Your offbeat home in the hills
Gurdum Backpackers Homestay · Gurdum Forest Village, Maneybhanjyang, Darjeeling
Hosted by Nagen Tamang, a Gurdum local
Gurdum is a serene village nestled near Maneybhanjan on the slope of the Singalila sanctuary, close to Darjeeling. It is known for its picturesque landscape, quiet atmosphere, terraced farming, colourful houses and breathtaking views of green mountains.
Since 2018 our family has opened its home to travellers who want something quieter than the main tourist trail. Gurdum Backpackers Homestay sits 5 km from Maneybhanjan, the gateway to Sandakphu, and is a natural one-night halt on the Sandakphu–Phalut route.
Simple comforts, big mountains
Three ways to stay
Wooden A-frame cabins, adventure tents and homestay rooms.
Home-cooked organic food
Fresh veg and non-veg meals made with local produce.
Bonfire nights
Evenings by the fire, with music and optional BBQ chicken.
Himalayan views
Kanchenjunga and green ridges, best on clear-weather days.
Camp activities and village life
- Campfire with BBQ chicken
- Trekking and hiking
- Scenic beauty of the Himalayas
- Interaction with locals and exploring nearby villages
- Sunrise, sunset, full-moon views and cloud sea
- Wandering through the flower garden
Perfect for: backpackers, couples, families and groups.
See more of Gurdum
Table of Contents
Why travellers choose Gurdum Backpackers Homestay
Gurdum Backpackers Homestay is a family-run stay in Gurdum Forest Village, Maneybhanjyang, in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal. We sit at about 8,000 ft, 5 km from Maneybhanjan, the gateway to the Sandakphu trek, so guests can start walking from our doorstep instead of travelling to a trailhead first.
Our host, Nagen Tamang, grew up in Gurdum and has been welcoming guests since 2018. He also guides the Sandakphu trek, so many of our guests stay with us before or after their walk and get local advice on weather, trail conditions and the best viewpoints. Our guests include backpackers, couples, families and trekkers who want a quieter base than the busy tourist towns.
What it is like to stay in Gurdum
Gurdum is a small village on the slope of the Singalila range, known for terraced fields, colourful houses and green mountain views. Mornings can start with clouds below the ridge, and on clear days there are views of Kanchenjunga. You can walk to the Lamaydhura monastery and Kanchenjunga viewpoint, about 7 km away, or follow the trail towards Tumling, about 8 km from the homestay.
The village is a good place to slow down. There is no TV, evenings are spent around the bonfire, and the food is home-cooked with local organic produce. Hot water, parking and a warm family welcome come as standard. Pets are not allowed, and check-out is at 10 AM.
Where we are and how to reach us
We are about 31 km from Darjeeling city, roughly 1.5 hours by road, and 97 km from NJP Junction in Siliguri, roughly 4 hours by road. Maneybhanjan is 5 km away, and Dhotrey is 19 km. Sandakphu is 32 km away by car. The area lies close to the Singalila National Park, one of the best known trekking regions of the Eastern Himalaya.
Plan your visit
Read about our cabins, tents and homestay rooms, see the Sandakphu trek dates, browse the photo gallery or contact us on WhatsApp at +91 73190 25389 to check availability. Every booking includes welcome tea, breakfast, lunch, evening tea and snacks, dinner and lodging.
Come stay with us
Message Nagen on WhatsApp for dates, rates and directions.