Namchi is a part of Sikkim which is located about 78 kilometres away from the city of Gangtok and is a dynamic destination to visit.
The list of tranquil monasteries and temples makes this a must visit place to spend some peaceful time in Namchi. With the picturesque beauty of south Sikkim, this place also offers various adventure sports and activities which make this city to be known as 'top of the sky'.
Best time to visit:
The months of March to June (summer season) is the best time to visit Namchi as the weather stays pleasant and moderate. Also in October to November the weather remains a little cold and enjoyable. The tourists can enjoy the food festival and the various cultural festivals during the month of October.
How to reach:
Located close to Gangtok and Bagdogra, Namchi is a beautiful hill-station in the state of Sikkim. Reaching Namchi is an easy task from Siliguri.
By Flight: The nearest airport is Bagdogra airport. It is located at a distance of 100 kilometers from Namchi and you can reach by taking a service of car rental at Bagdogra airport which is a 3 hours drive from Bagdogra.
Bagdogra to Namchi Distance. Image Courtesy: Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/HNhJRLJUtDD2
By Train: New Jalpaiguri Railway station is the nearest railway station from Namchi and it is well-connected with all the major cities in India. You can either book NJP to Gangtok car rent or reach by bus to Namchi.
By Car:
Siliguri is the nearest city located at a distance of 92 kilometers from Namchi. You will get hired cars available near the junction or rent a car from a reliable travel agency to reach Namchi within a time of 3 hours 11
Siliguri to Namchi in Sikkim Route Map: Image Courtesy: Google Map : https://goo.gl/maps/R9oVe9eh7cz
Places To Visit In Namchi - Points of Interest
The small town of Namchi is an epitome of culture, diversity, religion, benevolence, and also the magnificence of Sikkim. On a tour to Namchi, the tourists can explore the best-kept secrets of the Himalayas as there are many things to do and places to visit in Namchi.
So let us have a look at the top famous places to know more about Namchi's beauty and serenity.
1- Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary
Black-chinned Yuhina (Yuhina nigrimenta) sighted with nesting material | Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary, South Sikkim pic.twitter.com/AEl7Q51yut
Aseem Kothiala (@Kothiala) July 25, 2015
This famous sanctuary is one of the best place to visit in Namchi, Sikkim. It is a home to many medicinal plants and herbs and is spread over an area of 3500 hectares with animals like
- Red Panda
- Barking Deer
- Leopard Cat
- Birds like the Magpies
- Black Eagle
- Blood Pheasant
is also found in this sanctuary and it is a must visit place for nature lovers.
Highlights:
- Maenam Gompa
- Temple of Lord Shiva
Best time to visit: March to June
2- Solophok Chardham:
Shree #Jagannath Temple (CharDham, Solophok, #Sikkim). Jai Jagannath. pic.twitter.com/AAWDAG0aOf
Ansuman Rath 🇮🇳 (@_AnsumanRath) June 20, 2018
This temple of Lord Shiva is situated in the Solophok hill from which this temple has got its name. The temple complex has many other temples as well as a musical fountain. The center also hosts a number of cultural activities for which the place is famous both nationally and internationally for its charm and beauty.
Highlights:
- The 87 feet long statue of Lord Shiva sitting on top of the temple
- The replicas of 12 jyotirlingas
- The four Dhams of Badrinath, Jagannath, Dwarka, and Rameshwaram
Best time to visit: March to May and September to January
Opening time: 12 hours a day
3- Samdruptse Hill:
Samdruptse Hill is home to the world's largest statue of the Buddhist Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche), the patron saint of Sikkim. The name Samdruptse Hill literally translates to the 'Wish Fulfilling Hill', as the hill is revered by many local monks, who worship the Hill. pic.twitter.com/z9mZgIeko9
anika.chowdhary (@AnikaChowdhary) August 14, 2018
This hill is also known to be as the 'wish-fulfilling hill' which is situated at an altitude of 7000 feet. This hill offers a magnificent view of Mt. Kanchenjunga amongst the rich forested hills. The beauty of the hill is the most famous and is also visited by a number of tourists. As it is considered sacred, it is a must visit place for a spiritual love.
Highlights:
- The statue of Guru Padmasambhava
- The photos and artifacts of a part of Indian history
- Best time to visit: February to May and September to mid-December
- Entry fee: INR 30 per person
4- Ngadak Monastery:
Ngadak Monastery is one of the oldest monasteries of Namchi which was built by Tensung Namgyal, during the reign of Chogyal Gyurmed Namgyal regime. pic.twitter.com/8PR15IEXvW
exploreindiawithme (@talesofatravel1) September 26, 2018
This monastery stands famous for its charm and spirituality. It is located at a short distance from the main town of Namchi which was constructed by Chogyal Gyurmed Namgyal. The prayer flags fluttering high welcome the tourists inside the complex. It is said that whoever visits the Gumpa promises to visit it again which is why Ngadak itself means 'promise'.
Highlights:
- The beauty of the Gompa
- Medicinal plants
- Namchi Rock Garden
- Best time to visit: March to June
5- Tendong Hill
The astounding sight of the hills and the valleys from the Tendong Hill captivate and allures every locals and out-of-towner. The hills are known to be the natural savior from the destruction of the flood waters. It is still considered holy and people pray to keep themselves safe from natural calamities. It is an attractive place to spend some quality time amidst the serenity of the place.
Highlights:
- Sights of the Himalayan hills and other places like Nathu La and parts of Gangtok
- A watchtower and a small monastery
- Best time to visit: March and June
6- Doling Gompa:
Image Courtesy: https://www.tripadvisor.in/[/caption]
This place is situated on a small hillock which welcomes its tourists with a host of colorful prayer flags. This monastery follows one of the oldest sects, Nyingmapa sect of Buddhism. It is one of the most popular tourist spots of Sikkim and also offers a perfect view of the Mt. Kanchenjunga while at the top of the monastery.
Highlights:
- Fields of cardamom plantations
- The stone with the footprint of Dorje Lingpa
- The images of Manjushri, Vajrapani and Dorje Lingpa carvings on stone slabs
- Best time to visit: February to May and September to mid-December
7- Tedong Biodiversity Park
Image Courtesy: https://www.tourmyindia.com/states/sikkim/tendong-state-biodiversity-park.html[/caption]
The Tedong Park is situated on the southern part of the Maenam-Tendong ridge and it covers an area of 255 hectares of the land and it is richly blessed with Chestnuts, Bamboo, Canes, Oaks and rich troves of medicinal, flowering plants, animals and birds. This park is a generous attempt to conserve the endangered species in their natural habitats.
Highlights:
- The beauty of the rich biodiversity
- Best time to visit: March to May
Get ready to travel to Namchi...
The city of Namchi has a lot to offer throughout the year with its various shows and cultural activities. It is a place which has its own cultural and spiritual spark and is a famous place to visit while in Sikkim. So, if you want to just sit near a window sipping a cup of tea and get lost amidst the beauty of nature then you should definitely come to Namchi.