bigtravelbuzzNamchi is a small town located in the southern part of Sikkim, India. It is situated at an altitude of 1,675 meters (5,500 feet) above sea level and is known for its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and religious significance. Here are some of the main attractions in Namchi:
Char Dham: The Char Dham is a pilgrimage site that comprises four replicas of important Hindu shrines – Badrinath, Jagannath Puri, Rameshwaram, and Dwarka. The site is located atop a hill and offers panoramic views of the surrounding valleys.
Namchi Rock Garden: The Namchi Rock Garden is a beautiful park located on a hill slope and features rock formations, waterfalls, and a variety of flowering plants. The park is a popular picnic spot and offers scenic views of the surrounding hills.
Samdruptse Hill: The Samdruptse Hill is a scenic hill located near Namchi and features a giant statue of Guru Padmasambhava, a revered Buddhist saint. The statue is 135 feet tall and is one of the largest in the world. The hill offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Ngadak Monastery: The Ngadak Monastery is a Buddhist monastery located near Namchi and is famous for its intricate murals, thangkas, and statues. The monastery offers a peaceful and serene environment for meditation and contemplation.
Tendong Hill: The Tendong Hill is a beautiful hill located near Namchi and offers panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. The hill is covered with dense forests and is home to a variety of flora and fauna.
Namchi is a beautiful town that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and religious significance. It is a great place to relax, unwind, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Sikkim.
Best Time To Visit Namchi
The best time to visit Namchi is from March to May and from September to November. During these months, the weather is pleasant and comfortable, and the skies are clear, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
From March to May, the weather is mild, and the flowers are in full bloom, making it a great time to visit the Namchi Rock Garden and explore the natural beauty of the town. September to November is also a great time to visit as the monsoon season ends, and the weather is dry and pleasant, offering clear views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
However, it is important to note that Namchi can be visited throughout the year, except during the monsoon season from June to August when heavy rains can cause landslides and roadblocks, making it difficult to explore the town. Additionally, the winter months from December to February can be chilly, and the town may experience occasional snowfall, making it unsuitable for some outdoor activities.
Things to Do in Namchi
Namchi is a charming hill town in Sikkim that offers visitors a variety of activities and attractions to explore. Here are some of the things to do in Namchi:
Visit the Char Dham: The Char Dham in Namchi is a popular pilgrimage site and comprises four replicas of important Hindu shrines – Badrinath, Jagannath Puri, Rameshwaram, and Dwarka. The site offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Explore the Namchi Rock Garden: The Namchi Rock Garden is a beautiful park located on a hill slope and features rock formations, waterfalls, and a variety of flowering plants. The park is a popular picnic spot and offers scenic views of the surrounding hills.
Visit the Samdruptse Hill: The Samdruptse Hill is a scenic hill located near Namchi and features a giant statue of Guru Padmasambhava, a revered Buddhist saint. The statue is 135 feet tall and is one of the largest in the world. The hill offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Explore the Ngadak Monastery: The Ngadak Monastery is a Buddhist monastery located near Namchi and is famous for its intricate murals, thangkas, and statues. The monastery offers a peaceful and serene environment for meditation and contemplation.
Go trekking: Namchi offers a variety of trekking trails that lead through dense forests, gurgling streams, and breathtaking mountain ranges. The Tendong Hill trek is a popular trek that takes visitors through beautiful landscapes and offers stunning views of the surrounding valleys and mountains.
Visit the Temi Tea Garden: The Temi Tea Garden is the only tea estate in Sikkim and is located about 20 kilometers from Namchi. The garden offers visitors a chance to witness the tea-making process and sample some of the finest teas in the region.
Go birdwatching: Namchi is home to a variety of bird species, including the Himalayan monal, the blood pheasant, and the black-necked crane. Visitors can go birdwatching in the forests and mountains surrounding Namchi to spot these beautiful birds in their natural habitat.
Namchi offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and religious significance, making it a great destination for a relaxing and rejuvenating holiday.
How to get around in Namchi
The best way to get around Namchi is by hiring a private taxi or a shared cab. Taxis and shared cabs are readily available in the town and can be easily booked through local tour operators or hotels.
Another popular mode of transport in Namchi is the local bus service. The town has a well-connected network of buses that run to and from major destinations in the region. However, the frequency of buses can be limited, and the services may not always be reliable.
For those who prefer to explore Namchi at their own pace, renting a motorbike or a scooter is a great option. Several bike rental services are available in Namchi, and they offer a range of bikes and scooters at reasonable prices.
Walking is also a great way to explore the town and its surroundings, especially if you are interested in exploring the local markets and food stalls. Namchi is a small town, and most of the attractions are located within a short walking distance from each other.
It is important to note that the roads in Namchi can be steep and narrow, and some of the areas may be difficult to navigate for inexperienced drivers. It is recommended to hire a driver who is familiar with the local roads and terrain to ensure a safe and hassle-free journey.
Where to eat in Namchi
Namchi offers a range of dining options, including local eateries, cafes, and restaurants that serve a variety of cuisines. Here are some of the best places to eat in Namchi:
Aloo Momo Corner: This local eatery is famous for its delicious momos, especially the aloo (potato) momos. The momos are freshly made and served hot, and the prices are very reasonable.
Namah Restaurant: Namah is a multi-cuisine restaurant located in the heart of Namchi town. The restaurant offers a range of Indian, Chinese, and Tibetan dishes, including thukpa, momos, and fried rice. The food is prepared fresh, and the portions are generous.
The Hilltop Restaurant: The Hilltop Restaurant is a rooftop restaurant that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The restaurant serves a range of Indian and Chinese dishes and is a great place to enjoy a romantic dinner or a family meal.
Bamboo Retreat Hotel Restaurant: The Bamboo Retreat Hotel is a luxury hotel located in Namchi and features a restaurant that serves delicious Sikkimese and Tibetan cuisine. The restaurant is known for its thukpa, momos, and yak meat dishes.
Sikkim Bhawan Canteen: The Sikkim Bhawan Canteen is a popular eatery among locals and tourists alike. The canteen serves a range of authentic Sikkimese dishes, including gundruk, kinema, and chhurpi. The prices are very reasonable, and the food is prepared fresh.
Namchi offers a range of dining options to suit all tastes and budgets. Whether you are looking for local cuisine or international flavors, you are sure to find something that satisfies your taste buds.
Famous street stalls in Namchi
Namchi has a vibrant street food culture, and there are several street stalls and vendors that serve delicious snacks and treats. Here are some of the famous street stalls in Namchi:
Momos: Momos are a popular street food in Namchi, and you can find several stalls that sell them. The momos are usually served with a spicy tomato or chili sauce and make for a great snack.
Chaat: Chaat is another popular street food in Namchi, and you can find several vendors that sell it. The chaat is a savory snack made with fried dough, potatoes, and a range of spices and sauces.
Singalila Tea: Singalila Tea is a famous tea brand in Sikkim, and you can find several vendors selling it on the streets of Namchi. The tea is known for its rich flavor and aroma and is a great way to warm up on a cold day.
Churpi: Churpi is a traditional Sikkimese snack made from yak milk. The snack is hard and chewy and is often flavored with spices or sugar. Churpi is a great snack to carry on a hike or a trek.
Samosas: Samosas are a popular Indian snack and are available at several street stalls in Namchi. The samosas are usually filled with a spicy potato and vegetable mixture and are deep-fried until crispy.
These are just a few examples of the street food options available in Namchi. The town has a range of vendors and stalls that serve a variety of snacks and treats, and exploring the local street food scene is a great way to experience the local culture and flavors.
Where to stay in Namchi
Luxury accommodation
Namchi has a range of luxury accommodation options that cater to the needs of discerning travelers. Here are some of the best luxury hotels in Namchi:
Elgin Mount Pandim: Elgin Mount Pandim is a luxury heritage hotel located in Namchi. The hotel is set amidst lush greenery and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The hotel features a range of luxurious rooms and suites, a spa, and a restaurant that serves delicious local and international cuisine.
The Lindsay Himalayan Heights Hotel: The Lindsay Himalayan Heights Hotel is a luxury hotel located in Namchi. The hotel offers a range of luxurious rooms and suites that are equipped with modern amenities and offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The hotel features a spa, a fitness center, and a restaurant that serves delicious local and international cuisine.
Summit Sobralia Resort and Spa: Summit Sobralia Resort and Spa is a luxury resort located in Namchi. The resort is set amidst lush greenery and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The resort features a range of luxurious rooms and suites, a spa, and a restaurant that serves delicious local and international cuisine.
Mayfair Spa Resort and Casino: Mayfair Spa Resort and Casino is a luxury resort located in Gangtok, which is about an hour’s drive from Namchi. The resort features a range of luxurious rooms and suites, a spa, and a casino. The resort also has a restaurant that serves delicious local and international cuisine.
These are some of the best luxury accommodation options in Namchi. These hotels and resorts offer a range of amenities and services that cater to the needs of discerning travelers and are a great way to experience the natural beauty and tranquility of Namchi.
Where to stay in Namchi
Budget accommodation
Namchi has several budget accommodation options that cater to the needs of budget travelers. Here are some of the best budget hotels and guesthouses in Namchi:
Hotel Sunnyside: Hotel Sunnyside is a budget hotel located in Namchi. The hotel offers a range of budget rooms that are equipped with basic amenities such as comfortable beds, attached bathrooms, and Wi-Fi. The hotel also has a restaurant that serves delicious local and international cuisine.
Hotel Kava Suites: Hotel Kava Suites is a budget hotel located in Namchi. The hotel offers a range of budget rooms that are equipped with basic amenities such as comfortable beds, attached bathrooms, and Wi-Fi. The hotel also has a restaurant that serves delicious local and international cuisine.
Hotel Tashi Tagey: Hotel Tashi Tagey is a budget hotel located in Namchi. The hotel offers a range of budget rooms that are equipped with basic amenities such as comfortable beds, attached bathrooms, and Wi-Fi. The hotel also has a restaurant that serves delicious local and international cuisine.
Sikkim Himalayan Residency: Sikkim Himalayan Residency is a budget guesthouse located in Namchi. The guesthouse offers a range of budget rooms that are equipped with basic amenities such as comfortable beds, attached bathrooms, and Wi-Fi. The guesthouse also has a restaurant that serves delicious local and international cuisine.
These are some of the best budget accommodation options in Namchi. These hotels and guesthouses offer clean and comfortable rooms at affordable prices and are a great option for budget travelers who are looking to explore the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Namchi without breaking the bank.
Travel Tips Namchi
Here are some travel tips for visiting Namchi:
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Namchi is from October to May when the weather is pleasant and dry. However, if you want to see the blooming of flowers and enjoy the view of the snow-capped Himalayas, then you can visit during the monsoon season from June to September.
Getting there: The nearest airport to Namchi is Bagdogra Airport, which is located about 90 km away. From there, you can take a taxi or a shared cab to reach Namchi. The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri, which is located about 90 km away. You can take a taxi or a shared cab to reach Namchi from there.
Getting around: The best way to get around Namchi is by hiring a taxi or a shared cab. You can also rent a motorbike or a bicycle to explore the surrounding areas.
Local food: Namchi offers a range of local delicacies that you should try during your visit, such as momos, thukpa, chhang, and phagshapa.
Cultural attractions: Namchi is known for its cultural heritage, and there are several attractions that you should visit during your trip, such as the Samdruptse Monastery, Char Dham, and the Ngadak Monastery.
Clothing: It is advisable to wear comfortable and lightweight clothing during the day as the temperature can get warm. However, it is also important to carry warm clothing as the temperature drops during the evening and night.
Permits: If you are an international traveler, you need to obtain an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to visit Namchi and other parts of Sikkim. You can obtain the permit from the Sikkim Tourism Office or from the Indian embassy in your country.