Namchi

Religious

Sikkim

21°C / Clouds

History
Places to visit
How to reach

Namchi, also known as Namtse, is the capital of the district of South Sikkim. Namchi is made of two words Nam which, in the local language, means sky, and Chi which means high. Together they mean the top of the sky.

There are many tourist attractions in and around the place, like - Rock Garden, Tendong Hill, Temi Tea Garden, Helipad, and Solophok Chardham, that have eventually made it a tourist spot for people from around the nation.

Apart from these tourist destinations, there are a few places in Namchi from where you can witness and appreciate the picturesque views of Mt. Kanchenjunga which is the third highest peak in the world.

Namchi is also popular among tourists for a gigantic statue of a Buddhist Padmasambhava, who is also known as Guru Rinpoche, situated on the hill opposite Namchi. Moreover, the spas and the bars in this town are very relaxing for the tourists.

Best Time to Visit Namchi

The months from March to June are considered to be the best time to visit Namchi as the overall temperature during this time of the year is quite pleasant for sightseeing.

History of Namchi

As per an old legend, Ajatashatru, the king of Magadh, shifted his capital from hilly Rajagriha to Namchi to have an edge over his enemies, Licchavis of Vaishali.

It is also believed that Gautam Budhha visited this place during the very last year of his life. He predicted a great future for the city, but also warned of some damages from feud, fire, and floods.

Major Attractions in and Around Namchi

1. Siddeshwar Dham

The Dham is considered a huge pilgrimage complex and is popularly known as Chardham. This place is spread over an area of 29 hectares and consists of a 108 feet tall statue of Shiva. Tourists swear that it is one of the best places to visit near Namchi. For the people who are spiritually inclined, this place is no less than a heaven.

2. Sai Mandir

It is a Hindu temple which is located in the Assangthang area of Namchi in Sikkim. This place is also considered one of the most popular pilgrimage places in the city. It was built in 2010 and has been dedicated to Sri Shirdi Sai Baba.

3. Ngadak Monastery

One of the oldest monasteries in Namchi, this one, too, is located in Sikkim and is also known as the Nandak Gumpa. This place was built in the 17th century by Tensung Namgya, which was the time of the reign of the Chogyal Gyurmed Namgyal.

4. Tendong Hill

Tourists can consider visiting Tendong Hill which is an amazing place to see the natural scenic views of nature. The meaning of Tendong is an upraised horn and this place is simply brilliant to visit with your loved ones and create long-lasting and cherishing memories. This is one of the best things about Namchi Tourism.

5. Kitam Bird Sanctuary

You can also visit Kitam Bird Sanctuary. This place is a wonder of nature and offers a considerable variety of wildlife species. This place lies somewhere between 1200 and 3200 feet above sea level. Moreover, at this sanctuary, you will be finding two rivers namely the Manpur River and River Rangit.

6. Rvangla

If in Sikkim, you must visit Rvangla, which is a small hill town situated in South Sikkim. It is located at an altitude of 7000 feet and is one of the most picturesque places to visit in Sikkim. You have to experience its travel and tourism sector!

How to Reach Namchi

Namchi is situated at a distance of about 1,550, 2,373, 648, 2,624 km from prominent Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru respectively. Here are the details on how you can travel to Namchi by the following means of public transport.

By Air

The nearest airport is the Bagdogra Airport (IXB) situated at a distance of around 110 km away from the city. The airport is well-connected with other Indian cities via direct and connecting flights. From the airport, you can easily take a cab to reach your respective destination.

Here is a list of Indian cities from where flights are available to Namchi

By Train

Deboard at the New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) and from there you would have to take a cab or a taxi to reach your respective destination. Trains from all parts of the country arrive here offering overall good train connectivity. Thus, if you are considering a budget-friendly travel option, traveling via trains would suit your best.

By Road

Depending upon your location, you can consider visiting Namchi via road networks as well. For this, you can consider traveling via cabs, buses, or your own vehicle.

From Patna - 550 km via NH27
From Siliguri - 90-100 km via NH10
From Gangtok - 70-80 km via NH10

Frequently Asked Questions about Namchi

Q. What are the popular tourist destinations in Namchi?
A. Some of the popular tourist destinations in Namchi include the Char Dham, the Namchi Monastery, and the Ralang Monastery.

You can plan your trip and create your own route to the city with Adotrip’s technically driven circuit planner. Click here