Nestled amid the pine-covered hills of East Sikkim, the remote village of Yakten has made history by becoming India’s first digital nomad village—a place where work-from-anywhere meets the serenity of the Himalayas.
Announced as part of the “Nomad Sikkim” initiative, Yakten’s transformation signals a new frontier for rural innovation, remote work infrastructure, and eco-conscious tourism in India. The project, a collaboration between the Pakyong district administration and non-profit partner Sarvahitey, aims to turn this quiet village into a permanent hub for digital professionals, freelancers, and creatives seeking high-speed internet with a mountain view.
A Village Reimagined for the Work-From-Anywhere Era
What was once a sleepy settlement known mostly to trekkers and botanists is now equipped with dual-line high-speed broadband, full mobile network coverage, and 24/7 power backups. Eight traditional homestays have been upgraded with workstations, Wi-Fi routers, and eco-friendly amenities—designed specifically with digital workers in mind.
“Our goal was simple,” said an official involved in the project. “Make it possible to take a Zoom call with Kanchenjunga in the background.”
Economic Empowerment Through Connectivity
Yakten’s transformation is not just about attracting outsiders—it’s about empowering its residents. The project dovetails with Sikkim’s “One Family, One Entrepreneur” vision, offering stable income to homestay owners who previously relied on a short tourist season from April to October.
By offering a year-round trickle of remote workers, the initiative promises consistent income, digital skill-building, and new cultural exchanges between locals and nomads.
“This is not just tourism,” said a local homestay owner. “This is livelihood, learning, and living—all in one.”
A Place to Work, a Place to Belong
Only 10 kilometers from Pakyong Airport and 35 kilometers from Gangtok, Yakten combines accessibility with seclusion. Visitors are encouraged to participate in village life—whether by attending cultural programs, learning to cook Sikkimese meals, or simply walking the trails that wind through pine forests and orchid gardens.
Infrastructure upgrades under the Jal Jeevan Mission have brought piped drinking water to every household. Sustainability measures—such as composting, solar lights, and zero-waste protocols—are central to the village’s operations.
A National First with Global Aspirations
The Nomad Sikkim pilot will run for three years, with potential expansion to other villages if successful. Officials hope it sets a national precedent for blending tourism, technology, and tradition.
At a time when millions are rethinking where and how they live and work, Yakten offers something rare: a chance to work remotely without working in isolation—a life lived fully, slowly, and connected, both online and off.
“Yakten is more than a destination,” said one of the project architects. “It’s a prototype for how the future of work can uplift even the most remote corners of the world.”