Name: South Sikkim
Rating: 3.5

Tendong Hill, South Sikkim Overview

Tendong Hill is a destination that offers you a marvelous view of the valley in Sikkim. Situated at an altitude of 8530 ft above Damthang, Tendong Hill is a very famous tourist attraction in the southern part of Sikkim. Due to its serenity and tranquility, Tendong had been the residence of Buddhist Lamas, who have spent years in meditation in the quiet and peaceful environment of the place. From the peak of Tendong Hill, the sight appears to be unbelievable. It seems phenomenally perfect and you will definitely not want to miss this on your trip to Sikkim.

Tendong hill situated above Damthang and close to the South Headquarters town Namtse has transformed into a popular tourist destination of Sikkim. It can be reached only by trekking which starts from Damthang, a 13 kms drive from Ravangla. The trek passes through plush and thick green vegetation rich in rare flora and wildlife. Over 90 species of birds, Himalayan Bears, leopards and illusive Red Pandas are sheltered in this forest. Tendong Hill top is at a height of 8660 ft which provides a splendid panoramic sight of the eastern Himalayas and this hill is an inactive volcano. A petite and beautiful monastery and a three storied watch tower are on the top of this hill. From the watch tower a 360 degree view of Sikkim is breath-taking. No other place in Sikkim provides such a great view of the entire range. The majestic Kanchenjunga peak glitters like gold from here. The entire Singalila range in the west, Chola range in the east, part of Gangtok town, Nathu La, Darjeeling and part of the plains of West Bengal are visible from here.

Best Time To Visit Tendong Hill

Summers in Damthang are during the months of March, April, May and June. The temperature goes upto 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 this area brings sufficient rainfall and the temperatures fall during this time. Winters in Damthang 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 Tendong Hill

Taxis are available in the nearby area to get around the place. Most people go in foot to enjoy nature walks.

Stay Near Tendong Hill

Tendong has many hotels and resorts nearby where tourists can enjoy a comfortable stay. The Retreat, Club Mahindra Baiguney and the Seven Hill Resort are the resorts closest to Tendong Hill. These hotels provide good services and are affordable too.

Sightseeing Around Tendong Hill

Tendong Hill is the best destination in Sikkim for sightseeing. The entire Singalila range in the west, Chola range in the east, part of Gangtok town, Nathu La, Darjeeling and part of the plains of West Bengal can be seen from here. The mighty Kanchenjunga peak glitters like gold from here and is a spectacular sight.

Activities At Tendong Hill

This place is the base for many adventurous treks.

Shopping At Tendong Hill

The local handicrafts, woollen carpets, etc. are famous in this region and while shopping here, these are a must buy. Lal Bazaar, Vijay Shopping Complex, etc. are a few of the shopping complexes in the area.

Local Experiences At Tendong Hill

Damthang has a vibrant and unique culture of folk songs, folk dances, handmade crafts, cuisine and arts. The diverse communities of this place have different folk songs.

Nightlife At Tendong Hill

There are some good pubs and clubs near the area. Pulse Restaurant And Bar, Bar And Restaurant, Cuisine Bar And Restaurant, Vijay Shopping Complex, Hotel Khambuwan Restaurant And Bar are a few of the places where you can enjoy a drink and have a good time.

Food At Tendong Hill

The local cuisine of Sikkim includesÃƒÂ«_Gya Thuk or Thukpam, Phagshapa, Momo, Ningro along with Churpi, Sael Roti and Gundruk. These are dishes one worth trying while visiting here. Chaang is the popular drink of the place which is taken along with food.

Restaurants Near Tendong Hill

Mandeep Catering, Chardhan Fast Food And Restaurant, The Height Restaurant, Unique Sweets And Fast Food, Dipar Cafeteria are some of the popular restaurants in the area which are a must try for all tourists.

Sample Itinerary For Tendong Hill

Reach Dhamthang and check into a hotel there. After that, start your trek from here to the Tendong Hill which is a 6km trek. Reach the peak and enjoy the serene and beautiful environment there. Do visit the monastery and the watch tower. Come back in the evening and enjoy Sikkimese cuisine at some nearby restaurant. Carry food and water with you when you go for the trek. It is best to visit the peak along with trips to nearby places such as Char Dham, The Archaeological Museum, Gurudongmar Lake, Sanga Choling Monastery and Samdruptse Temple. One can also head to the towns of Namchi or Ravngla from here

Trivia About Tendong Hill

According to the lepcha folklore Tendong Hill means _Ãƒâ€˜Ãƒâ€™Upraised Horn_Ãƒâ€˜Ã‚Â and the legends and stories of Lepchas which passed on through generations are that, Tendong saved them from the great torrent, which submerged the entire world.

Tips For Visiting Tendong Hill

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 Tendong Hill

Air: The nearest airport to Damthang-Tendong Hill isÃ«_bagdora air force base airport. Buses and taxis are available here to reach Damthang
Rail: The nearest railway station to Damthang-Tendong Hill isÃ«_Darjeeling train station JunctionÃ«_which isÃ«_16 KMÃ«_away from Damthang-Tendong Hill. You can take a taxi or bus from here to reach Damthang.
Road: Regular bus services are available from the different cities of Sikkim to reach Tendong Hill. It is well connected by roads to all major cities of Sikkim.