Founded by hospitality pioneer Mr. Pem Chozing, Norbu Ghang Hotels is a homegrown Sikkim brand deeply rooted in culture, heritage and a sense of place. In this interview, Ms. Dekye Lhamu, second-generation hotelier, shares how she is carrying forward her father’s legacy while thoughtfully evolving the brand—blending Bhutia traditions, local craftsmanship and contemporary comfort to create authentic Sikkimese experiences for today’s travellers.
To begin, could you kindly introduce yourself and share some background information about your family, particularly your father, who is the founder of Norbu Ghang Hotels?
Kuzuzangpo to the Travel Mail readers.
I am Dekye Lhamu, a second-generation hotelier. Together with my mother, Mrs. Laden Tshering, my brother, Pema Gyaltsen, my sister-in-law, Nantsola and our General Manager, Mr. B.R.Lama, we take care of Norbu Ghang Hotels. It was established by my late father, Mr. Pem Chozing, who was one of the pioneers in the hospitality industry in the serene state of Sikkim.
As the next generation of the family, how do you envision carrying forward your father’s legacy while introducing new ideas to the brand?
Norbu Ghang was first envisioned by my parents in the 90s, and we first opened our doors to guests in the heart of Sikkim’s capital, Gangtok. Ever since then, we have been evolving to cater to the needs of the guest while keeping the Sikkimese hospitality and experience as a strong core.
Norbu Ghang Hotels has a rich history. Could you describe how the venture was first conceptualised and established?
Norbu Ghang started when there were a handful of hotels in Sikkim. Now we have established ourselves in East Sikkim -Gangtok as well as West Sikkim-Pelling, which are the must-visit places if one thinks of visiting this part of the Himalayas. The idea came into being with the intention of providing a comfortable local Sikkimese experience with the luxury of the best possible locations. We, Norbu Ghang, have done just that!
For readers new to the brand, could you provide an overview of all the existing Norbu Ghang properties in West Sikkim and highlight what makes it unique in terms of experience, location, and hospitality?
Of course, Sikkim has four districts, namely, the North, South, East and West. The history of Sikkim as a Kingdom under the Namgyal Dynasty begins in West Sikkim.
The first Chogyal or the Dharma king of Sikkim was chosen at a site called Norbu Ghang in Yuksom, the first capital of Sikkim. This is also where my Father’s family comes from, and one of the reasons why my father chose to give our property the name of Norbu Ghang, which means a Precious Jewel on a hill.
West Sikkim has many historically rich places of interest like the Rabdentse Ruins in Pelling, many old Buddhist monasteries with rich history, holy caves and much more. Apart from the historical sights, it is blessed by natural beauty and gifts its visitors the closest view of the third-highest mountain in the world, Mt. Khangchendzonga, revered as our guardian deity.
Many might not have noticed, but the view of the Khangchendzonga has been honoured by being printed behind the older 100₹ Indian Currency; it’s been there since 1996 and happens to be a popular reason why people visit Pelling. Many trekking routes like the one to Dzongri, Gochala, Lampokhari, etc, start in West Sikkim and are still very pristine and authentic. They are hidden gems for avid trekkers and hikers alike.
During the flowering season of April, May Barsey Rhodendron Sanctuary bursts out in shades of red and pink, the whole valley welcomes you with the prettiest bloom, and it’s a sight one should experience at least once in their lifetime.
West Sikkim has many more hidden gems, and all these gems are closely located to the area our late father chose for you to enjoy. We would love you to come and see West Sikkim through our eyes. We have two properties in West Sikkim- Pelling, by the name of Norbu Ghang Resort, which was awarded the Best Resort in West Sikkim in the year 2016, & Norbu Ghang Retreat & Spa. Awarded the Best Eco Resort in West District 2019.
Norbu Ghang recently expanded with a new property in Gangtok, Sikkim. What motivated you to choose Gangtok as the next location?
Yes, we are happy to have opened our doors to our guests in Gangtok. Location-wise wise Gangtok is the hub of Sikkim. One would have to halt in Gangtok before beginning their onward journey to North Sikkim, which is blessed with beautiful places like Lachen, Lachung, Yumtang, Yumesamdong and of course Tsomgo Lake and Nathulal pass.
It’s an exciting place with a variety of pubs, cafes and restaurants for you to explore. Gangtok also hosts carnivals and festivals where we invite artists from other parts of the world while also showcasing our local talents. There is always something happening in Gangtok, and you wouldn’t want to miss it.
We intended to have a luxury property with Sikkimese essence in mind, not too far away from the excitement of Gangtok’s M.G.Marg, yet be exclusive enough to be surrounded by lush greenery, waking up to the sounds of birds and the unobstructed view of the Majestic Khangchendzonga.
We wanted each and every guest checking in with us to have the luxury of a spacious private space and the privilege to take in the grandeur of the Himalayan range from the comfort of their own room, and that is exactly what we have done, and hope more people come and experience it.
Design and architecture have always been core components of Norbu Ghang Hotels’ identity. Could you share the guiding philosophy or inspirations behind the architectural and interior design choices across your properties?
Sikkim had three very distinct ethnicities, namely, Lepcha, Nepali and Bhutia. Each has its own beautiful and unique culture, tradition, customs, history and cuisine.
We are a Bhutia Family, and our architecture is influenced by our Buddhist Bhutia roots.
You will notice a very distinct window and pillar design, which is also synonymous with the many Buddhist Monasteries you see across Sikkim. The paintings you see in our property is done by the local artisans or “Lharipa”, each motif is symbolic and has deep roots in Buddhist teachings, take our logo for example it’s called The Norbu, it’s often described as a precious jewel, when referred to a person it denotes that the person is someone precious with spiritual wealth, beauty or simply put, someone rare and unique.
Our Pelling property pays homage to the flora of Sikkim; each of our chalets is named after flowers found in our region.
Our Gangtok property pays its respect to the many prayer flags you see strung up at any hill station. One of the many type of these prayer flags are known as “Lung ta” literal translation would be wind horse. These prayers, Flags hoisted on auspicious dates, usually come in five colours, each representing different elements, namely space, air, fire, water and earth. It is believed to uplift our energy and life force. It has the image of four cardinal animals, the Garuda /Chuung, Dragon/Druk, Tiger/Taag and Snow Lion / Singhye on the four corners, each associated with the four directions. Each of our four blocks has been given the name of these animals.
Norbu Ghang also acknowledges the influence of the British /European travellers and officers, likes as Mr. Joseph Hooker, a British botanist, Mr. J.C White, the first political officer of Sikkim, Mr. C.A.Bell, political officer for Sikkim, Bhutan and Tibet, by incorporating colonial elements in our design, providing you with a unique experience.
Guest experience is central to hospitality. What is the service philosophy of Norbu Ghang Hotels, and how do you ensure consistent quality across all properties?
The service philosophy has always been very simple. Beautiful, comfortable rooms, helpful staff giving our guests an immersive sense of place so that they go back with a memorable Sikkimese experience.
Looking ahead, what is your long-term vision for Norbu Ghang Hotels, and are there any future plans, expansions, or upcoming projects you’re particularly excited about?
Looking ahead, we hope to make people realise the importance of preserving one’s own culture with a sense of harmony, as that is what makes us Bhutia, Lepcha and Nepalis of Sikkim so Unique.
We at Norbu Ghang are trying to play our small part by involving local artisans and making conscious efforts to incorporate local elements in our design. We hope the future generation of Sikkim and the many guests who visit us get to experience it for a long time.
We have further projects in the pipeline, and we take the same intention and philosophy as my late father with us and hope you visit Sikkim to enjoy and experience it too.
Contact details:
Norbu Ghang Resort – Pelling, West Sikkim.
Contact no: 9933004492
Email: norbughangresort@yahoo.co.in
Norbu Ghang Retreat- Pelling, West Sikkim.
Contact no: 9933004491
Email: norbughangretreat@gmail.com
Norbu Ghang Retreat Pangthang, Gangtok, East Sikkim.
Contact no: 9933004494
Email: pangthangnorbughang@gmail.com
Website www.norbughang.in
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