If you’re thinking about a trip to Namchi, you’re in for a treat! It is a charming town in the heart of Sikkim, that offers a perfect mix of natural beauty, spiritual sites, and cultural attractions.
From majestic temples and serene monasteries to stunning viewpoints and beautiful gardens, Namchi has something for everyone. So, whether you’re an adventure seeker, a spiritual explorer, or just someone who loves to relax amidst nature, you’ll find plenty to love in Namchi. However, in this blog, we will discuss the top 11 places you should definitely check out during your visit.
Must Visit Places in Namchi
1. Siddheshwar Dham
Situated atop Solophok Hill, Siddheshwar Dham in Namchi is like a mini-pilgrimage, all in one place. This beautiful cultural complex features a 108 feet tall statue of Lord Shiva, replicas of the 12 jyotirlingas, and the models of four sacred Dhams of, Rameswaram (dedicated to Lord Shiva) and Jagannath, Dwarka, and Badrinath all dedicated to Lord Vishnu. So, if you’re unable to pursue your char-dham yatra yet, visiting Siddheshwar Dham can be a pretty good idea to get a zest of the four spiritual shrines.
Besides this, here you’ll also be greeted by some stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. The serene atmosphere and the beautiful setting make it a great place to relax and soak in the spiritual vibes.
2. Tendong Hill
For breathtaking views and a bit of adventure, Tendong Hill is the place to be.
Situated at a height of 8530 feet, the hill offers panoramic sights of the surrounding mountains and valleys that are truly breathtaking. More so, it is surrounded by lush, dense forests with blossoming trees like magnolia and rhododendron.
If you enjoy hiking, you’ll love the 6 Km trek up to the top, passing through rich green vegetation, packed with flora and fauna. And upon reaching the top, you’ll be rewarded with some incredible vistas Here, you’ll find a small monastery and a huge watch tower whereupon you can enjoy amazing 360-degree views of the Chola range towards the east, Singalila range towards the west, a part of Nathu La, Gangtok town and Darjeeling and a glimpse of the plains of West Bengal.
It’s altogether a fantastic spot to take in the natural beauty of Namchi and enjoy a peaceful hike.
3. Ngadak Monastery
Also known as Nandak Gumpa, Ngadak Monastery is one of the oldest monasteries in Namchi and one of the best places to get a glimpse into Buddhist culture and traditions.
And let us tell you an interesting fact. The word Ngadak means promise which makes for the popular belief that anyone who visits here, would make a promise to come back yet again.
Surrounded by fluttering prayer flags and serene landscapes, the monastery gives a sense of peace and calm. Every year, thousands of tourists visit here to experience the peace and serenity that this place has to offer.
4. Samdruptse Hill & Ropeway
Standing at an altitude of 2134 meters, Samdruptse Hill features the world’s largest statue of Guru Padmasambhava, the most revered saint of Sikkim.
The name Samdruptse translates to wish fulfilling hill as the hill is home to many local monks who religiously worship it believing the fact that the hill is a dormant volcano and only regular prayer can help keep the volcano at rest.
To reach atop the hill, you’ll need to climb up a steep roadway of around 250 meters from the parking area. You can also use the ropeway facility to visit the Namchi Rock Garden. This ropeway ride offers a unique perspective of the town whereupon you can enjoy stunning aerial views of the lush green landscapes and the quaint town below. It’s a peaceful and scenic way to take in the beauty of Namchi without the effort of hiking.
Also Read : 10 Beautiful Places In India You Are Not Allowed To Visit
5. Tarey Bhir
Tarey Bhir is perfect for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike. It is a 10,000-foot-tall ridge with a deadly gorge of over 3500 feet on the right side. Being located at such a height, the views that you get to enjoy from here are just surreal. It is the only place from where you can witness Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Teesta River, all in one line of sight.
Towards the end of the stone pathway, you’ll also find a watch tower from where you can enjoy scenic views of ice-capped mountains, the quaint Kalimpong town, and the concurrence of Teesta and Rangeet rivers.
Don’t forget to bring your camera because the views are absolutely worth capturing!
6. Sai Mandir
Situated just 3 km from the Siddheswar Dham, Sai Mandir is a peaceful and beautiful temple dedicated to Sri Shirdi Sai Baba. Featuring modern architecture and design, the temple gives an aesthetically appealing look and feel.
Besides, the temple is surrounded by a lovely garden whereupon you can enjoy panoramic views of Mt. Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain peak in the world. All in all, Sai Mandir is the perfect place to enjoy the best of Sikkim’s spiritual retreat and panoramic beauty.
7. Rock Garden
Located at the base of the Samdrupste Hill, is laid down with all the different species of plants, flowers, and trees. And not only this, along the pathways you’ll also find waiting sheds and water bodies set to welcome the visitors.
If you are traveling with kids, there’s also a beautiful playground to let your little ones enjoy their time on the trip. Meanwhile, you can also try the Samdruptse cable car which operates between Samdrupste Hill to Namchi Rock Garden.
Takeaway
Namchi is packed with amazing places to explore, from serene monasteries to thrilling viewpoints. However, make sure to plan your travel mindfully keeping a check on weather conditions and other crucial aspects.
