India’s First Digital Nomad Village Opens in Sikkim

Yakten village in the Pakyong district of Sikkim has been launched as India’s first digital nomad village on July 15, 2025. This special initiative aims to support remote workers by offering them modern facilities in a peaceful Himalayan setting. It also helps local families earn a steady income through homestays, especially during off-season months.

A New Way to Work: Digital Nomad Village in the Hills

The project, called ‘Nomad Sikkim’, is a joint effort by the Pakyong district administration and NGO Sarvahitey. It was created to solve the problem of seasonal income gaps for homestay owners, especially from April to October, when fewer tourists visit. The village now offers broadband-ready homestays where digital professionals can live and work comfortably.

Strong Internet and Reliable Power

To support remote workers, Yakten has been upgraded with dual internet lines, village-wide Wi-Fi, and power backup systems to prevent blackouts. These changes ensure that professionals can work without interruptions. The Jal Jeevan Mission is also working on improving the water supply in the village.

The village is easy to reach as it is well-connected by road and located near Pakyong Airport.

Homestays with a Local Touch

The homestays in Yakten are more than just rooms—they offer guests the chance to live with local families, enjoy home-cooked traditional food, and experience Sikkimese culture. Visitors can enjoy folk music, dance, and visits to monasteries and nature trails. These stays promote a blend of modern work and rural life.

Boosting the Local Economy

This new village model helps reduce the local community’s dependence on seasonal tourism. It gives steady income to families and shows how rural areas can join the digital economy while keeping their traditions alive. Experts believe this idea could be copied in other villages across India to promote sustainable and balanced growth.

Explore, Relax, and Work

Visitors can enjoy nature with peaceful walks, community gardens, and trails like the 7-km trek to Jhandi Dara View Point, offering amazing views of Mt. Kanchenjunga. Yakten combines work-friendly spaces with natural beauty and local heritage to offer a unique work-life balance.