Uttarey – Tucked away in West Sikkim, about 30 km from the popular hill station of Pelling and close to the Nepal border, Uttarey is a quiet little village that feels like a world of its own. If you’ve ever longed for a peaceful getaway with the majestic Kanchenjunga range in sight, this is the place.
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I had never heard of Uttarey until Sikkim Tourism invited me to the Sikkim Rural Tourism Meet 2025. After landing at Bagdogra Airport, the journey that followed was nothing short of magical. It took nearly six hours to reach, winding through Siliguri’s roads, tracing the powerful Teesta River, and watching the landscape slowly transform into serene valleys and forested hills. After a quick lunch break at the Sikkim Tourism guesthouse, we arrived in Uttarey by around 7 PM.
Discovering Uttarey – Off the Beaten Path
Tucked away in West Sikkim, about 30 km from the popular hill station of Pelling and close to the Nepal border, Uttarey is a quiet little village that feels like a world of its own. If you’ve ever longed for a peaceful getaway with the majestic Kanchenjunga range in sight, this is the place. Uttarey is perfect for travellers seeking a blend of relaxation and light adventure, far from the noise and rush of city life. The serenity of this village, paired with stunning mountain views, makes it a true hidden treasure.
While the mountains wear a misty veil in summer, they turn into a snow-kissed wonderland in winter. Uttarey also serves as a base for several high-altitude treks. What sets it apart from mainstream tourist spots is its untouched beauty—lush forests, peaceful riversides, and a rich chorus of birdsong. It’s a paradise for nature lovers and photographers alike.
Things to Do in Uttarey
Uttarey is the kind of place that invites you to just be. My favourite moments were the simplest—sipping on a cup of ginger tea at my homestay balcony, watching the clouds float by, and listening to the birds. A stroll across green meadows or enjoying a chilly evening with a traditional ‘Tongba’ by the bonfire brought an unmatched sense of contentment. (Tongba, by the way, is a local warm alcoholic drink made from fermented millet.)
That said, there are several local sights worth visiting. Kagyu Gumpa, one of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim, is a peaceful and spiritual stop. Then there’s Titanic Park, Tenzing Hillary Memorial Park, some scenic waterfalls, and quiet viewpoints scattered around the village.
Uttarey is also emerging as Sikkim’s adventure hub. Thanks to ongoing efforts by the tourism department, activities like trekking, bird watching, cycling, hot air balloon rides, paragliding, and guided nature walks are gaining popularity. One of the highlights of my visit was hiking up to Phoktey Dara from the Nepal border. It was surreal to stand at a spot where I had one foot in India and the other in Nepal. The panoramic views of Kanchenjunga from there were simply breathtaking.
Staying with the Locals – The Homestay Experience
One of Uttarey’s greatest charms lies in its homestays. While there are a few hotels and resorts around, I would absolutely recommend opting for a homestay. I stayed at one called Monal—a six-room home nestled in the hills, tastefully decorated with souvenirs from Sikkim and Nepal. It was clean, cozy, and offered stunning mountain views.
Our hosts treated us like family. Their two kids added a cheerful vibe to every meal we shared. The traditional home-cooked meals, made from locally grown produce, were both nourishing and comforting. Evenings at the homestay were especially memorable, spent sipping tea or Tongba, singing old Nepali, Hindi, and Bollywood songs, and soaking in the crisp mountain air.
Many homes in the village are beautifully surrounded by seasonal flowers, adding a splash of colour to the serene surroundings. The entire vibe is warm, welcoming, and unforgettable.
Getting There
Uttarey is the last village in West Sikkim and is accessible by road all the way.
By Air
The nearest airport is Bagdogra (West Bengal), well connected to major cities. From there, it’s a 160 km drive—roughly six hours by taxi.
By Rail
The closest railway station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP). From NJP, head to Siliguri, and then continue by road. The drive takes around six hours as well.
You can pre-book taxis or ask your homestay or travel agent to make arrangements for a smoother experience.
Best Time to Visit
Uttarey is beautiful throughout the year, but the best time to visit is from February to June and September to November. These months offer pleasant weather, clear skies and are perfect for outdoor activities and treks. Avoid the monsoon season (July to September) due to the risk of landslides, and if you’re not fond of cold, skip the peak winter (December–January), although snow lovers might still enjoy the higher reaches nearby.
Pro tip: Carry warm clothes no matter when you visit—the mountains always come with a chill.
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