Gangtok: Sikkim is gearing up for its second ‘digital nomad village’ at Soreng’s Gumpa Dara after the success of its first one at Yakten in the Pakyong district.
The one at Yakten, inaugurated in July, is India’s first ‘digital nomad village’ and it has already started attracting professionals from across the country.
A ‘digital nomad village’ provides high-speed wi-fi, eco-friendly infrastructure, and upgraded homestays, enabling professionals to balance remote work with a peaceful lifestyle, while also supporting local livelihoods.
A review meeting on the proposed one at Gumpa Dara was held at the District Administrative Centre (DAC), Soreng, on Friday. It was chaired by additional district collector D R Bista.
Such villages are the initiative of ‘Nomad Sikkim’ that is working towards the development of tourism. The Yakten initiative, developed by the Pakyong district administration in collaboration with Sarvahitey NGO, has already started hosting digital nomads from across the country, an official said.
The Gumpa Dara project also envisions high-speed internet, co-working hubs, eco-friendly pathways, and community-led cultural activities.
During the meeting, Bista highlighted Soreng’s natural attractions, including panoramic views of Mt Kanchenjunga, trekking routes, monasteries, and homestay culture, as strong advantages. He emphasised that the initiative would diversify the economy, create jobs, and promote sustainable tourism.
Officials also briefed participants on the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), assuring full support to local entrepreneurs.
Representatives from various departments, financial institutions, and stakeholders participated in the meeting and pledged their cooperation to make the “digital nomad village” at Gumpa Dara a reality, it said.
This initiative can be replicated in other states for the development of tourism and employment generation.