Backpacking India 54/129: Nepali Rum Traditional Kitchen, Sikkim, India

Backpacking India 54/129: Nepali Rum in a Traditional Sikkim Kitchen

Hello, I'm mr.hotsia, back again with another deep and heartfelt travel story. This time, I head to the state of Sikkim (SIKKIM) in northern India, a peaceful land full of the charm of the Himalayas and diverse tribal cultures. The time I experienced here was when tourism was still not very busy, allowing the atmosphere and lifestyle of the people to remain authentic like nowhere else.

I started my journey from Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim, connected to West Bengal by Highway 31A, which is the main convenient route for travelers like me (read the travel story to Gangtok atTravel to Gangtok, Sikkim, India). After resting two nights in Gangtok, I traveled by local jeep to Namchi, the main town of South Sikkim. It sits about 1,675 meters above sea level, with a cool atmosphere and notable for its blend of Hindu and Buddhist art and culture.

Nepali Rum in a Traditional Sikkim Kitchen

One unforgettable experience was tasting Nepali rum, a local drink famous in this region. From the moment I stepped into a local kitchen in Namchi, the aroma of rum waiting to be distilled made me feel like I had traveled back to ancient times.

This Nepali rum is made from fermented rice and local herbs, distilled using ancient methods passed down through generations in Nepali families here. mr.hotsia tasted the rum, which was sweet and smooth but with a hidden fiery warmth. The specialness of this rum is not only in its taste but also in the traditional kitchen atmosphere filled with laughter and stories from the elders.

I learned that this distilled rum is used in ceremonies and festivals, deeply connecting people. It is also part of the long-standing lifestyle and culture. This charm cannot be found in typical tourist travels.

Traditional Kitchen and Local Food in Namchi

Besides Nepali rum, I also tasted local dishes prepared by villagers in a simple home kitchen. Most ingredients come fresh from the mountains and surrounding nature, such as fresh vegetables, wild mushrooms, and locally raised meat. Simple dishes like fried rice mixed with Nepali spices made me feel the warmth hidden in every bite.

The atmosphere of the traditional kitchen was full of sincerity and friendliness. The locals did not treat me as a tourist but as a guest visiting their home. I listened to Nepali songs from street singers and heard old piano melodies softly playing amid the aroma of coffee and freshly baked bread. (If anyone is interested in the street Nepali music atmosphere in Sikkim, check outPering Fried Rice, Nepali Song)

Lifestyle and Travel in Sikkim

Traveling in Sikkim is full of fun and challenges. Local jeeps are the main transport connecting towns, such as from Namchi to Pelling or from Pelling to Gangtok. The narrow winding roads through mountains and small villages allowed me to see the true lifestyle of Sikkimese people.

Pelling, not far from Namchi, is another spot I recommend visiting, especially if you want to experience a traditional homestay atmosphere that preserves the purity of nature. (Read about homestays in Pelling atDahlap Homestay, Pelling, West Sikkim, India) I myself spent several nights there, talking with locals and learning a lifestyle completely different from big cities.

Final Thoughts Before Departure

For those who want to follow my footsteps, mr.hotsia, to experience Nepali rum and the lifestyle of Sikkimese people, I recommend careful travel planning. Traveling in this region may require relying on jeeps and close communication with locals. The warmth and sincerity from the locals will be the best gift from this journey.

If anyone is interested in more details about travel and lifestyle in Sikkim, please visit the articleBackpacking Sikkim, Indiawhere I have compiled my complete experiences.

Finally, mr.hotsia would like to share a video clip I recorded in a traditional Sikkim kitchen with Nepali rum, hoping it helps everyone feel the real atmosphere through images and sound.Backpacking India 54/129: Nepali Rum Traditional Kitchen, Sikkim, IndiaThank you.

Travel joyfully and fully with every feeling.
— mr.hotsia