Bamboo Retreat, Sikkim – Lies in the midst of terraced paddy field, lush bamboo groves & sub-tropical forest

Originally named Gyatseling, which in Bhutia language means “House of Bamboo” the hotel was the residence of an aristocratic lady and a prominent social figure of Sikkim, late Chum Dorji Wangmo Barfongpa. Now named as the Bamboo Retreat hotel, it is just a 30 min drive from the hustle and bustle of Gangtok, located in Sajong village. This hotel is the only boutique hotel in Gangtok. It lies in the midst of terraced paddy field, lush bamboo groves and sub-tropical forest. Here you will enjoy the delicious blend of Swiss- Sikkimese cuisine and also a good hospitality. The serenity of the place is enchanting. Savour the picturesque view of the Nathula-Himalayan range across the valley. Founded by Swiss Helen Kampf and her Sikkimese team here you will find the mixture of two cultures of the east and west.

The comfort of the modernity of the western world and the cultural heritage of the Himalayas and the North-east finds integration here. The Bamboo Retreat takes care of the single aspects like customer satisfaction, aesthetics, hygiene, ecological and social soundness. With the descending darkness the tick ticking of the insects from the surrounding forest breaking the silence of the place will thrill you.

Following the principles of Feng Shui the retreat has its own gardens and 12 individually decorated rooms following the themes of the elements – Water, earth, wood, fire and metal. You can enjoy the picturesque sight of the city of Gangtok with the Himalayas in the background from the secluded comfort of your own private balcony.

The dining offers the local Sikkimese as well as Indian, Chinese and even Italian cuisine. You can meditate in the traditional prayer hall, take guided village and monastic walks, interact with the villagers or relax in a refreshing herbal bath made from home-grown fresh herbs.

Things to do at Bamboo Retreat: Enjoy a nature walk while exploring the village of Sajong and Rumtek. You can also rent a Mountain bike to move around the area. Two days guided treks are also arranged to Tinjure Ridge, from where you can savour the majestic view of the third highest Mountain of the world, Mt.Kanchenjunga.  Visit the local Buddhist monasteries along with local guides. You can also arrange for picnic at the nearby locations. Many tourists also indulge in swimming at Ray Khola mountain-river.  The capital city of Gangtok, just 24 kms from Sajong is dotted with a number of tourist attractions, which you can visit by arranging day trips from Sajong. Some of the major nearby attractions are Tibetology Museum, Do-Drul Chorten, Orchid Exhibition, Enchey Monastery, Tsomgo Lake, Phodong Monastery and handicraft and Handloom Industries.

How to go ?

The Bamboo retreat is located village of Sajong in East Sikkim, just 24 kms from Gangtok amidst spectacular views of Sikkim’s green rolling hills and the snow-capped Eastern Himalayas.

By Car : Take the Rumtek-road that forks off National Highway just opposite Mayfair Hotel above the town of Ranipol. Follow that road for about 20 min. After crossing river Rogni drive through Rumtek-gate and follow Rumtek-road till you reach the village of Sajong. In the middle of Sajong-village there is a road that forks off east to the villages of Ranka / Rey Mindu / Lingdum. Do not follow that road but instead continue on towards Rumtek. From this point onwards it is only a minute’s drive till the access-road that takes you to Bamboo Retreat. Watch out for signboard that is located just beneath the  sikkimese-style entry-gate. It takes 30 min. to reach by car from Gangtok or 8 minutes from Rumtek monastery. The transfer from Bagdogra Airport to Bamboo Retreat by car takes 4.5 hrs. The hotel also provides the luxury or standard jeeps with experienced drivers. You have to priorly book it from Bamboo Retreat.

Each room at Bamboo Retreat has its own individual character and is decorated in various colour-themes according to the elements as taught in Feng Shui. Most come with balconies providing stunning, panoramic views of Nathula and the Eastern Sikkim- Himalayas towering behind the city of Gangtok. Our apartment Emerald is spacious and ideally suited for honeymooners, families or guests preferring spaciousness, privacy and quietness. Please note that the Bamboo Retreat is non-smoking inside. However, guests can smoke in the garden or on their balconies. We do not provide televisions in the rooms as we believe that the essence of your purpose of visiting is lost if you stay spending your time watching TV. We do however have a common room with a television.

Facilities: Some of the facilities this boutique resort offers its guests are:

• Traditional Sikkimese Meditation-hall: Introduction on Meditation &/or Buddhism by local monk-instructor available upon prior notice
• Herbal Baths- & Massage Therapy-Room: Ayurvedic massage available upon prior notice
• TV-Room with Tata Sky, DVD & Video: Our selection of DVD’s and Videos include themes on Sikkim, the Himalayas, Buddhism and Traditional Healing
• Panorama Restaurant with Pizza-oven and Bar: With ethnic, Indian, Chinese and Italian cuisine freshly prepared with seasonal vegetables and herbs.
• Organic Herb- & Vegetable-Garden with a focus on indigenous varieties
• Flower-Garden & lawn with swing, outdoor tables & chairs
• Badminton
• Mountain Biking: We have over a dozen Indian mountain bikes and two western-standard MTB’s for rent
• Large Parking-area
• Handicraft and Souvenir Shop
• Tea- & Coffee-bar in hallway
• Wi-Fi internet-service
• Business Centre with Printer
• Handicraft- & Souvenir-Shop
• Library with books on Sikkim, The Himalayas and Buddhism
• Kid’s Playroom
• In-house travel agency

Wellness treats at The Bamboo Retreat include regenerating herbal baths, the freshly brewed herbal teas, meditation and Ayurvedic massages by a trained Ayurvedic Doctor or his assistant. Meditation-classes guided by a local monk are also available upon request.

Please note that Credit Card-facility is not available. However there are ATM’s at Ranipool and Gangtok for withdrawing cash.

Dine and Wine: Bamboo Retreat’s Restaurant is furnished in a combination of traditional Sikkimese-style and cane-furniture. The curtains and table-sets are made of Bhutanese-style and Lepcha textiles and bamboo-items from the entire northeastern region decorate our walls. The Dining Hall can seat up to 30 persons and there are provisions for more sitting in the outdoor garden-area. At our bar you can try Sikkim’s popular Blue Dansberg-beer or go for a locally produced Whiskey or Cherry Brandy. The bar also serves a variety of Indian wines. Yet if you desire a true introduction to the world of local drinks you cannot leave Sikkim without having tried the local millet-beer, ‘Thungba’. Fermented millet is poured into a large bamboo- or wooden cup. Then hot water is added and left to absorb the taste of the millet. ‘Thungba’ is drunk warm with a bamboo-straw and tastes ‘somewhat’ like Japanese ‘Sake’.

For booking details you may contact:

The Bamboo Retreat: (+91)-(3592) 252516 or (+91)( 92325) 13090, Website: www.bambooretreat.in

Note : Phone numbers given above are according to the information available with us. If you find any contact number/s given above is/are incorrect or not in use, please let us know.