Migration to India has historically been an important livelihood strategy for low-skilled Nepali workers. This research, ‘Home Away from Home: Migration Experiences of Nepali Namles in Gangtok’, delves into the lived experiences of Nepali migrant workers, locally referred to as Namles, who have been living and working as porters in Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim. Using the Capabilities Approach as an analytical lens, this research explores the multifaceted dimensions of cross-border migration and argues that understanding low-skilled migrants’ lived experiences and stories requires moving beyond traditional push and pull theories in order to capture the complexities of cross-border migration. By using a mixed-method approach, the study explores various aspects of the Namles’ migration journey. This includes their livelihood situation at the area of origin, drivers of migration, decision-making process, migration pathways, motivation for choosing Gangtok, employment opportunities, and experiences of working and living in Gangtok. Additionally, the study captures the perception of the locals toward these Nepali migrant workers. The open-border policy has given Nepali migrant workers the freedom to practice cross-border migration. Despite their contribution to the local economy, they do not get the same benefits as domestic labourers from the local government. Namles have been an important backbone of Gangtok’s economy for generations. The shared identity and culture between Sikkim and Nepal are important factors that pull Nepali migrants towards Gangtok to seek employment opportunities. They are an integral part of the local economy and community; however, their contribution is not officially and legally recognized, making them vulnerable even in a place where they feel at home. By using two theoretical lenses, the research attempts to understand the complexities surrounding low-skilled Nepali migrants’ life in Gangtok.