Name: South Sikkim
Rating: 3.7

Namchi, South Sikkim Overview

Namchi, the district headquarters of the South District, is a prosperous market town which has quickly developed into a tourist hotspot. Namchi literally means "Top of the Sky" and the main tourist attractions of Namchi are the two gigantic statues. These two gigantic statues are facing off from opposite hillsides across Namchi and attract several tourists every year. Set in a scenic environment, Namchi provides you a beautiful view of the Khangchendzonga range and the Rangit valley. You can also visit the Sherdup Choeling Monastery and the Dichen Choeling monastery over here.

Namchi is the capital of the South Sikkim district which is quickly transforming into a tourist hotspot because of its pilgrimage centres. The world 's largest statue is also situated here and is worth seeing. A number of luxury hotels are being setup in Namchi and the existing ones have good facilities for you to enjoy a comfortable stay. The spas and the bars in this town are very relaxing for the tourists. Around two kms from Namchi is the old Ngadak monastery. Positioned on a hill just above Ngadak monastery is the very striking Rock Garden which makes a great tourist attraction because of the several unique flowers and plants which blossom every spring.

Best Time To Visit Namchi

Summers in Namchi are during the months of March, April, May and June. The temperature goes up to twenty eight degrees (28ÃƒÂ«Ã‚ÂC) and as low as ten degrees (10ÃƒÂ«Ã‚ÂC) in summers. This is an ideal season to visit the town as the weather is pleasant during this time. However, you must carry winter clothing. The monsoon season in Namchi brings sufficient rainfall and the temperatures fall during this time. Winters in Namchi are during the months of October, November, December, January and February. These months can get quite chilly and carrying woollen clothing is very necessary during this time.

Traveling Around Namchi

Taxis are available in the area to travel to tourist attractions.

Stay Near Namchi

There are several good hotels and lodges in Namchi. The hotels provide all basic facilities including spas and a 24-hour travel information counter. Air-conditioned rooms are not a necessity in Namchi. The resorts and hotels guarantee a comfortable stay.

Sightseeing Around Namchi

The main tourist attractions in Namchi are Samdruptse and Solophok statues. Coated in shining copper and bronze tones is the spectacular 45 m Padmasambhava statue. This statue can be seen from miles around, shining like a golden cone in the heart of the forests of Samdruptse hill. The site is 7 km from Namchi. As if one giant statue were not enough, another Shiva statue is established on Solophok hilltop. There are several surrounding complex of temples and visitor pavilions here. Solophok is at a distance of 6km from Namchi.

Activities At Namchi

You can enjoy the spa treatments at the hotels and resorts.

Shopping At Namchi

Souvenir and craft items are the best things one can shop for in Namchi. Thanka paintings, carpets, handlooms, wooden carved and painted items, wooden masks, cane and bamboo items, traditional hats and caps, embroidered products and stuffed dolls make Namchi a great shopping paradise.

Local Experiences At Namchi

Namchi has a vibrant culture of folk songs, folk dances, handmade crafts, cuisine and arts. The diverse communities of this region have beautiful folk songs. Every October, Namchi Mahotsav is organized by Sikkim government to display the traditional culture of Sikkim here. Apart from stalls selling ethnic handlooms, handicrafts, and traditional foods, dances and song shows are also organized.

Nightlife At Namchi

There are a few bars and clubs in the area where one can have a good time.

Food At Namchi

The local cuisine of Sikkim includesÃƒÂ«_Gya Thuk or Thukpam, Phagshapa, Momo, Ningro along with Churpi, Sael Roti and Gundruk. These are dishes one must try while visiting Namchi. Chaang is the popular drink of the place.

Restaurants Near Namchi

Chardhan Fast Food And Restaurant, The Height Restaurant, Unique Sweets And Fast Food, Dipar Cafeteria, Hill View Restaurant, Kamal Fast Food, etc. are some of the popular restaurants in the area.

Sample Itinerary For Namchi

Reach Namchi and check into a resort of your choice. Hire a transport service and a guide and visit the two gigantic famous statues in the area. After that, have lunch at a nearby area and then visit the Sherdup Choeling monastery and the Dichen Choeling monastery. The next day set out to see the old Ngadak monastery and visit the Rock Garden in the area too. One can follow it with a trip to Jorethang. Jorethang is the useful transport centre between West Sikkim and serves as a launching point for trips to interesting but lesser known Sikkimese villages like Rinchenpong (country getaways) or Reishi (hot springs and holy cave). At its westernmost edge, Jorethang_Ãƒâ€˜ÃƒÂ©s most interesting attraction is the Akar Suspension Bridge, 400m north of which are the photogenic roadside Shiva niches of Sisne Mandir.

Trivia About Namchi

Flower exhibitions are quite famous in Namchi which are held twice a year during February-March and in October.

Tips For Visiting Namchi

It is advisable to travel with a guide. It is customary to leave a donation at a monastery and to circle shrines in clockwise direction. Don_Ãƒâ€˜ÃƒÂ©t disturb wildlife or its habitat here. Don_Ãƒâ€˜ÃƒÂ©t smoke, drink alcohol or talk loudly at the monasteries.

How to reach Namchi

Air: Namchi does not have its own airport. The nearest airport is at Bagdogra which is at a distance of 100 km from the town. You will have to take a bus or taxi from here to reach Namchi.
Rail: New Jalpaiguri which is about 90 km from Namchi is the nearest railway station and is linked to most major cities of India.
Road: Buses are available from the nearest railway station or airport to Namchi. Namchi is well connected by roads to other cities of Sikkim.