Dekye Lhamu Bhutia, director of Norbu Ghang Hotels, Sikkim, talks about family’s latest hotel— Norbu Ghang Retreat, Pangthang, Gangtok built as a heartfelt tribute to Sikkim’s Buddhist architecture and cultural heritage, even as market realities make survival harder for local entrepreneurs.
The premium 38-key retreat, Norbu Ghang Retreat, Pangthang, Gangtok operational for less than a year, was constructed in phases by the Bhutia family with a lot of passion and Dekye Lhamu Bhutia, an IHM graduate and an avid painter with a passion for Buddhist art and symbolism, leads the operations of the hotel from the front.
Her deep personal involvement is visible across the property — from the carved wooden pillars to the furniture and the distinct Buddhist langna-phangna elements above each window. Lhamu’s paintings, primarily depicting the nature and culture of Sikkim, dot the walls and the rooms of the retreat.
“When you are in Sikkim, we would like the guests to experience Sikkimese culture,” she said. “I wouldn’t like my place to look like Bali or Thailand. Because you are in Sikkim, I would like you to experience Sikkim.”
The family intentionally incorporated details typically seen in Buddhist monasteries to immerse guests in local culture. Although they could put up more guest rooms to the property, they tried to limit it so that all guest rooms overlook the majestic Mt. Khangchendzonga. All 38 rooms and cottages offers an uninterrupted view of Mt. Khangchendzonga — a priority set by her father when finalising the design of the hotel.
“He always felt like people would enjoy Sikkim as a destination; that they should see the mountain from every room,” Lhamu said.
They have added a new cottage section to the retreat and opened a banquet block recently and in the process of adding a full-fledged spa and wellness centre soon.
A prominent Bhutia family of Sikkim, they own two resorts in western part of Sikkim – Norbu Ghang Retreat & Spa, and Norbu Ghang Resort in Upper Pelling. “We were the pioneers in tourism in western part of the state. There were nothing available in terms of supplies in Pelling when we started our resorts. We used to procure everything from Gangtok and send it to Pelling to service our guests,” said Lhamu, sharing the commitment and passion of her family for tourism.
But the pride in crafting an authentic experience is dampened by the growing influence of hoteliers who run hotels on lease or other partnership models in the state. Lhamu points out that most properties in the state have been leased to companies that aggressively drop room rates to secure higher occupancy. This has created an uneven playing field.
She believes, owner-run hotels — those that preserve local character, retain community involvement, and uphold cultural authenticity — are the real custodians of Sikkim’s tourism identity. But with their diminishing numbers and shrinking margins, keeping that spirit alive increasingly feels like an uphill battle. “The motivation is not there because it gets difficult competing with people who are slashing rates all the time. It’s a big challenge.”
“The number of owner-run hotels is very few and the number of lease hotels is very high. So the guys on lease have to make their returns. They slash their price like anything.” According to her, this constant discounting not only erodes the market but also demotivates genuine hoteliers.
Despite the challenges, the Bhutia family continues to build on their legacy — one that began decades ago in Pelling. Today, Norbu Ghang Retreat in Pangthang Gangtok stands as a testament to that pioneering spirit: a refuge slightly removed from Gangtok’s bustle, crafted with cultural sincerity, and dedicated to giving visitors a true Sikkimese experience.
But as Lhamu’s remarks highlight, unless the market becomes healthier and more balanced, the very stakeholders who keep Sikkim’s cultural essence alive may slowly lose the motivation to continue — a situation that could impact the state’s long-term tourism identity.
