Unbelievable Khemsa Homestay: Your Lachen, India Dream Escape!
Unbelievable Khemsa Homestay: My Lachen, India Dream Escape? More Like a Fairytale with Altitude Sickness! (A VERY Honest Review)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea (or maybe the thukpa) on my recent sojourn to Unbelievable Khemsa Homestay in Lachen, North Sikkim. And trust me, it was… an experience. Let's just say my expectations were Himalayan high, and well, some of them were met, some… weren't. But hey, that's life, right? And Lachen is life amplified.
First, the Accessibility… and the Altitude (Real Talk)
Okay, let's be upfront. Accessibility in Lachen isn't exactly a priority. Getting to Khemsa Homestay is an adventure in itself. Forget about leisurely strolling; it's a climb, a hike even, depending on your room. Forget about a wheelchair accessible anything – this is not that kind of place. Think rugged, think beautiful… and think “pack light.” They're probably fine with getting your bags up, but getting you up is another story.
Then there’s the altitude. Lachen sits pretty darn high. I'm talking thin air, folks. I'm not a weakling, but I felt the altitude sickness HARD. So, if you aren't used to it, take it easy on arrival.
But Let's Talk About the Good Stuff! (Because There's LOTS)
Rooms & Comfort: More Than Just a Bed (Mostly)
The rooms themselves? Pretty damn charming. Don't expect a luxury hotel room; think cozy, rustic, with a view that'll steal your breath (even without the altitude). Okay, maybe mine wasn't perfectly clean, and the carpeting could use a refresh (sorry, Khemsa!), but the extra-long bed was a godsend, and the blackout curtains were crucial after those sunrises that feel like they start at 4 AM. The slippers were a nice touch, and the bathrobes were perfect for lounging after a hot shower (though the hot water wasn't always consistently hot). And yeah, I always appreciate complimentary tea! I swear, I think they had to bring a hair dryer up just for me. They do try.
The View. Oh, The View!
Look, the main reason to stay here is the location. Incredible is an understatement. I woke up every morning to a panoramic vista of snow-capped peaks that made me want to weep with joy (and, you know, maybe a bit of altitude-induced anxiety). My window that opens! Oh, the fresh air! The mirror was great for taking photos. The seating area was perfect for, well, staring at the view.
Food, Glorious Food! (Mostly!)
Okay, so the dining situation was a mixed bag. The Asian breakfast was AMAZING. Especially the momos - get the momos. They were legendary. The breakfast buffet was solid, but I'd recommend asking for a menu and selecting a la carte, for the authentic experience! The Asian cuisine in restaurant was generally much better than the Western. I am not sure if there was a Vegetarian restaurant there, but there should be alternatives for sure. The coffee/tea in restaurant was okay and they brought me a bottle of water every night. I'm not sure about the happy hour, never got to experience one. I did not see the Poolside bar… because there was no pool, but maybe there will be someday. The Snack bar was well, I did not even remember if there's one…
Don’t get me wrong, Lachen isn’t exactly a culinary mecca. But the food at Khemsa? It was good! They even offered alternative meal arrangement should you need one. I tried the soup in restaurant and it wasn't bad, but not my favorite. The food was pretty good even though the kitchen and tableware items was not always spotless. I did not try the Desserts in restaurant.
The Service: Smiles and Sacrifices
The staff? Bless their hearts. They were genuinely friendly and try. It's not an ultra-slick hotel, but they make up for it with warmth and a willingness to help. They even had a doctor/nurse on call which is reassuring considering the remoteness. The Daily housekeeping was pretty good.
What You Can Do (Besides Gasp at the View)
Honestly, you're here to hike, explore, and just be. Khemsa doesn’t have a ton of activities on-site… which is fine! Because the whole area is one big, outdoor adventure. The Things to do options are centered around the incredible nature around you. If you like taking photos, you have hit the jackpot. It's not that kind of place. Even though, there were some options for ways to relax. Like, I wonder if there was a Spa/sauna, Body scrub or Body wrap… probably not. There was no Fitness center or Gym/fitness either, but, hey, the mountains are your gym! It has the basics, like Swimming pool and there is also a Pool with view which is pretty cool.
Things To Note: The Real Downsides (And Sometimes, The Charm)
- Internet: I'm not going to lie, the Internet access and Wi-Fi weren't the greatest. They had Internet [LAN] but that felt like something from the last century. Expect patchy connectivity. Internet services are available but they are not the best. They say Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, but don't bank on it. This is a place to disconnect, and that's not always a bad thing! But if you're planning on working remotely, or even just staying in touch, be prepared for frustration.
- Cleanliness & Safety: The cleanliness was okay, but not perfect. They're clearly trying hard. The Room sanitization opt-out available, but why would you? They also had Anti-viral cleaning products. They have a Hand sanitizer and First aid kit, which is important for a place like this. Staff trained in safety protocol, yeah, for sure. They Sterilizing equipment and offer Professional-grade sanitizing services. This is a safe place, so no worries. If you like a spotless hotel, this isn't it. If you are fine, you are good to go.
- Services and Conveniences: They have a concierge but it's not your five-star concierge. They have Luggage storage and offer Laundry service and Ironing service. They offer Facilities for disabled guests which is a good thing. They offer a small convenience store, in case you forgot something. They had a Cash withdrawal, which is important. They have a Daily housekeeping service and a Concierge.
- For the kids: Family/child friendly, yeah I see. They have Babysitting service, which is good. They also have Kids meal.
The Quirks (Which I Kind of Loved)
There were imperfections. Little things. A dripping tap here, a wonky light switch there. But that’s what made it feel authentic, not a sterile, chain hotel. It wasn't the slickest operation. But it was a place. A place with a soul. A place where you could be truly present.
The Unbelievable Offer You CAN'T Refuse! (Okay, Maybe You Can, But You Shouldn't)
Book your Lachen Adventure NOW and get:
- A guaranteed breathtaking view that will leave you speechless (and maybe a little breathless from the altitude!).
- Authentic Asian Breakfast (And yes, the Momos).
- Free Wi-Fi - (Yeah, we're working on it!)
- Hospitality with a Smile: The staff are as warm as the Himalayan sunshine.
But that's not all!
- Bonus offer: Free advice on acclimatization (seriously, take it!).
Why Khemsa Homestay? Because it's not just a place to stay; it's an experience. It's a chance to disconnect from the world and reconnect with yourself, with nature, and with the simple joys of life: a warm cup of tea, a view to die for, and the thrill of being utterly, gloriously away from it all.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your escape to Unbelievable Khemsa Homestay today. Just… maybe pack some altitude sickness pills, alright?
SEO Keywords: Unbelievable Khemsa Homestay, Lachen, North Sikkim, India, Homestay, Accommodation, Travel, Adventure, Himalayas, Reviews, Mountain View, Best Hotels, Budget Travel, Remote, Altitude Sickness, Momos, Asian Breakfast, Unique Stay, Nature, Best Place to Stay, Best Views, Offbeat Travel, Accessibility
The Orion Greater Kailash: Delhi's Most Luxurious Apartment?
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your meticulously planned, sterile travel itinerary. This is my KHEMSA HOMESTAY LACHEN, INDIA, survival guide, and it's gonna be messy, honest, and probably involve me whining about altitude sickness at some point. Prepare for emotional rollercoaster, because that's just how I roll.
The Khemsa Homestay Chaotic Itinerary: Day 1 (The Arrival Debacle)
- Morning (5 AM - 8 AM): Ugh. The red-eye flight. I swear, I blinked, and I was in Bagdogra. Airports are soul-sucking vortexes of overpriced coffee and overly cheerful flight attendants. Landed. Immediately felt the altitude. My lungs were, like, "Excuse me, what's going on?!" Found my driver, a guy named Karma (classic), who looked like he'd seen some things. And I was right. He did.
- Imperfection: Forgot my sunglasses. Immediately regretted it. The sun in the Himalayas is BRUTAL.
- Morning/Afternoon (8 AM - 4 PM): The drive to Lachen. Let me tell you, this ain't a gentle Sunday drive. Think winding roads clinging to the sides of mountains, hairpin turns that would give a race car driver pause, and stunning vistas that I could barely appreciate because I was too busy trying not to hurl. Roads are bad. Oh, and did I mention the altitude? My head was throbbing, and I was questioning every life choice that led me here.
- Anecdote: At one point, Karma casually mentioned, "Sometimes landslides. We wait." Wait?! For what?! For the mountain to decide to bury us?! My pulse did a little salsa dance.
- Quirky Observation: The prayer flags! EVERYWHERE. Fluttering in the wind, like colourful little messages to the heavens. I spent the entire drive trying (and failing) to understand the prayers.
- Afternoon (4 PM - 6 PM): FINALLY, Lachen. Khemsa Homestay. Relief! I envisioned a cozy, rustic haven. Reality? Charming, yes. Rustic? Let's just say "character" is an understatement. My room? Basic. The view? Breathtaking.
- Emotional Reaction: After the drive, my first emotion was pure, unadulterated relief. Then, exhaustion kicked in. I just wanted to collapse.
- Evening (6 PM - 9 PM): Dinner at the homestay. Momos! (That's what I was here for!) They were incredible. Absolutely divine. Then, my altitude sickness decided to ramp up its game. Headache, nausea, general feeling of doom. I ate like 3 momos and went to bed because I was over this.
Day 2: The Altitude and the Valley of Dreams
- Morning (7 AM - 9 AM): Woke up. Still not feeling great. Breakfast. More momos. (I'm a connoisseur now.) The altitude was still messing with me. I swear, I took a normal breath and felt like I’d been sprinting a marathon.
- Messy Structure: Okay, so I forgot to mention…There was yak butter tea. I tried it. It tasted like…well, let's just say it's an acquired taste. I haven't acquired it.
- Morning/Afternoon (9 AM - 1 PM): The Lachen Monastery. Stunning. Peaceful. Spiritual. And…stunning. This is the beautiful place that brought me here.
- Doubling Down on Experience: The prayer wheels. I spun them. Then spun them again. Then a few extra times. The energy there was palpable. I felt a surge of something…a strange mix of awe and peace. Truly made me feel like the trip was worth it.
- Opinionated Language: It was gorgeous! I could have stayed there all day. Truly beautiful. Forget about the altitude I am gonna climb the monasteries.
- Afternoon (1 PM - 3 PM): Lunch. More momos. (I think I have a problem.) Then, a little walk around the village. People are amazingly welcoming to you. I’m starting to think, maybe it was worth coming here.
- Afternoon (4 PM - 6 PM): Free Time. Relax and be amazed.
- Evening (6 PM - 9 PM): Dinner. More momos. (Seriously, I am addicted!) And then, another bout with the altitude sickness. I think I’m going to have to start taking more medicine. Ugh. Feeling defeated.
Day 3: The Valley and the Road (a very bumpy road)
- Morning (7 AM - 9 AM): Wake up. Altitude still knocking at my door, but less brutal. Took some medicine. Feeling ok.
- Morning/Afternoon (9 AM-1 PM): Driving to the valley. The road is even worse than the one to Lachen. I start to question myself for coming here. I ask Karma "Why did I do this?" Karma just smiles. He has seen this before.
- Afternoon (1 PM - 3 PM): Lunch. Lunch is ok considering the trip there. More momos.
- Afternoon (3 PM - 6 PM): Driving back. We're probably going to have a full days trip tomorrow and I don't think I am ready for it. The food is good. The people are nicer than I thought. I'm starting to feel at peace here.
- Emotional Reaction: I have never felt this close to nature. The mountains are amazing. The valley is amazing.
Day 4: The Return (and the Unforseen Disaster)
- Morning (6AM - 8 AM): Wake up. Pack. Say goodbye to the momos. Say goodbye to Karma (sad face). This trip is coming to an end.
- Morning/Afternoon (8 AM - 4 PM): The drive back. We are going to Gangtok. I love the mountains, but I'm starting to think this is all I can handle. I feel sad leaving, but also, I feel I have learned here more than I have learned in my whole life,
- Anecdote: I was really afraid of the journey back, but its ok. I think I have made friends with the person who will take me back.
- Afternoon (4 PM - 6 PM): Stop. Disaster. We are stuck. Road is blocked, no way to go. I break. I didn't want this. I was planning to go home. Now there is no coming back. I started to weep, and Karma just comforts me. He is a really good guy.
- Evening (6 PM - 9 PM): Finally, we go. We go back. We can't stay here. I feel sad, but happy. I'm finally going home.
Final Thoughts:
This trip has been a rollercoaster. The altitude sickness, the bad roads, the moments of doubt… But the beauty of the Himalayas, the kindness of the people, the taste of momos… it's all been worth it. Would I come back? Absolutely. Though next time, I'm packing twice the medicine and maybe earplugs for the yak butter tea. Until then I will cherish the memories and the moments.
Uncover Vieste's Hidden Gem: Hotel Boutique Il Castellino Relais!
Unbelievable Khemsa Homestay: Your Lachen, India Dream Escape? (Brace Yourself!)
Okay, spill the tea: Is Khemsa Homestay REALLY as magical as the Instagram photos?
Listen, honey, Instagram lies. (Or at least, they heavily curate!) Khemsa Homestay is… well, it's complicated. The photos are stunning. The views? Jaw-dropping. Seriously, I saw sunrises that made me weep with sheer beauty. But… let's be real. "Magical" is a loaded word.
It's *rustic*. Think less crisp white linens and more, "Does this blanket smell faintly of yak?" (Spoiler alert: it might.) It's *remote*. Getting there involves a drive that'll make your kidneys feel like they're doing a salsa dance. And it's *challenging* in the best kind of way. You're not just on vacation; you're *experiencing* Lachen. I'd say, about 70% magical, 30% genuine, raw, and completely lovable. The other part is pure survival - like, "Will I make it to the outhouse before the blizzard hits?"
What's the food situation? I’m a picky eater.
Okay, food. This is where things get… interesting. Expect momos (thank god!), thukpa (noodle soup, warming on a cold day), and dal bhat (lentils and rice) The kitchen? It's a testament to resourcefulness! It's not Michelin-starred, but it's *authentic* food, cooked with love (and possibly a hint of desperation based on how cold it is).
I, being a vegetarian, had a *moment* on day two. My inner child started screaming for proper vegetables, but then I remember the view and suddenly, plain boiled potato was the best potato in the world. If you're a food snob, pack snacks. And maybe a silent prayer for fresh greens. Don't mention the "spicy" unless you really, really want some heat. Otherwise, you are playing a dangerous game with unknown chilies!
Tell me about the rooms. Are they… clean?
Clean? Define clean. They're *lived-in*. Imagine a charming, slightly weathered cabin with a view that would make Van Gogh weep. The beds are comfy enough after a day climbing (I had to ask the locals), and the blankets are warm (again, see yak). The "bathroom"? Well… it’s the type where you want to pack a hazmat suit, just in case. (Okay, maybe not, but be practical). Be prepared for a squat toilet and maybe a bucket shower. Hot water is a luxury, but you would expect that.
My room had a window, and I looked down and saw a yak. A real, live, breathing yak! I immediately felt better about everything.
The Wi-Fi situation. My Instagram followers require daily updates.
Hah! Wi-Fi. Let's just say it's… *sporadic*. Think of it as a mystical, elusive creature you might glimpse once or twice a day, if you're very, very lucky. This is definitely a digital detox opportunity. (Honestly, it's bliss). My advice? Pre-load all your Instagram stories. Embrace the offline life. Listen to the wind. Watch the yaks graze. Or, you know, take a nap.
What's the best time to visit?
Honestly, every season has its own charm – and its own challenges. Spring and Summer? Gorgeous flowers, but prepare for rain (and potentially landslides on the way). Autumn? Crispy air, clear skies, the best views, and the possibility of freak blizzards. Winter? Oh, winter. It's breathtaking, but BRRRRR. Bring layers, people. Lots and lots of layers. I went in late summer and had the best time. It's all down to your personality and tolerance for the elements.
Are there any activities around the homestay?
Oh, absolutely! Walking, trekking, and more walking – the landscape is an adventurer’s playground. The views are spectacular. You can visit the Gurudongmar Lake (bring your oxygen), or just wander the village and chat with the locals (they are SO kind!). They always greeted me with a smile. The beauty of it all? You’re forced to disconnect and just… *be*. Hike to find that secret waterfall or listen to the monk chanting. It feels like time stops.
What about the altitude sickness? I don't do well at high elevations.
Altitude sickness? IT'S REAL. Take it seriously. Khemsa is high, and it's a big deal. I felt sick from the second I arrived. Drink LOADS of water, drink more, and maybe just a bit more. Acclimatization is key! Talk to your doctor beforehand. Carry Diamox (if you want to). Listen to your body. If you feel unwell, *descend*. Don't be a hero. This is my MOST SERIOUS PIECE OF ADVICE. I can't stress enough how important this is. It's no fun being sick, especially at 10,000 feet. Trust me.
Is Khemsa Homestay right for me?
Look, here’s the deal. IF you love luxury and creature comforts and are very attached to your phone signal, stay away. IF you crave adventure, embrace simplicity, are happy to rough it a bit (and are ok with the risk of smelling like yak wool), and have a thirst for the truly authentic, book it. It's a trip that stays with you, forever. I still think about it now. It changed me. It broke me down and built me back up again. I wasn't the same person when I left. Honestly, it's up to you.
Tell me about the staff! Were they helpful?
The staff? Oh, the staff were the heart of the place. The family who runs it welcomes you into their life, and their warmth is the exact opposite of Lachen's weather. They speak limited English but are always ready to help you with a smile. They are kind, considerate, and genuinely want you to have a good time.Searchotel
Post a Comment for "Unbelievable Khemsa Homestay: Your Lachen, India Dream Escape!"