3 hours off-roading, crossing a river, over 100 stairs: Only 18 children study in one of India’s most remote schools in Sikkim. But its facilities may surprise you

Have you ever wondered what it is like to study in one of the remotest schools in India? Contrary to city schools, equipped with modern infrastructure, smart classrooms and easy accessibility, you may think that schools located in far-flung regions struggle to provide even the most basic facilities. But wait, before you enter the Government Primary School in the picturesque Pentong village, tucked away in the remotest corner of North Sikkim. Dubbed as one of India’s most remote schools, the education centre offers remarkable facilities for students despite its difficult location.

A challenging journey to remote school

Delhi-based travel influencer Tanya Khanijow recently posted a video on Instagram, where she took the challenging journey to the particular Pentong school and was taken aback by the quality of its learning environment, highlighting how the institution has managed to create a welcoming and well-equipped space for its pupils.



Tanya Khanijow revealed that she and his team had to endure a 3-hour off-road journey, cross a tricky bridge suspended above a gushing river, and climb more than 100 stairs to reach the school. Upon reaching, she found out that the area has no network signals and, due to its rugged and rocky terrain, delivering food items is equally difficult. But surprisingly, there’s no compromise on education.

Travel influencer marvels at remarkable facilities,

The school houses a well-maintained playground surrounded by lush greenery and serene hill views. The classrooms are well-organised with functional seating arrangements and hand-painted drawings, murals, and teachings adorning the walls. Apart from that, the school also runs government-funded hostels for the comfort of the pupils. Only 18 children from LKG to Class 5 study here, and the overall development is overseen by 4 teachers.

The noble initiative of imparting education even in the remotest corner of Pentong village was started by the school in charge and teacher Clock Lepcha. As per Tanya Khanijow’s Instagram caption, Clock Lepcha did the work of convincing parents and admitting their children to the school. He even takes the students back to their villages for summer vacations. In fact, only one child is from the village where the school is located, while the rest stay at the hostel.

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A post shared by Tanya Khanijow (@tanyakhanijow)

How to Reach Pentong Village

By Air: The Bagdogra Airport in West Bengal is the nearest airport from where travellers can hire a taxi and drive via Gangtok towards North Sikkim and Pentong Village.

By Rail: The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri Junction (NJP) in West Bengal. Taxis and shared vehicles are easily available to reach Gangtok, from where one can continue the road journey to Pentong.

By Road: Pentong Village is accessible by road from Gangtok through the mountainous routes of North Sikkim. Visitors typically travel by private vehicles or local taxis, as the final stretch involves navigating remote, hilly terrain.