Yakten (ইয়াকতেন), a quiet village in East Sikkim, has officially been declared as India’s first digital nomad village.
Set 6,000 feet above sea level, Yakten Village lies just 35 km from Gangtok. It is 10 km uphill from Pakyong, where a newly built airport connects the region. Though still untouched by mass tourism, the village is attracting attention for its natural beauty, calm atmosphere, and warm hospitality.
Nomads in Nature: Where Peace Meets Productivity
This initiative invites freelancers, creators, and remote workers to blend their careers with cultural discovery and mountain serenity. This establishment is the outcome of a joint effort by the Pakyong district administration and NGO Sarvahitey under the ‘Nomad Sikkim’ initiative.
With the support of local authorities, they tackled key challenges. Most notably, Yakten’s water shortage. Today, the village boasts of reliable internet, backup connectivity, and a growing number of homestays ready to welcome long-term guests. Surrounded by lush fields, Yakten is perfect for nature lovers. Most homestays feature flower gardens and vegetable patches, where coriander, cabbage, and other fresh produce grow just outside the rooms.
Nomad-Ready Homestays with Heart
Yakten is a homestay-based village. Their hosts prepare home-cooked meals and offer a true farm-to-table experience. These stays reflect not just comfort, but a sense of belonging and local pride.
Yakten’s cool, pleasant climate makes it ideal for remote work. Summers reach around 24°C, while winter nights dip to 4°C. Currently, about a dozen homestays offer stays from Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,500 per night, including meals and internet, making it an affordable long-term base for digital nomads.
Despite its tranquil setting, Yakten is well-connected. The nearest railway station, New Jalpaiguri (NJP), is 140 km away. Bagdogra Airport lies 125 km from the village.
Nomads Fueling Local Growth
This recognition comes as India’s digital nomad community continues to grow. According to recent data by Digital Nomad and India Today, 1.7 million Indians now combine work with travel. Yakten not only offers them a scenic and peaceful workspace but also supports sustainable livelihoods for locals without disrupting the village’s quiet charm.
What distinctly sets Yakten apart from other hill stations or rural destinations in India is its unique combination of digital infrastructure and cultural authenticity. While many mountain retreats offer scenic beauty and tranquility, Yakten integrates these with robust internet connectivity, making it a viable base for remote work and long-term stays.
Unlike commercialized tourist hubs, the village maintains its traditional charm through community-run homestays that provide home-cooked meals and locally grown produce, offering visitors an immersive cultural experience. This balance of modern digital access and rural simplicity enables digital nomads to work efficiently while engaging meaningfully with local life [Nomad List, 2025; Deloitte India Workforce Survey, 2022].
As a result, Yakten stands out as a model for sustainable, community-driven tourism tailored to the needs of the modern remote professional. Whether you’re a remote worker, a creative soul, or simply seeking a break from the city, Yakten invites you to slow down, connect, and work surrounded by nature.
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