Adding yet another feather to its cap as a role model of sustainable tourism, Sikkim is now home to India’s first “digital nomad village.”
Yakten village, situated in the hills of the Pakyong district, typically attracts nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts keen on being among its breathtaking forests and lush vegetation. Now, the village hopes to draw a different type of crowd—one armed with laptops and phones.
The Sikkim government, in partnership with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), is developing Yakten as a model for sustainable tourism as part of a broader strategy to diversify the state’s tourism portfolio by attracting mindful travellers who value environmental stewardship and social responsibility.
The initiative will transform the village into a hub for remote workers, freelancers and digital entrepreneurs thanks to the presence of high-speed internet connectivity, eco-friendly homestays and dedicated co-working spaces.
The plan behind a “digital nomad village” is to encourage longer stays, benefiting visitors, who gain a more fulfilling experience, and the local economy, which thrives on sustained engagement. Through workshops, cultural exchanges and community events, it is hoped that digital nomads and locals will share knowledge, traditions and ideas, creating a vibrant ecosystem of mutual growth and respect.
An official said, “It is not about luxury but functionality. It is not about the aesthetics of mountain holidays but the quiet dignity of rural work-life integration. Visitors will get homemade food, including [the] ethnic cuisine of Sikkim, can join in butterfly trails, forest walks and most importantly, time and space to think.”
The COVID-19 pandemic made digital nomadism a way of life for many professionals worldwide. Outlook Traveller has previously reported on a variety of countries that offer digital nomad visas for Indian workers, including Italy, the Philippines and Japan.
Within the country, people have been flocking to hill stations like Mussoorie, Kodagu, Matheran and Dharamshala, among others, to live a more balanced and peaceful life. Thus, Yakten’s addition to the list of places suitable for a digital nomad should come as no surprise.
The orchid gardens, butterflies, Himalayan birds, fields and majestic views of the Himalayas make Yakten a picture-postcard destination for visitors. The village is near the Jhandi Dara viewpoint, which can be reached via a trek. Once there, hikers are greeted with a panoramic view of Mount Kangchenjunga and an ancient fort.
Yakten can be visited at any time of the year except during the monsoon season, when the roads could become inaccessible due to the rains and mud.
Gangtok is the closest city to Yakten, which is 32 km away.
