MARTAM VILLAGE
Martam, meaning "land of butter," has fascinating origins linked to Sikkim's first king, Chogyal Phuntsog Namgyal, who left butter on his way to Yuksam and promised to collect it on his way back. Another theory suggests the name comes from "Makthang," a historic battle site. A hillock in Martam commemorates the defeat of Bhutanese forces by British and Sikkimese troops. The area, rich in biodiversity, is part of the Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary and features terraced rice fields, earning it the title "rice bowl of Sikkim." It includes six villages, with Gangkha village notably developing while preserving its heritage.
Our Story
Martam Village Resort, founded in the early 1990s by Mr. Kunzang Namgyal Topden, is Sikkim's first community-based tourism initiative. Inspired by his rural roots, Topden aimed to promote sustainable tourism. Initially, villagers were hesitant, but he educated them on its benefits, gaining their trust. The resort now offers new job opportunities and emphasizes environmental sustainability and the preservation of local culture, setting a model for community-led rural tourism in Sikkim.
heritage home
Mr. Kunzang Topden belongs to the Gensarpa clan of the Bhutia tribe, with ancestral roots in a house built by his grandfather, Kunzang Gensapa, in the early 1900s. Kunzang Gensapa served as the village headman, earning the title Kunzang Mandal. His son, Topden, later known as "Martam Topden," worked as an executive councilor for the King of Sikkim and moved the family to Gangtok. The Martam family, known for their public service, donated land for a local Catholic school and their ancestral home is now the centerpiece of a heritage resort founded by Kunzang Topden. The main house recently underwent major restoration work and contains the lounge and prayer room.
Ikra Huts
Martam Village Resort offers 11 thatched hut rooms that provide a peaceful escape into village life, combining traditional Sikkimese charm with modern comforts. The rustic huts feature sloping roofs and wooden accents, done in traditional ikra style surrounded by lush greenery. Each room is decorated with local artwork and includes comfortable beds, hot showers and bay windows overlooking the garden. Guests can relax in nature, enjoying fresh mountain air and the sounds of birds, while the cozy evening ambiance created by soft lighting enhances their experience in the majestic Himalayas.
Infinity Pool
The infinity pool at Martam Village Resort is a tranquil oasis that offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Surrounded by lush greenery, the pool stretches out invitingly, lined with comfortable sunbathing chairs where guests can soak up the warm sun. The pool's design blends beautifully with the landscape, creating a picturesque setting that changes with the seasons.
Pavilion
Martam Village Resort features a multi-cuisine restaurant in an open pavilion that overlooks the pool and terraced paddy fields. Using fresh, organic ingredients, the menu includes spicy curries, momos, and pastas, with the highlight being our woodfire oven pizzas. The well-stocked bar offers various international drinks and with a warm ambiance and attentive service, the restaurant is ideal for romantic dinners or gatherings with family and friends, providing memorable experiences.
Lounge Room
The lounge room at Martam Village Resort, once a granary, has been beautifully repurposed into a multipurpose space located in the main structure.. Featuring an in-house library and a lively karaoke corner, it’s perfect for hosting events or enjoying quiet moments. Guests can gather for fun activities or relax with a good book in this inviting atmosphere.
Prayer Room
The prayer room at Martam Resort serves as a serene family altar, designed for conducting various prayers and rituals. This peaceful space invites both guests and locals to engage in meditation and personal reflection, fostering a sense of tranquility. Adorned with traditional decor and spiritual symbols, the room creates an atmosphere of reverence and calm. Guests are encouraged to use this sacred space to connect with their spirituality, offering a unique opportunity to experience the rich cultural heritage of Sikkim while embracing inner peace and mindfulness.
Spa
The spa at Martam Village Resort is a tranquil oasis offering a variety of rejuvenating massages and therapies, including Swedish, Balinese, deep tissue, and foot reflexology. With a calming atmosphere and skilled therapists, it provides the perfect setting for guests to unwind and refresh after a day of outdoor exploration.
Things to Do
At Martam Village Resort, adventure and tranquility await. Explore the scenic trails of Fambonglho Wildlife Sanctuary, where vibrant flora and fauna thrive. Take a guided village tour around Martam Village to immerse yourself in local culture and traditions. For nature enthusiasts, bird watching offers a serene experience, while cycling through picturesque landscapes invigorates the spirit. Enjoy peaceful picnics amidst lush greenery, and find inner calm with meditation sessions that enhance your connection to nature.*
*The following activities are subject to availability. For more details, kindly contact the management in advance*
Hike to Fambonglho Wildlife Sanctuary
Guided Tour of Martam Village
Bird Watching
Cycling
Picnics
Meditation Sessions
PLAN AN EVENT
 |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  |
At Martam Resort, a range of unforgettable events can be tailored to your needs. Celebrate love with picturesque weddings, or make birthdays memorable with festive gatherings. Dive into fun at vibrant pool parties, or host impactful conferences in our modern facilities. For a serene escape, our yoga retreats provide tranquility, while workshops foster creativity and learning. With the flexibility to design custom events, every occasion at Martam Resort is a unique experience waiting to be crafted.
Places of Interest
Visit to Rumtek Monastery
Guests at the property can immerse themselves in the region's spiritual heritage by visiting nearby monasteries. Notable among them is Rumtek Monastery located seven kilometers away, the seat of His Holiness Gyalwa Karmapa, a revered spiritual leader. Visitors can also explore the historical Sang Monastery, which showcases the area's rich cultural and religious history.
Days Excursion to Gangtok
In Gangtok, guests can explore vibrant local markets, visit the serene Enchey Monastery, and take in panoramic views from Tashi Viewpoint. Adventure seekers can enjoy a cable car ride or paragliding at Luing. Don’t miss sampling traditional Sikkimese cuisine at local eateries for an authentic culinary experience!
Day Tour to NathuLa & Tsomgo Lake
Tsomgo Lake, also known as Tsongmo or Changgu Lake, is a revered glacial lake in Changu, Gangtok, Sikkim, situated at 3,753 m (12,313 ft). It remains frozen in winter and reflects different colors with the changing seasons, which local Buddhist monks interpret. The lake is 45 km from Gangtok. Nearby, Nathula is a strategically significant mountain pass linking Tibet and Sikkim.
Days Excursion to South Sikkim
Join us on an exciting journey through South Sikkim! Explore picturesque tea gardens, visit the 36-meter-tall Buddha Park at Ravangla, and admire the 41-meter statue of Guru Rinpoche at Samdruptse. Finally, discover the sacred Chardham at Solophok, featuring four ancient temples dedicated to Hindu deities. Experience the beauty and spirituality of this region!
