Namchi, Sikkim
Been there recently?
It is a ‘Sky-High’ city, as the word “Namchi” translates into. Located at 5500 feet above sea level on a plateau overlooking deep valleys and gorges, Namchi has achieved fame for sightseeing, trekking, and religious tours. The stunning valleys that encircle the city have alluring places that invite hikers to explore them. Then there are the various attractively built religious places within the city that attract devotees. This city, apart from being a good tourist destination, is spiritual, religious, and divine, and the myth about princess Pende Ongmoo’s haunting spirit makes Namchi more interesting and mystical. Every year during October, the Namche tourism, culture, and food festival is held. From September to November and February to March are the best times to visit Namche. It is located about 77 kilometres from Gangtok, the state capital. The nearest rail link is New Jalpaiguri in West Bengal; district, about 95 kilometres away. Bagdogra in West Bengal state is the nearest airport, about 100 kilometres away.
Nearby Places to See
A 118-foot-tall statue of Padmasambhava, the Buddhist sage also known as Rinpoche, stands atop Samdruptse, a hilltop situated about 5 kilometres away among thick forest growth. The statue is seated, and a gold inscription hangs from its neck. From the parking lot, you’ll need to make a steep ascent to reach the statue. Getting to Namchi’s rock garden from Samdruptse is as easy as taking the ropeway.
Ngadak Monastery
Built in the 17th century, the Ngadak Monastery sits on a hilltop about 4 kilometres from the city centre. The peaceful setting is ideal for quiet reflection. It is located in one of the oldest monasteries in South Sikkim.
Tendong Hill is a fascinating place to hike and enjoy the trails in the forests, with a peak at more than 8500 feet above sea level. The total time to travel there and back is about three hours. The locals visit and worship at Tendong Gumpa, located atop the sacred hill. This 255-hectare plot doubles as a state park dedicated to protecting biodiversity.
Construction of the Chardham Temple, also known as Siddheshwar Dham, began in 2011 at the behest of the government of Sikkim in an effort to attract religious tourists to the state. The magnificent complex features a 108-foot-tall, beautiful, glowing statue of Bhagawan Shiva, as well as replicas of the Char Dham temples and the 12 Jyotirlingas. Some distance (a few kilometres) separates you from the city and the temple. Sai Mandir, which opened in 2010, is another noteworthy temple.
This beautifully constructed park honouring the Buddha can be found in Ravangla, roughly 25 kilometres from Namchi. There is a Buddha statue in the park that is about 90 feet high (including the 20-foot-tall pedestal). This idol stands on a massive base that is roughly 35 feet high. In sum, this 125-foot-tall mammoth statue, set against the Himalayas, is an impressive sight and a popular tourist destination.
This three-tiered waterfall stands about 100 feet tall and can be found on the outskirts of the city, roughly 5 kilometres away. In reality, it is a pair of waterfalls—the main one is taller and has a greater volume of water flowing over it, while the smaller one is adjacent and has a similar height but less water.
Ralang Monastery is a stunning Buddhist monastery about 10 kilometres from Ravangla and 36 kilometres from Namchi, famous for its collection of Buddhist paintings. The New Monastery is the name given to the renovated building.
Sikkim is home to only one tea garden, but that one is Temi Tea Garden, the most well-known tea plantation in all of India and perhaps the entire world. The government of Sikkim has been caring for this 440-acre tea garden since 1969, and its products, particularly its premium tea powder, are in high demand around the world.
Things to Buy
Things to buy include Handicrafts, Locally made bags, Paintings, Wooden items.
Foods to Relish
Thukpa (vegetarian or non-vegetarian noodle soup), Momos, Sel Roti, Chhurpi Ningro Curry (made from fern and cheese).
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