Namchi Tourism | Lachung Travel Guide

South Sikkim is replete with natural beauty, and its capital, Namchi, which literally means “top of sky” is slowly but steadily emerging as one of the most sought-after off beat holiday destinations. It offers an unparallel view of the majestic Kanchenjunga mountain range and the Rangit valley. Located at a height of 5,500 ft. the town is replete with beautiful temples and monasteries like Sherdup Choeling Monastery, Dichen Choeling monastery, and Ngadak monastery. The 135 ft statue of Guru Padamasambhava, one of the major attractions of Sikkim is located on Samdruptse Hill which is also known as the wish fulfilling hill. It is said that the hill was a volcano site. The foundation of this statue was laid by the Dalai Lama in October 1997. The benevolence of Sikkim can be observed in Namchi where you can observe diversity in culture and religion. Enjoy the lush green flora on your trip here.

Best time to visit Namchi?

More About Namchi Tourism

Since the climate is blissful throughout the year, Namchi could be visited anytime. However, the summer season is perfect as the weather remains perfect during this time. From March to June the temperature remains pleasant (130-250C) which makes sightseeing a pleasure. Monsoon (July to September) is replete with heavy rains which make it slightly difficult to enjoy the beautiful sights of the beautiful town. October to March is the winter season though slightly chilly (80-150C) but probably the best time for Namchi visit. You can also enjoy the flower show and Namchi Mahotsav during these months along with other natural sights of the place.

How to reach Namchi?

Nature lovers, adventure seekers, religious tourists, and avid trekkers can explore the area to discover many untold secrets of Himalayas. Located just 78 km from the capital city of Gangtok, Namchi can be reached using air, road or rail network.

By air : Bagdogra is the nearest airport to Namchi (100 km). From here you can take a cab till Gangtok. Regular bus or jeep service is available to connect Gangtok to Namchi which is 74 km. Alternately, you can hire a cab directly from Bagdogra to Namchi. Bagdogra is connected to other cities with a frequent flight.

By train :The nearest railway station to Nachi is New Jalpaiguri station (NJP) which is just 92 km away. Frequent trains connect NJP to other cities of India. Bus and private taxi can be used to reach Lachung.

By road : State and private buses provide excellent connectivity to Namchi. Taxis and jeeps are available from NJP, Bagdogra, Gangtok, Siliguri (90 km), Darjeeling (45 km). NH 31 connects Namchi to Gangtok, Yuksom, and Pelling.

Things to do in Namchi

Namchi is home to some of the most beautiful monasteries as well as the attractive Rock Garden which has numerous attractive flowers and trees. Namchi hosts every year the Gold Cup football tournament in Baichung stadium where teams from Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and India participate. Other major attractions of Namchi include:

1.) An annual flower show is hosted in February where you can witness the wide variety of orchids that Sikkim is famous for. Some rare orchids can be seen in this largest flower show of Sikkim.
2.) In the month of October, Namchi plays host to Namchi festival, which is a cultural and food festival, where tourists can sample local cuisines.
3.) Trekking to the Tendong hill (8500 ft.) offers a majestic view of mountains, landscapes and the mesmerizing valley of flowers. Tareybhir also offers a breath-taking view from the 3 km ridge with a 3000ft. drop.
4.) Explore the religious side of Sikkim with a visit to the Siddeshwar Dham located at Solophok hill, which attracts Shiva followers from across the country. The place is also home to many monasteries like Ngadek (the oldest monastery in Namchi) constructed in the 17th century, Ralang monastery (annual Pang Lhabsol festival celebrated here).
5.) Maenam wildlife sanctuary located at 10500 ft. and spread over 3500 sq. km. is home to various medicinal plants and animals like Red Panda, leopard cats and birds like magpies, blood pheasants, and blue-necked pita. In a nutshell, it is every photography and nature lovers’ dream come true.
6.) You could also indulge in nature walk across the Temi tea garden, the only one in Sikkim. The Rock garden offers a beautiful view of eternal spring with a huge collection of orchids

Food and shopping in Namchi

Though there aren’t many eateries here, food lovers will get their taste buds tickled with amazing noodles and momos available here. the local dishes worth trying while in Namchi include Phagshapa, GyaThuk, and Gundruk, while the local drink Chaang should not be missed. The local markets provide a large variety of cane and bamboo items apart from handicrafts, wooden carvings, and paintings. Namchi is famous for stuffed dolls which should be on your shopping list.

Popular Tourist Attractions in Namchi :

Often known as the cultural capital of Sikkim, Namchi has plethora of beautiful things on offer for tourists coming here. It has been developed as a hub of religious and cultural tourism in Sikkim. The place attracts huge number of pilgrims every year due to its religious importance, natural wonders and the unmatched views of the Rangeet valley and Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world. Tedong Hill, Namchi Rock Garden, Tarey Bhir, Saibaba Temple and Ngadak Monastery are the other popular places to visit in Namchi.