Backpacking India 67/129: Nepali song by a Nepali girl in Sikkim

Backpacking India 67/129: Nepali song by a Nepali girl in Sikkim

When talking about Sikkim in India, many might think of the towering Himalayas, pristine nature, or the majestic Buddhist monasteries. But for me, mr.hotsia, this visit revealed another dimension of Sikkim: the “Nepali songs” sung by a young Nepali girl in a small mountain village.

Having traveled to Sikkim many times, including Gangtok, Pering, and Namchi, this time I encountered and recordedBackpacking in Sikkim, Indiawas a unique experience. Traveling from Gangtok, the state capital, southward to Namchi, the center of South Sikkim, where Nepali and Buddhist cultures blend harmoniously.

Along the way, riding a local jeep that transports people and goods on winding roads, I heard a beautiful and charming Nepali song. The voice came from a young girl singing by the roadside in a small Nepali village. I didn’t hesitate to stop and talk to her.

She told me the song she sang was a traditional Nepali folk song passed down in her community. Her warm and lively voice made me feel as if I truly touched the heart of Sikkim’s people. This song is not just music but a story of life, hope, and connection to her homeland.

Originally, Sikkim’s population was mostly Lepcha and Tibetan, but today Nepalis make up about 75% of the total population. So it’s no surprise that Nepali songs are heard everywhere here—in markets, streets, and festivals. I have written about Namchi inNamchi City, South Sikkim, Indiawhich is not only a commercial center but also a stronghold of Nepali culture.

Listening to the song from this young girl reminded me of the atmosphere in Namchi’s market, filled with people of diverse ethnicities and languages. Nepali is the main spoken language heard almost all the time, even in roadside restaurants where I once ate Pering fried rice while listening to Nepali street singers (see more atPering Fried Rice Nepali Song Clip)

Besides the music reflecting the Nepali community, what impressed me most was the simple and warm lifestyle of Sikkim’s people who still hold on to their traditional culture. Staying in small homestays in Namchi and Pering was an eye-opening experience, as I shared in the articleDahlap Homestay, Pering, West Sikkim, Indiawhere I experienced the warmth of Buddhist and Nepali families here.

While listening to the Nepali song from this young girl, I also saw the simple daily life of villagers—the laughter of children playing in the streets, the aroma of local food sold at small stalls, and traditional clothing reflecting the unique identity of Nepalis in Sikkim.

Traveling in Sikkim is quite convenient. Roads connect cities like Gangtok, Pering, Namchi, and surrounding small towns. You can travel by relatively safe and affordable local jeep services. Connections to major cities like Siliguri in West Bengal and Bagdogra Airport make visiting Sikkim easier than expected (read details atTraveling to Gangtok, Sikkim, India)

For those who love listening to music and experiencing authentic folk culture, I recommend opening your heart to visit Sikkim from my perspective, mr.hotsia, with the living Nepali songs in these small villages. I recorded the images and sounds inNepali song by a Nepali girl in Sikkim clipwhich is part of my backpacking journey in India that I want everyone to see and experience.

Though the music is just a small sound in these mountains, for me it makes Sikkim far from boring and full of the charm of real life. Don’t forget to stop and listen to the voices of locals during your travels and open your heart to the simple beauty here.