp Discovery

Singhik sits at an elevation of approximately 5,118 feet, strategically positioned on the North Sikkim Highway that leads adventurers toward the mystical destinations of Dzongu and Lachen. What makes this small village extraordinary isn’t just its location—it’s the symmetrical view of Kanchenjunga that unfolds like a painted masterpiece every morning. From Singhik’s viewpoint, you witness the changing colours of Sikkim’s guardian deity as the sun rises, transforming the mighty peak from deep red to golden, and finally to pristine white.

The journey to reach Singhik itself becomes part of the adventure. The 70-kilometre drive from Gangtok winds through some of North Sikkim’s most scenic landscapes, passing the famous Seven Sisters Waterfall at the 32-kilometre mark. These cascading falls, true to their name, tumble down in seven distinct tiers, though only four are visible from the roadside viewing point.

Seven Sisters Waterfall on North Sikkim highway amidst lush greenery and rocky terrain

Meeting the Remarkable Host: Our Dearest Mr. Jigmee Ji

What truly sets Aama Homestay apart is its owner, Mr. Jigmee, whose life story reads like an adventure novel. A football enthusiast, Jigmee Ji brings the same passion he once had for sports to hospitality. His journey from the football field to travelling in Nepal, and eventually to running one of North Sikkim’s most beloved homestays, reflects the diverse experiences that shape the region’s character.

Pro Tip from Peeky Traveller: Don’t hesitate to ask Jigmee about his football days over evening tea. His anecdotes about Indian football and coaching young players provide fascinating insights into Sikkim’s sporting culture while you enjoy his signature noodle soup.

Aama Homestay in Singhik, North Sikkim, showcases traditional wooden architecture and a cozy garden seating area in a serene mountain village setting

A Family Legacy of Excellence

The Aama Homestay experience extends beyond Mr. Jigmee’s remarkable background. His son, who has chosen the medical profession as an ophthalmologist, represents the family’s commitment to serving others—whether through sports, medicine, or hospitality. This multi-generational dedication to excellence permeates every aspect of the homestay experience, from the meticulously maintained rooms to the carefully curated meals.

The property features beautifully landscaped gardens with rare orchid collections from different parts of the globe, some possessing miraculous medicinal properties. These gardens become particularly enchanting during the early morning hours when mist from the surrounding valleys creates an almost ethereal atmosphere around the colorful blooms.

Culinary Journey Through Bhutanese Flavours

The authentic Bhutanese cuisine at Aama Homestay deserves special mention as it transports guests far beyond typical tourist fare. The kitchen staff, guided by traditional recipes, creates dishes that showcase the bold flavours characteristic of Bhutanese cooking. The extensive use of chilies, fermented foods, and local herbs creates a culinary experience that’s both distinctive and deeply satisfying.

Pro Tip from Peeky Traveller: Request to learn some basic recipes from the kitchen staff. They’re incredibly generous with their knowledge and will share techniques for achieving the perfect balance of spice and cheese that makes Bhutanese cuisine so memorable.

Natural Wonders and Forest Explorations

Singhik’s location provides access to some of North Sikkim’s most pristine natural attractions. The village trek offers a peaceful trail through dense forests, culminating in panoramic views of the entire Eastern Himalayan range. For more adventurous souls, the trek to North Sikkim is one of Sikkim’s most remote and less-explored routes, requiring local guides due to its challenging terrain through untouched wilderness.

Seven Sisters Waterfalls cascading along the lush green mountains of North Sikkim near Lachung

The nearby Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, spanning 43 square kilometres, houses over 40 species of rhododendron trees along with rare Himalayan birds and the elusive tiger-civet. During the blooming season, typically from March to May, the sanctuary transforms into a riot of colors that rivals any botanical garden.

Within a short distance from Singhik, the traditional villages of Dzongu and Tingchim offer cultural immersion opportunities. Dzongu, established as a Lepcha Reserve in 1960, preserves the indigenous way of life of Sikkim’s original inhabitants. The region requires special permits and maintains strict regulations to protect its cultural integrity.

Monastery Trails and Spiritual Discoveries

The area around Singhik features several significant monasteries that provide insights into the region’s spiritual heritage. Tensong Monastery, accessible via a delightful morning walk through Singhik village, offers visitors a chance to experience Buddhist practices in an authentic setting. The 18th-century monastery belongs to the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism and houses ancient Buddhist texts, thangkas, and statues of Buddhist deities.

Traditional Buddhist monastery with vibrant architecture and misty forested backdrop in North Sikkim

The Labrang Monastery, built in 1841 to honor Latsun Chembo of Kongpu in Tibet, sits just two kilometres away and features beautiful murals, Buddha statues, and historical books covering medicine, music, and art. These monasteries provide quiet spaces for contemplation while offering spectacular views of the surrounding valleys and peaks.

Sunrise Rituals and Mountain Magic

Perhaps the most transformative aspect of staying at Aama Homestay involves the daily sunrise ritual over Kanchenjunga. The homestay’s strategic positioning allows guests to witness this natural spectacle from their room balconies or the property’s terrace. The experience of watching the world’s third-highest peak emerge from darkness into golden splendour creates memories that last a lifetime.

Sunrise golden view of Kanchenjunga from Singhik village in North Sikkim

The changing light on Kanchenjunga throughout the day provides endless photographic opportunities. During clear weather, which is most common from September through May, the mountain reveals its full majesty, with Mount Siniolchu, Mount Pandim, and Mount Kabru creating a stunning backdrop. The confluence of the Teesta and Kanaka rivers, visible from the Singhik viewpoint, adds another layer of natural beauty to the panoramic vista.

Cultural Immersion and Local Life

The Singhik area, predominantly inhabited by the Lepcha community (comprising nearly 80% of the population), offers authentic cultural experiences rarely found in more touristy destinations. The Lepchas, known as “Children of the Himalayas,” maintain strong connections with nature and traditional ways of life that have remained largely unchanged for centuries.

Guests at Aama Homestay often have opportunities to interact with local families, learn about traditional Lepcha customs, and understand the delicate balance between preserving cultural heritage and adapting to modern realities. The homestay’s location provides easy access to traditional Lepcha houses, local markets, and community gatherings that offer genuine insights into mountain life.

Practical Considerations and Logistics

Reaching Aama Homestay requires some planning but proves straightforward for prepared travellers. The nearest major transportation hub is New Jalpaiguri Railway Station, located approximately 114 kilometres away. Bagdogra Airport serves as the primary air connection at about 149 kilometres from Singhik.

The most practical approach involves travelling first to Gangtok, then hiring a private vehicle or taking shared transportation to Mangan, followed by the final four-kilometre journey to Singhik. While this might seem complex, the scenic route through North Sikkim’s mountain roads transforms the journey into an integral part of the adventure.

For Indian citizens, no special permits are required to visit Singhik, though travellers planning to continue to restricted areas like Lachen or Lachung will need Inner Line Permits (ILP). Foreign nationals require Restricted Area Permits (RAP) and must be accompanied by registered guides when visiting protected areas.

Accommodation Details and Amenities

Aama Homestay provides four well-maintained rooms with modern amenities including attached Western bathrooms, hot water arrangements, comfortable beds, and mountain-facing balconies. The property features a spacious dining area, a sitting lounge decorated with orchids, and outdoor spaces perfect for relaxation and photography.

The homestay operates on a full-board basis, with all meals included in the accommodation rates. The kitchen accommodates dietary restrictions and preferences, ensuring every guest enjoys satisfying meals regardless of their culinary comfort zone. Evening snacks, typically featuring local produce and traditional preparations, provide additional opportunities to experience regional flavors.

Seasonal Considerations and Best Times to Visit

Singhik’s climate and accessibility vary significantly throughout the year, affecting the overall experience. March through May offers the clearest mountain views and comfortable temperatures for exploration. The rhododendron blooming season during this period transforms the surrounding forests into spectacular displays of colour.

September through November provides another excellent window for visiting, with post-monsoon clarity revealing Kanchenjunga in all its glory. Winter months, while offering unique snow-covered landscapes, can present accessibility challenges and require additional preparation for cold weather conditions.

The monsoon season (June through August) brings lush greenery and spectacular waterfalls but can limit mountain visibility and make certain trekking routes challenging. However, this period offers its own charm for travellers seeking solitude and the dramatic beauty of mist-shrouded peaks.

A Transformative Experience

Our two days at Aama Homestay represented far more than a simple mountain getaway. The combination of Mr. Jigmee’s extraordinary hospitality, the stunning natural setting, authentic Bhutanese cuisine, and access to both cultural and natural attractions created a travel experience that challenged every preconception about mountain tourism in the Himalayas.

The homestay’s success lies not in luxury amenities or polished services, but in its authentic representation of Sikkimese mountain life. Every meal becomes a cultural exchange, every sunrise a spiritual experience, and every conversation with the hosts a lesson in resilience, adaptation, and the art of mountain living.

For travellers seeking genuine connections with local communities, spectacular natural beauty without crowds, and the opportunity to experience traditional Himalayan hospitality at its finest, Aama Homestay in Singhik offers an unparalleled opportunity. The region’s position as a gateway to North Sikkim’s more remote destinations makes it perfect for acclimatization, while its inherent charm ensures that many visitors find themselves reluctant to continue their journey deeper into the mountains.

This hidden gem in North Sikkim proves that sometimes the most memorable travel experiences come not from famous destinations, but from the unexpected discoveries that reveal themselves to travellers willing to venture beyond the beaten path. Aama Homestay stands as a testament to the power of authentic hospitality and the enduring magic of the Himalayas.

If you want to book this homestay, comment here. We’ll give you Jigmee Ji’s phone number. No worries, we don’t want any commission, just want you to have an awesome experience in Singhik. Happy journey folks! 🙂