Backpacking India 84/129: The Road Crossing Waterfalls in Sikkim goto Matam Homestay Sikkim

Backpacking India 84/129: The Road Crossing Waterfalls in Sikkim to the Embrace of Matam Homestay

Hello, I am mr.hotsia. Today, I will take you on a journey to a land I deeply love—Sikkim, a small state in northern India nestled between the Himalayas, with a landscape full of tranquility and pure nature. For this trip, I chose an extraordinary route: the road crossing waterfalls in Sikkim, heading to Matam Homestay, where it feels like coming home amidst nature.

When talking about Sikkim, many people probably think of the capital cityGangtokwhich connects to the outside world via the sometimes unreliable Highway 31A during the rainy season and Bagdogra Airport located in the nearby city of Siliguri. But this time, I chose to leave Gangtok to head deeper into South Sikkim, to the town of Namchi, the center of South Sikkim and a stopover before entering the true mountain routes.

Journey to the Waterfall Route and Matam Homestay

After staying two nights in Namchi, I booked a local jeep, the main mode of transport for Sikkim locals, to enter the waterfall crossing route I had heard was both challenging and beautiful. Traveling on winding roads is familiar to me as a traveler, but this time was special because we passed several waterfalls flowing down from the Himalayas. Seeing the small waterfalls flowing through the lush green forest made me feel like I was experiencing unspoiled nature.

Along the way, the jeep stopped several times to let pedestrians and travelers explore the surroundings. I talked with the driver, a local, who shared stories about the lives of the Nepali and Lepcha people here, who still firmly uphold their traditions and culture.

This route may not be as comfortable as riding a bus in a big city, but it is an experience that made me feel closer to the mountains and the local communities.

Matam Homestay: A Small House in a Big Valley

Upon arriving at Matam Homestay, I was warmly welcomed by the owners, a Nepali family. They shared stories about this house, which hosts only a few travelers like me in the area to preserve the local charm and community tranquility.

There are no luxurious facilities here, but there is naturalness and sincerity. Every morning, I heard birds singing and smelled wildflowers around the house, along with breakfast made from fresh local ingredients, such as hot sticky rice with a mild, home-style vegetable curry.

The time spent with this family taught me about a simple lifestyle, gardening vegetables and herbs, and living self-sufficiently—something many city dwellers may have forgotten.

Nature and Lifestyle in South Sikkim

Sikkim is not just mountains and monasteries but also home to communities that strongly preserve their unique identity. I strolled through small villages around Matam Homestay, seeing children playing in the streets and elders sharing stories from the past.

The small market in Namchi, where I stopped before coming here, is another place not to miss. You can taste local foods like momos (Nepali dumplings) and strong, fragrant Nepali tea, which kept me energized throughout the journey.

For those interested in an overview of Namchi and its local lifestyle, try reading my articleNamchi Town, South Sikkim, Indiawhich will help you see the connected journey more clearly.

An Unforgettable Route and Lasting Memories

After spending two nights at Matam Homestay and traveling back the same way, I felt this trip to Sikkim fully enriched my heart. Traveling on the waterfall-crossing road full of challenges, seeing the real lives of locals, and staying in a warm homestay made me love Sikkim even more than before.

For travelers wanting to experience a different side of Sikkim, I recommend planning a visit toPellinga small town in West Sikkim, or try staying at a homestay inNamchi Townto get the authentic Sikkim experience as I did.

And if you enjoy a simple, chill atmosphere with genuine nature, don’t forget to stop by Matam Homestay. This waterfall crossing route is one I, mr.hotsia, recommend as a “must-try once in a lifetime.”

Follow my travel stories and deep travel experiences at hotsia.com, and if you want to see a video of this route, I have a clip available atBackpacking India 84/129: The Road Crossing Waterfalls in Sikkim goto Matam Homestay Sikkimas well.

I wish everyone a fun journey and to collect wonderful memories just as I, mr.hotsia, have experienced!