The district headquarters of South Sikkim, Namchi is a fabulous tourist destination perched at an altitude of 1325 m above sea level. In Bhutia language, the word ‘Namchi’ literally translates to ‘top of the sky’. Set in a picturesque location, the town offers an awe-inspiring view of the Kanchenjunga Range and the Rangit Valley. Namchi hosts the very popular Namchi Mahotsav, a Tourism, Culture and Food Festival, every year in October. A flower festival is also held annually.
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| Statue of Guru Padmasambhava atop the Samudruptse Hill |
Sightseeing and Activities
One of the most striking attractions of Namchi is the 135 feet high statue of Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) atop the Samudruptse Hill. It is the highest statue of Guru Padamasambhava in the world. The statue is gilded with gold that makes it glitter when sunlight falls over it. His Holiness the Dalai Lama laid the foundation stone of the statue in October 1997 and it took about three years to complete the statue. From here, you can treat your eyes with the magnificent vista of Mt. Kanchenjunga amidst the richly forested hills under the clear blue sky. Another notable attraction of Namchi is the Solophok Char Dham complex (officially known as Siddheswar Dham). A huge pilgrimage cum cultural centre developed by the Government of Sikkim, the complex hosts a 26.5 m high statue of Lord Shiva in sitting posture. Apart from this giant statue, the replicas of twelve Jyotirlingas along with the four Dhams of Hindus namely Badrinath, Jagannath, Dwarka and Rameshwaram have been constructed inside the complex. This stunning imitation of Char Dham amidst the serene nature of Sikkim, has made it one of the prime tourist destinations in Sikkim.
While at Namchi, you should not miss a visit to the Rock Garden. Set against a beautiful backdrop of the Himalayan mountains, the garden houses different species of plants, flowers and trees growing everywhere. Along the pathway there are several waiting sheds, view points and water bodies landscaped to fit the taste of the visitors. The idyllic surroundings will help you relax and soak in the views of nature. You can also visit the Tarey Bhir view point which offers a breathtaking view of the river valleys below and dense woods. It also offers a panoramic view of the confluence of the two rivers of Sikkim, Teesta and Rangit. The Ngadak Monastery, Sri Shirdi Sai Baba Mandir, Serdup Choling Monastery, Temi Tea Garden and Tendong Hill are other places of interest that can be visited from Namchi.
While at Namchi, you should not miss a visit to the Rock Garden. Set against a beautiful backdrop of the Himalayan mountains, the garden houses different species of plants, flowers and trees growing everywhere. Along the pathway there are several waiting sheds, view points and water bodies landscaped to fit the taste of the visitors. The idyllic surroundings will help you relax and soak in the views of nature. You can also visit the Tarey Bhir view point which offers a breathtaking view of the river valleys below and dense woods. It also offers a panoramic view of the confluence of the two rivers of Sikkim, Teesta and Rangit. The Ngadak Monastery, Sri Shirdi Sai Baba Mandir, Serdup Choling Monastery, Temi Tea Garden and Tendong Hill are other places of interest that can be visited from Namchi.
Best Time to Visit
Namchi can be visited at any time of the year except the monsoons.
How to Reach
Trains are running from Sealdah, Kolkata and Howrah to New Jalpaiguri. You can reserve a car from New Jalpaiguri and reach Namchi directly. Alternatively, you can reach Namchi from Siliguri by shared car.
Accommodation
Juniper Residency. Tariff: Rs. 2200-3700. Tel: 9593988698, 7679071222.
Summit Sobralia Resort & Spa. Tariff: Rs. 3700-30000. Tel: 8250528270, 8388877888.
Kava Suites. Tariff: Rs. 2500-4500. Tel: 8670044028, 03595-263444.
Hotel Valley View. Tariff: Rs. 1800. Tel: 9830152169.
Places Near Kolkata
Namchi can be visited at any time of the year except the monsoons.
How to Reach
Trains are running from Sealdah, Kolkata and Howrah to New Jalpaiguri. You can reserve a car from New Jalpaiguri and reach Namchi directly. Alternatively, you can reach Namchi from Siliguri by shared car.
Accommodation
Juniper Residency. Tariff: Rs. 2200-3700. Tel: 9593988698, 7679071222.
Summit Sobralia Resort & Spa. Tariff: Rs. 3700-30000. Tel: 8250528270, 8388877888.
Kava Suites. Tariff: Rs. 2500-4500. Tel: 8670044028, 03595-263444.
Hotel Valley View. Tariff: Rs. 1800. Tel: 9830152169.
Places Near Kolkata
