Bakthang Cafeteria and Development of Tourist Facilities (Zipline)

Project Location: Bakthang Falls, East Sikkim

Project Architect: Lhendup W. Bhutia

Status: Completed

Social Spaces/ Bakthang Cafeteria

In the midst of a busy highway leading to the cold and picturesque North District of Sikkim, travellers often stop to take in the beautiful view of the gentle Bakthang waterfall, together with piping hot momos, tea, chips and more. With makeshift tea stalls lined up on the road, in that spot, there already existed the perfect space, view and people. Our task in hand was, to retain the culture and spirit of the spot but also give it a comfortable, modern and more organised rendition.

The concept of a café was what would allow the space to be much more: it would have to become a pit-stop that would combine modern designs and yet present itself with all the flavours and motifs of the land. A project commissioned by Transport and Civil Aviation Department, Government of Sikkim, Bakthang Cafeteria has been named after the waterfall itself. Four kilometers from  the busy capital, Gangtok, the two-lane highway used to double up as an unorganised parking lane causing a lot of highway congestion. The café would need to take care of this as well, primarily because the Bakthang waterfall is a major attraction for many tourists, travelers as well as adventure-enthusiasts, because of its zip-lining facilities.  

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We designed the café into a two-storied structure that now showcases how cultural patterns in architecture can blend with plush amenities. The café has an imposing gate, intricately designed to set the mood of what one is entering into. The Tibetan eight lucky signs in the form of pilasters adorn the retaining walls: a magnificent view that which appears stark from the parking lot.

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The kitchen has been turned now into a fully-equipped industrial one, designed to cater to an elaborate menu in the bustling two-storied café. The design accommodates shop, toilets and also has an attached parking area that had led to the decongestion of the highway. Composed in a way that allows its customers to enjoy the phantasmagorical Himalayas as well as a bird’s eye view of Gangtok city, the café has been quite a destination for those looking for a break- whether from the town, or from the journey.