Culture and history · Uttarey
Uttarey village and lake morning walk
An easy morning walk around Uttarey's farms, prayer flags and small lake, with the Singalila ridge above and the border country all around. Good for a first morning or a rest day, and a chance to meet the families who farm here.
Uttarey is spread across a bowl of slopes rather than built along one street, so walking is the best way to understand it. Start from your homestay after breakfast and follow the village paths between farmhouses, potato and maize fields, kitchen gardens and the school. Families here are Limboo, Lepcha, Gurung, Rai, Chettri and others, a mix typical of western Sikkim, and many still farm much as their grandparents did. Say namaste, ask before taking photographs of people, and expect curious children.
The small lake near the village makes a natural turning point. It is not a large or sacred lake like Khecheopalri, but a quiet spot with forest and ridge views where people stroll in the evenings. Above everything rises the Singalila ridge, the border with Nepal. Ask your host to point out the line of the old foot route towards Chewabhanjyang, which local people say villagers on both sides once used to visit family and trade.
Allow two hours at an easy pace. Wear shoes with grip and carry a warm layer, since mornings are cold even in spring. The walk is ideal on arrival day after the drive from Pelling, or on a rest day after the Chewabhanjyang hike. In the evening, return to the lake for the light on the ridge. There are no entry fees, but buy a cup of tea or some snacks from a village shop; it helps the local economy.
Cost: Free
Questions people ask
Good to know
Is there a lake in Uttarey?
Yes, there is a small lake near the village, a pleasant spot for a short walk with forest and ridge views. It is not a large or sacred lake like Khecheopalri, so do not travel to Uttarey for it alone, but it makes a good turning point for a morning or evening stroll around the village.
What else can we do in Uttarey on a rest day?
Walk the village and lake, visit the Mainebas waterfall, sit with a book and tea on your homestay terrace, or ask your host to show you the farm and kitchen. Uttarey is a slow place by design; most people come for walks, quiet and fresh air rather than a list of sights.
Who lives in Uttarey?
Uttarey is home to a mix of communities typical of western Sikkim, including Limboo, Lepcha, Gurung, Rai and Chettri families, most of whom farm. Nepali is the common language, and many people also speak Hindi and some English. Hosts are used to travellers and happy to talk about village life if you ask.
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