Namchi: Land of Buddhist Pilgrimage Centres

Are you in search of a destination that leaves you gasping for breath by its beauty? Do you want to enjoy your holidays in the lap of nature along with the pious touch? If yes, then your search ends with a visit to Namchi.

Nestled among high rising mountains and located about 78km away from Gangtok, Namchi is a famous Buddhist pilgrimage destination. It serves as headquarter for South Sikkim district and is known for its scenic vistas and the world's tallest statue of Guru Padmasambhava.

Namchi Tour is all about visiting holy places, beautiful gardens, hot springs, valleys, hills and much more. The town has evolved as a popular picnic spot and a honeymoon destination. Tourists can also indulge here in activities like trekking, camping and angling. The town also boasts of being the home town of Baichung Bhutia, the famous Indian footballer.

The word 'Namchi' translates to the 'top of the sky'. History of Namchi states that the Pende Ongmoo, the evil princess poisoned one of the kings of Sikkim here and was given death punishment.

It is also one of the sites explored by botanist Sir Joseph Dalton Hooker, a close friend of famous naturalist Charles Darwin.

Non-vegetarians can try their hands on fishing in River Rangeet while staying in camps near the river bank. It is an amazing experience to be en-wrapped in nature's blanket and enjoy its soothing effect during Namchi Travel.

Following are the main travel attractions of Namchi

Samdruptse Hill
The word 'Samdruptse' is of Bhutia origin and translates to the 'wish fulfilling well.'  The world's largest statue of Buddhist Guru Padmasambhava sits on this hill. The foundation stone was laid by Dalai Lama in 1997 and it was finally completed in February 2004.

The statue is 45m tall and is made in shimmering gold. It shines with brilliance when the sun rays fall on it. The view across the statue is breath-taking and can be seen from several parts of Sikkim and Darjeeling.

The statue is a part of Ngadak Monastery which is one of the oldest monasteries in town and was built by Tensung Namgyal. The word 'Ngadak' means 'promise' hence it is believed that anyone visiting would promise to visit again. The monastery was destroyed during an earthquake and has therefore been rebuilt.

It is believed that Samdruptse is a dormant volcano. There are mythological stories stating that Buddhist saints have been going up the hill and offering prayers to keep the volcano calm.

Namchi Rock Garden
This is a popular picnic and recreational park situated between Namchi town and Samdruptse Hill. Variety of flowers, plants and trees are seen corralled in rows along the footpaths laid for walking through the garden.

The park also offers excellent view of Mount Kanchenjunga, the third highest peak in the world. Cute little waiting stands, located at different points in the park and the green colour painted on them add a natural touch.

There are also water bodies; several view points and a clean cafeteria set up in the park. You can sit in this cafeteria, and enjoy the view of the valley over a cup of hot steaming coffee.

Phur Tsa Chu
This is a famous hot spring situated on the bank of River Rangeet. Pilgrims while travelling through the Buddhist circuit love to come here during January to March and enjoy a dip in it. The water of the spring is said to hold medicinal properties.

Also known as Reshi hot spring, it serves as an ideal spot for bird watching. Close to the pond is a small Buddhist monastery where pilgrims come to pay their homage.

Sikip
It is a destination located on the banks of River Rangeet famous for its natural environs. Angling and camping are done here amidst the excellent views of nature. The ambling river water offers a great opportunity for river rafting and fishing.

Excursions from Namchi
Darjeeling (16km), Kalimpong (17km) and Pelling (20km) are some of the nearby places to explore during Namchi Trip.

Shopping In Namchi
Ethnic hand loom and handicrafts are the first two things you must buy when shopping here. Wooden and carved painted items, masks, cane and bamboo made items, stuffed dolls, thangka paintings, carpets and embroidered products are some other items to fill up your travel kitty.

When to Reach
March- October is the best time to take trip as the weather is cool and pleasant. Namchi Festival (October) is also a prominent time to plan the trip.

How to Reach
Air: Tourists can reach the destination via Gangtok which is about 120km away from Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri.
Rail: The nearest railhead is in Jalpaiguri, nearly 77km away from the town.
Road: Broad roads connect the destination to cities like Gangtok, Yuksom and Pelling. Regular buses and taxis are available to commute within and nearby the destination.

Get ready to experience peace, adventure and natural beauty with Namchi Travel. Add it to your bucket list and start planning right now.