Sikkim: Yakten declared India’s first digital nomad village, offers remote workers a slice of Himalayan life

The small village of Yakten, nestled in Sikkim’s Pakyong district, was officially declared India’s first digital nomad village on Monday, July 14, 2025.

The project, launched collaboratively by the Pakyong District Administration and NGO Sarvahitey, aims to transform remote Himalayan regions into year-round hubs for digital professionals while ensuring consistent economic opportunities for locals. The launch ceremony was held in Yakten, graced by the presence of Smt. Pamin Lepcha, MLA of Gnathang Machong, and Smt. Laden Lhamu Bhutia, Zilla Adhyaksha of Pakyong, among other dignitaries and community members.

Once a secluded hamlet known only to locals, Yakten now boasts high-speed internet with dual-line backup, continuous power supply, and work-ready homestays—all set against the magnificent backdrop of Mount Kanchenjunga. This blend of traditional village charm with modern digital infrastructure marks a radical shift in how work and lifestyle can coexist.

“This project is directly inspired by the Hon’ble Chief Minister’s vision of ‘One Family, One Entrepreneur,’” said District Collector Rohan Ramesh, IAS, the driving force behind the initiative. “Homestay owners used to earn income for only 4-5 months a year during tourist seasons. With Nomad Sikkim, we are building a model that ensures year-round income and rural sustainability.”

To meet the requirements of digital professionals, the district administration ensured fast implementation of core infrastructure—Wi-Fi, inverters for power backup, waste management systems, and temporary drinking water solutions ahead of the full implementation under the Jal Jeevan Mission. Transport tie-ups with nearby towns and the airport are also underway to ease accessibility.

The first wave of remote workers has already arrived from cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, and even abroad. Many cite the calming environment, affordability, and purpose-driven travel experience as key reasons for choosing Yakten as their “office with a view.”

But while the official launch signals progress, villagers speak of years of perseverance behind the scenes. Gyan Bahadur Subba, President of the Yakten Village Tourism Cooperative Society, revealed that homestay owners invested their own savings—often taking loans of ₹2 lakhs per room—to meet the quality standards. “We were told to make it happen ourselves. Now, we’re repaying debts and hoping this project succeeds, not just seasonally, but all year round.”

The water crisis continues to be a major concern. “The airport construction disrupted our water sources,” said Subba. “Though pipelines are being laid with local support, we are still unsure if water will reach everyone.”

Subba added that earlier promises to allot homestays to tourism workers remain unfulfilled and estimated that ₹40–45 lakhs would be required to fully develop Yakten as a sustainable digital village. “We are hopeful, but we need sustained government backing,” he said.

Despite these concerns, the people of Yakten remain cautiously optimistic. With recent visits from lawmakers and a renewed focus on long-term development, there is hope that Yakten will not only be a model for remote work but also a blueprint for inclusive rural progress in India.