Story of Tag Along
We are a passionate collective of travellers who thrive on venturing into new horizons. Each of us has experienced those transformative moments on the road where life’s profound beauty reveals itself. For us, travel isn’t just about the destination—it’s an endless adventure of discovering new places, learning about diverse cultures, savouring exotic cuisines, and experiencing unique ways of living.
Our story started in 2013 when Manisha Sharma, driven by her passion for adventure tourism, set out to make a difference in Sikkim. As a Center Head in Yuksam, she explored the villages of Sikkim, teaching locals about tourism and homestays. Her journey along the Silk Route inspired us to create Ride The Silk, an annual cycling trip to Nathula that not only showcases the region’s stunning beauty but also supports the local economy and promotes sustainable tourism.
By 2017, we realized that Gangtok needed a space where young backpackers could find vibrant yet affordable accommodations. That’s when we brought Tag Along Backpackers to life, fueled by Manisha’s vision and the unwavering support of her family. She was joined by her sister Bhavana, who made the courageous decision to leave her IT job to partake in this dream.
In 2018, our team expanded with Saran, a friend with a flair for restaurant startups. Together, we launched The Travel Cafe, a lively space in the heart of Gangtok where travellers and locals could connect and unwind. Even when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, we showed resilience and launched Tag Along 2.0, providing a cosy workspace for digital nomads and a welcoming environment for all travellers.
From our humble beginnings to becoming a lively community hub, we’ve always been about bringing people together, one day at a time. As we look to the future, we are excited to continue our journey, exploring new horizons and creating more initiatives that bring people together and promote the beauty of travel.
Our Dream
Our dream is to be more than just a place to stay—we aspire to be your guide and help you uncover the hidden gems and have an unforgettable adventure. Through Tag Along Journey, we try to craft travel itineraries that bring you unfiltered and raw experiences. We aim to revive the true spirit of travel by encouraging people to get out of their comfort zone and learn from one another, gain fresh perspectives, and connect through shared activities. We embrace the beauty of diversity and are deeply committed to nurturing the environment. By fostering a community where travellers and locals come together to share stories, enjoy life's little moments, and build lasting friendships, we hope to create a world where you feel the warmth and connection of the community we've cultivated. We're committed to fostering creativity, sustainability, and genuine connections, ensuring everyone who joins us feels right at home and leaves with a heart full of experiences and new friendships.
The Growing Tag Along Community and Our Shared Values
At Tag Along, we’re more than just a hostel or a cafe—we’re a vibrant and growing community. Our spaces, including Tag Along Backpackers, Tag Along 2.0, and The Travel Cafe, are designed to bring people together in meaningful ways. Over the years, we’ve partnered with musicians, supporting their creative journeys and providing a space to experiment and connect with audiences. This collaboration led to the creation of Tag Sessions in 2020, a space where artists can express themselves freely through music. In just four years, these live sessions have become a signature event at Tag Along, embraced by our community for the openness and freedom they celebrate. But our community extends beyond music. We’ve opened our doors to various art forms, from pottery and craft-making to neurographic art and portrait painting, hosting workshops that allow artists to share their knowledge with others. We’re committed to nurturing a space where alternative learning thrives—a place where the soul can grow through shared experiences and creative expression. We have also dedicated a space to set up pop up stores for artists to showcase their work, helping them reach a wider audience. Our commitment to growth is rooted in the belief that we grow by sharing and evolving with our community. Sustainability is woven into everything we do, from minimizing our environmental impact to preserving local culture. We believe in the power of travel to foster understanding and personal growth, and we’re dedicated to creating a community that thrives on shared values, creativity, and a deep respect for the world around us.