NAMCHI
Namchi as the name suggests is a rapid grown tourist destination, a pilgrimage point and a cultural hot spot situated in the southern district in the Indian state of Sikkim. Namchi is also known as the district head or the capital of the southern district of Sikkim. Namchi is nestled at an elevation of about 1675 meter (5500 feet) and the name is derived from a Bhutia word meaning ‘Nam – Sky and Chi – High’. The southern part of Sikkim is a bit different from that of other districts of the state. The geographical shape of South Sikkim is rectangular in shape and its three sides are guarded by east, west and north Sikkim, while the southern part of south Sikkim is guarded by the northern part of West Bengal. On entering Namchi tourists are greeted by the directional board of Namchi in which it is written ‘Welcome to Namchi’. The local people inhabiting Namchi are mostly Hindus and Buddhists by religion and the common medium of communication is Nepali, but apart from that the locals also speak Hindi and English. On a clear day Namchi offers stunning view of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks along with the rolling plains of the northern district of West Bengal. As per history Namchi was the place where Pende Ongmoo, the treacherous princess who poisoned one of the Chogyals of Sikkim, was caught and killed for her deed. The present day Namchi was the place where this princess was killed. Dotted with aged old Monasteries, natural flora along with the unmatchable views of Mt. Kanchenjunga and the Rangeet Valley, Namchi is a noteworthy traveler’s hot spot and also a place to explore. Apart from all these Namchi has also developed as hot spot for trekking, birding and religious tourism. Namchi also experiences occasional visit of Himalayan birds like Whiskered Yuhina, Scarlet Minivet, Verditer Flycatcher, Black Headed Tit and others.
Places to visit around Namchi:
Samdruptse – The Wish fulfilling Hill: Samdruptse is known as a wish fulfilling hill perched at an altitude of 2134 meter (7000 feet) and is located around 05 km away from Namchi. The hill of Samdruptse is ornamented with a Goliath statue of Guru Padmasambhav (also known as Guru Rinpoche) the patron saint of Sikkim who has been showering his endowments over Sikkim for 1200 years. The statue of Guru Padmasambhav measures about 45 meter tall (135 feet) which is the tallest statue of Guru Padmasambhav in the world and the statue is overlaid with gold and copper. The foundation stone of this statue was laid by Dalai Lama on October 1997. It is also believed that the place was a volcano which is now dormant and the Buddhists monks use to meditate and pray here in order to hold it from erupting. Samduptse also offers stunning views of the snow-capped Himalayan ranges on a clear day.
Solophok – Chardham: Solophok Chardham is a Pilgrimage-cum-Cultural center of Sikkim located at a distance of 05 km away from Namchi. The most important pilgrimage center of Namchi has a main temple which raises about 108 feet in height on which a statue of Lord Shiva is built which is about 87 feet in height. Here at Solophok Chardham tourists will get to see the replicas of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva which the devotees worship along with that the models of the four original Chardhams spread around India namely Dwarka, Puri, Badrinath and Rameshwaram are also seen here. The whole complex of Solophok Chardham is spread over an area of about 28 acres and is mainly divided into four sections namely The Statue of Lord Shiva and 12 Jyotirlingas, Char Dham temples, Sai Baba Temple and Kirateshwar statue as well as Nandi Bull. This popular tourist attraction of Solophok at Namchi was founded Pawan Chamling and dedicated to Swami Swarupananda Saraswati and Adi Guru Shankarcharya.
Tendong Hill: Tendong Hill is a vantage point mainly known as a short trekking route located at a distance of 11 km away from Namchi. Tendong Hill is perched at an elevation of 8530 feet encircled with aged old trees of Magnolia and Rhododendrons that captivates tourists with its lush greenery. Tendong Hill is basically set between Namchi and Damthang. A small monastery and a watch tower are placed on the top of Tendong Hill. This watch tower offers 360 degree view of the Singalila Range in the west, Chola Range in the east, parts of Gangtok town, Nathu La, Darjeeling and also parts of the plains of West Bengal.
Sai Mandir (Temple): Sai Mandir or Sai Temple is a Hindu temple lies at a distance of 03 km away from Namchi Char Dham and 05 km away from Namchi Taxi Stand. Sai Mandir is located at Asathang area of Namchi and it is considered as one of the major pilgrimage spot and also one of the major tourist spot in Namchi. Built in the year 2010 by the then Chief Minister of Sikkim Pawan Chamling, the Sai Mandir is a two storied building with a statue of Shirdi Sai Baba. The temple periphery is beautifully decorated with flowers and also offers stunning view of the snow-capped Himalayan ranges of Mt. Kanchenjunga.
Rock Garden – Namchi: The Rock Garden at Namchi is another point of tourist interest located at a distance of 01 km away from Samdruptse and 05 km away from Namchi town. The Rock Garden at Namchi hosts wide species of flowers, plants and trees. The Rock Garden has an entry gate beautifully decorated in Sikkim’s architecture along with staircase those flight to the downward side. Apart from beautiful and rare flowers, the Rock Garden also has waterfalls, water bodies, resting place, birds and butterflies. There is also a pathway constructed for tourists to enjoy the scenic beauty of this Rock Garden. The Rock Garden lies on the winding lower valley of Samdruptse Hill.
Ngadak Monastery: Ngadak Monastery is one of the oldest monasteries in Namchi located at a short walking distance from the town. The word Ngadak literary translates in to ‘Promise’ and it is also believed that anyone who visits this monastery would make a promise to visit it once again. The monastery was built by Tensung Namgyal, during the reign of Chogyal Gyurmed Namgyal regime during the early 17th century as a place to Her Highness Pendi Ongmu. But during an earth the main monastery was severely damaged and hence a new Gumpa has been constructed adjacent to it.
Serdup Choling Monastery: Serdup Choling Monastery is located around 02 km away from Namchi on the road to Sumbuk. Serdup Choling Monastery is set against a scenic backdrop of Mt. Khangchendzonga. Inside the main temple shrine there are three statues of Santa Raksita, Guru Rimpoche and Tri Detson are installed and the walls are adorned with beautiful wall paintings of Guru Padmasambhava and the exterior potion being adorned with prayer flags.
Baichung Stadium: Baichung Bhutia Stadium at Namchi was built in honour of India’s most contemporary footballer Bhaichung Bhutia who already has many accolades in football both in the national and international level. Every year Namchi hosts ‘The Gold Cup Football Tournament’ at Baichung Bhutia stadium.
Tarey Bhir: Tarey Bhir is a 10000 feet long cliff edge with almost 3500 feet abrupt drop. Tarey Bhir is considered as a geological wonder located around 180 km away from Namchi. The cliff of Tarey Bhir is almost 1.5 km long walking pathway paved with stone and guarded with railings that meets at a view point at the end which offers stunning view of confluence of River Teesta and River Rangeet along with parts of Kalimpong town and other adjacent places. The hill top of Tarey Bhir is covered with dense Pine forests and one can often spot Mountain Goats (locally known as Bharals) grazing on the steep cliff.
Namchi Rope-way: The rope-way or the cable car ride at Namchi is fascinating point of tourist interest that stretches about 2.74 km long with two sections. The first section operates from PWD Rest House to Rock Garden at Namchi and the second section operates from Rock Garden to near Samdruptse Monastery. This rope-way at Namchi was developed to promote Eco-friendly and energy efficient transportation facility for the tourists. Tourists should note that the ropeway’s lower section which is at the bottom of the Rock Garden has no ticket counter and hence one needs to come down at the Rock Garden and then gets back.
Phur Tsa Chu: Phur Tsa Chu is a hot water spring lies on the banks of River Rangeet is the southern part of Sikkim. The word Phur Tsa Chu is derived from a Sikkimese language which means ‘hot spring’. This hot water spring is about 30 minute drive from Legship and 01 hour drive from Jorethang. This hot spring is believed to have medicinal qualities that can cure many ailments.
Flower show of Namchi and Namchi Mahotsav: In the month of February Namchi hosts an annual flower show. The main attraction of this show is the exhibition of rare and exotic species of Orchids and other Himalayan flowers. In addition to this flower show Namchi also hosts an annual festival named as Namchi Mahotsav in the month of October. The main aim of this festival is to show the natural beauty, culture, food and lifestyle of Sikkim. This Mahotsav is organized in the remote locations of Namchi in order to promote tourism and an opportunity for tourists to visit these places.
Indian Himalayan Center for Adventure & Ecotourism (IHCAE): Indian Himalayan Center for Adventure and Ecotourism is a haven for nature lovers to get a taste of adventure sports. The prime objective of this institute is to promote unexplored possibilities of nature as an adventure sports among the youth. The institute is located in the beautiful village of Chemchey located at a distance of 17 km away from Namchi.
Maniram Village: Maniram is a small rural village in Namchi sub division block of South Sikkim district. Maniram Village occupies an area of 623.67 acres and is located around 13 km away from Namchi. Maniram Village has developed as a spot for village tourism and every year a big fair is organized by the locals where time tourists from far flung visits Maniram village.
How to reach:
By Air: The nearest rail head to Namchi is Bagdogra Airport which is at a distance of 96 km away. Daily flights ply to Bagdogra from different cities of India. The newly additional airport of Sikkim is Pakyong Airport which is at a distance of 80 km away from Namchi. Though regular flights are not operational to Pakyong Airport with other major cities of India.
By Rail: New Jalpaiguri (NJP) railway station is the nearest rail head to Namchi located at a distance of 90 km away. NJP railway station is well connected by regular trains from other major cities of India.
By Road: Namchi is well connected by good road network with NJP railway station, Siliguri, Bagdogra Airport and also other destinations of Sikkim. Namchi is located around 78 km away from Gangtok, 26 km away from Rabangla and 34 km away from Melli by road. From Siliguri it takes about 3.5 hours to reach Namchi via Melli. Both shared and reserved vehicles are available from Siliguri, Bagdogra, NJP, Gangtok, Pelling, Yuksom and others destinations upto Namchi. From Siliguri SNT bus stand tourists will also get bus service to reach Namchi.
Best time to visit Namchi:
March to mid-June is the best time to explore Namchi as during this time the town experiences its summer season and most of the tourists visits Namchi during this time. The month of July to September is best avoided this is the monsoon season. And October to March is the time of winter season, several tourists also likes to visit Namchi during this time as the weather remains clear and also offers clear view of the distant Himalayas.
SEVEN HILLS RESORT
Seven Hills Resort at Namchi is a heavenly paradise lies on the picturesque slope of Phalidara. Seven Hills Resort is a wide spread property with 12 exotic individual cottages spread over 06 acres of land on the hill top. The windows of each cottage of Seven Hills Resort open up the majestic vista of the distant mountains and also the snowcapped Himalayan ranges. The rooms of Seven Hills Resort are built in authentic Sikkim’s architecture with Teak Wood, Bamboo and Thai woven fabrics that creates a charming ambience. All around the property of Seven Hills Resort are encircled with thick natural vegetation and staying here in this resort is indeed an ambitious proposition. Located around 1.5 km away from Namchi town through the winding unpaved track up on a hillock, Seven Hills Resort is a home away from home. Tourists are required climb 35 steps to reach at Seven Hills Resort. Every cottage of Seven Hills Resort consists of 01 bedroom, dinning hall, the western part of the dining hall has wide open glass window, along with a balcony. The balcony offers magnificent view of the distant hills and mountains. All the furniture of the dining hall are made of bamboo amenities like LCD monitor, fire place, sitting lounge and others are perfectly placed here at Seven Hills Resort. Each double bed room of Seven Hills Resort is a suit with attached bathrooms with 24 hours running hot and cold water and the rooms offers undisturbed views of Solophok, Samdruptse and Tendong Hill to the far distant. Seven Hills Resort has their own garden where they grows vegetables like Cabbage, Cauliflower, Carrot, Squash and others through organic process and is also a perfect children playground and at the end of the garden there is a bar and restaurant. The artistic design of this bar cum restaurant is made of bamboo and wood which is a perfect example of a Gothic Art. In the bar tourists can enjoy Thai Snacks along with Sikkimese Folk Song. Inspired by ethnic architecture the interior of the bar cum restaurant is perfectly designed in Teak Wood and Bamboo, which is a perfect blend of architecture. The meticulously restored interiors are designed to capture the original architecture that reflects their own history and heritage. Seven Hills Resort has their own garden where they grows vegetables like Cabbage, Cauliflower, Carrot, Squash and others through organic process. The evenings at Seven Hills Resort are perfect to taste authentic Sikkimese coffee along with local snacks. Meals served at Seven Hills Resort are fully organic and garden fresh. Tourists are specially advised to visit Seven Hills Resort during a full moon night as the view and experience both are stunning.
One can also spend their leisure time at Seven Hills Resort with a glass of wine produced locally from Rhododendrons which are locally known as Guraus grown in their own garden along with traditional music of Sikkim. The blend of finest cuisine, characteristic warmth and hospitality at Seven Hills Resort will surely takes you to another world of comfort and pleasure.
Amenities available:
Well wooden furnished rooms.
Attached bathrooms with running hot and cold water.
Pick up and drop facility available on request.
Well spacious rooms with great interiors.
Arrangement of local sightseeing.
Tariff:
Per day per room @ 2500/-
Package rate: INR @ 1500/- per day per person (both food and lodging included)
HOW TO BOOK: Call us at 9831311606 , 9830381306, to get the current availability status or use the query form furnished below with all you travel queries and submit, we will call/ contact you directly.
Or, you may also directly book from our Kolkata office at: 8C Shanti Ghosh Street, Kolkata – 700003. Nearest Landmark: Manindra Chandra College and Shyambazar Metro Railway Station (Gate No: 3).
