Skip to content

6 Best Places To Visit In Namchi (Sikkim)

Namchi is a charming town in South Sikkim, known for its scenic beauty, cultural heritage, and spiritual attractions. 

The word Namchi means “top of the sky” in Sikkimese.

The town lives up to its name by offering breathtaking views of the Himalayan ranges, the Rangit Valley, and the plains of West Bengal. It is also a popular destination for pilgrims, as it hosts some of the most revered religious sites in Sikkim.

ADVERTISEMENT

Namchi is gradually attracting more and more visitors and explorers who want to experience its charm.

In this article, you will get to know the following points about Namchi,

  1. Samdruptse Hill
  2. Doling Gompa
  3. Tendong Hill
  4. Tendong State Biodiversity Park Namchi
  5. Ngadak Monastery
  6. Solophok Chardham

Let’s see each of these points in detail.

1. Samdruptse Hill

Statue of Guru Padmasambhava at Samdruptse Hill, Namchi

Samdruptse Hill is one of the best places to visit in Namchi. Also known as the “wish-fulfilling hill,” it has a lofty height of 2134 meters.

hill is crowned by a majestic statue of Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche), the revered Buddhist master who brought Buddhism to Sikkim. The statue is 45 m tall and covered with gold, shining brightly under the sun.

ADVERTISEMENT

From the hill, you can enjoy a stunning panorama of Mt Kanchenjunga and its surrounding peaks, as well as the verdant forests and the clear blue sky.

The hill is believed to be a dormant volcano that is kept calm by the prayers of the faithful.

2. Doling Gompa

Doling Gompa is a serene monastery that sits on a small hill in the lush town of Barfung. The town is surrounded by greenery and dotted with colorful flags that flutter near the Gompa. The monastery belongs to the Nyingmapa sect of Buddhism and exudes a spiritual atmosphere.

From the Gompa, you can view the breathtaking landscape of dense forests and majestic mountains surrounding it. You can also witness the contrast between the different hues of nature, such as the blue sky, the green vegetation, and the white and golden peaks that reflect the morning sun.

The route to the monastery is also rewarding, as you can see the cardamom plantation and the lively and cheerful people working on the green fields.

3. Tendong Hill

A hill in Namchi

Tendong Hill is a stunning sight that mesmerizes visitors with the dazzling beauty of the landscapes. The charming hill community attracts you with its lovely and captivating qualities.

You can see many visitors engaging in adventurous activities like trekking and boating here. One of the most exciting things you can enjoy here is camping. 

ADVERTISEMENT

Many birds fly in and around this area. You can also spot some native animals here such as the Himalayan Bears, Red Pandas, and Leopards that call the nearby woods their home.

4. Tendong State Biodiversity Park Namchi

The Tendong State Biodiversity Park covers 255 hectares of land with diverse vegetation, including alders, walnuts, oaks, chestnuts, bamboo, and many other plants.

Here you can find many endangered and endemic plants. The park also hosts different animals, such as Flying squirrels, Barking Deer, and more.

Tendong State Biodiversity Park rests on an elevated topography (1400-2025 meters) above sea level. It encompasses the Southern part of Maenam-Tendong Ridge and is close to the Temi Tea Garden. 

The park’s management is aiming to increase the number of exotic, endangered, and endemic species and preserve and restore their natural habitat.

5. Ngadak Monastery

Ngadak Monastery is one of the most beautiful and spiritual places in Namchi. The place radiates a transcendental and appealing charm.

The name is Ngadak means “promise” and reflects the belief that anyone who visits this sacred site will make a solemn vow to come back again.

Also known as Nandak Gumpa, it is one of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim. It was built by Tensung Namgyal in the 17th century as a palace of Her Highness Pendi Ongmu.

ADVERTISEMENT

The monastery boasts remarkable architecture that combines wood and stone. It was partially damaged by an earthquake but still preserves its historic charm as one of the most revered religious centers in Sikkim. 

The monastery draws many pilgrims every year as it is blessed with a great atmosphere and is an ideal place to meditate.

6. Solophok Chardham

Solophok is a sacred place in Namchi, where a majestic statue of Lord Shiva in his Adi Yoga pose overlooks Solophok Hill in South Sikkim.

The place is also a cultural center that showcases the twelve Jyotirlingas and the four Dhams of India -Jagannath, Badrinath, Dwarka, and Rameshwaram.

Here you can witness the glorious scenes of Shri Krishna and Lord Shiva’s incarnations that create a heavenly charm and upheavals and roots in the concept of Bhakti.

The replica of the Chardham in the midst of the scenic state is a serene and spiritual attraction in Sikkim, especially for the followers of Lord Shiva and Shri Hari.

These are some famous places to visit in Namchi, Sikkim. Explore the captivating regions and the famous tourist spots of this town.

You will be tempted to stay back and scoop out every bit of the flavors here. The stunning beauty and serenity of the region will enchant you.


Some other articles you might like



Disclaimer: Some of the links provided in the article may contain affiliate links. This means when you book or buy something using these links, you help support the website at no extra cost.