Namchi Tourism: Top Attractions & Things To Do
Namchi, a fast developing place in South Sikkim is often known as the Culture Capital of the state. The place has been developed as a hub of religious and cultural tourism in Sikkim. In fact you can see replica of all the four dhams of India (char dhams) at Namchi and also the biggest statue of Guru Padmasambhava. Namchi also has a well laid out township with a Central Park (a small square) at the town center.
Namchi (meaning 'Sky High') is located at an altitude of 5,500ft and is the capital of South District of Sikkim. While you can come directly from NJP (90kms) or Bagdogra (96kms), many also combine a trip of Gangtok with Namchi.
While visiting from Gangtok, you will pass through the 21km stretch of famous
Temi Tea Garden which is the only tea garden in Sikkim producing finest quality of tea. You will need to negotiate 21 hairpin bends while crossing the tea garden. You can halt halfway at Singchuthang which is a lovely picnic area at the bank of river Rangeet. Another picturesque place along the way from Gangtok is Manglay which has three rivers passing through it - Teesta, Sipsu and Rangpo Chhu. The scenic beauty of Manglay has been featured in the Nepali film 'Saino' and since then the place if also known as Sainotaar.
Many come directly from NJP or Bagdogra via Melli. This journey is also quite scenic and you pass through Kitam Bird Sanctuary along the way.
A day trip to Namchi from Darjeeling is also becoming popular these days.
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Namchi, known as the cultural and religious capital of Sikkim, has many religious establishments and shrines, including monasteries, temples & temple complexes, etc. that makes it an ideal destination for devotees and worshippers. However, Namchi also has magnificent gardens, flower shows, viewpoints and even cable car rides that offers panoramic views of the town and the mountains. Below are best tourist sites in Namchi.
Namchi Helipad
The Namchi Helipad area is a wonderful open space with a large round about. The road from here goes towards Namchi town which is about 5kms away. Helicopter service is available between Bagdogra and Namchi on every Thursday.
Keeping the helipad on your left, look up on your right and you can see the large statue of Lord Shiva on a hilltop (looks tiny from here) - that is the famous
Char Dham Complex. The helipad area is also very popular for getting panoramic views of Kanchenjunga snowpeaks. From here you can get sweeping views of Darjeeling and Kalimpong hills as well as the lower plains of Bengal.
Near Helipad, Namchi
Shirdi Sai Baba Mandir
In about 10 minutes from here you will reach Shirdi Sai Baba Mandir & Pilgrimage Centre located at Asangthang, Namchi. This is the first Shai Baba temple in the whole of Sikkim. It was built by Shirdi Shai Baba Trust of South Sikkim under the patronage of Government of Sikkim Tourism. It was opened for prayers on 3rd November 2010 by the former Chief Minister of Sikkim Dr. Pawan Chamling.
Shirdi Sai Baba Mandir, Namchi
The temple is located at the corner of two roads. Before you enter through the large entry gate, you need to take off your shoes. Although there is no entry fee as such, the men at the entrance of the main temple expect you to pay donation which goes towards maintenance of the temple premises.
Although overall it's a striking complex with garden setting with an awesome architecture with intricate work all around, I observed that water was leaking from the ceiling of the temple at several places and it was difficult to avoid the drips on your head as you climbed the stairs upstairs.
Upstairs there is a wonderful statue of Shirdi Shai Baba kept on an elevated platform at the end of a huge hall. The hall with its blue decor & hue, and paintings & sculptures of many gods & goddesses around the walls is awe-inspiring.
Upstairs hall, statue of Shai Baba at the end
Downstairs is the large prayer room where devotees offer prayers. There is also an elevated stage at the end where kirtan and other religious functions take place that are organized by the trust. Outside and right on the road there are several eateries serving Indian vegetarian food. This is where you can plan to take your lunch (or brunch if you started the day early). Tea and cold drinks are also available.
Ground Floor Prayer Room, Shirdi Sai Baba Mandir
Char Dham
Next is the Pilgrim Center Char Dham (also known as Siddheswar Dham) which is undoubtedly the most popular and the best tourist attraction in Namchi. It is located on a hill top and about 5kms from the town center. This large complex has been conceived to take Sikkim to new heights of pilgrimage & religious tourism. The complex comprises of the main temple of Shiva on which the imposing statue of Shiva has been set up.
Char Dham complex, Namchi
Additionally there are replicas of twelve jyotirlingas to offer one platform to all devotees of Shiva, as well as replicas of the four dhams (Badrinath, Jagannath, Dwarka dedicated to lord Vishnu and Rameshwar dedicated to lord Shiva). Visit
Explore Char Dham to know more about this awesome religious complex in South Sikkim.
There is enough parking here as well as a Yatri Nivas Hotel with pure vegetarian restaurant just before the entrance of the Char Dham complex. You can plan to take your lunch or snacks here before visiting other attractions. If you plan to stay overnight at Namchi, you can consider staying at this Yatri Nivas. There is also a cafe inside the complex. Plan some 1.5 hours in Char Dham on a day trip and keep a check on time. It's easy to spend half a day here otherwise.
Rose Garden, Solophok
If you love flowers, freshness of nature and magnificent sights of the mountains & valleys, then you will fall in love with this place as soon as you get in. They say that it takes around 20 minutes to stroll around this place, but you will wonder how time flies here as you may end up spending hours staring at the magnificent blooms and the views around. There is an entry fee which is worth every penny. You should visit this place while returning from Char Dham as it is located on Solophok hill and will be on your way back and convenient.
This is undoubtedly one of the best flower gardens in the whole of Sikkim, and it has hundreds of varieties of roses of different hues and colors other than numerous other flowering plantations such as orchids. The garden is spread across an area of 2 acres and there are over 5000 varieties of plants here. The best time to visit is during the spring time (March to April) because that is the bloom time and you will see roses in their full blooms. However, you can visit anytime and you will always find a lot of flowers here along with unbeatable views.
Inside, there is a beautiful garden restaurant & cafe with excellent menu. It offers a wide spread of Indian cuisine along with Pizzas, Pastas, Continental and Pan Asian cuisine serving vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. They grow the organic vegetables in their own gardens and locally source the other ingredients.
Other than proper main courses, you can also have some snacks and tea, soak in the lovely view of the mountains and that of Namchi township from here while tapping your feet to soft music they play. The price is in the mid-range category and reasonable. There is also a well-stocked bar serving cocktails, wine and other alcoholic beverages. However, the noisy karaoke at the bar can be the only disturbing element here.
There is also a souvenir shop inside where you can buy plant saplings and other souvenirs to take back home such as handicrafts, paintings and gifts that have been created by local artisans. The Rose Garden also runs live performances, poetry nights, DJ nights, etc from time to time.
The Rose Garden, Solophok is open throughout the year. Open timings: 9:30 am to 10:30pm. You should plan to spend 1 to 2 hours here. Entry fee: Rs. 50/- per person. There is a car parking in front.
Central Park
You will next pass through Namchi Bazaar and township. The Central Park as the name suggest is a central location in Namchi. However this not a large parkland area. As you see in the picture below, it's like a public square with paved floor and large space for pedestrians. There is a large circular fountain at the center and next to it is a huge Banyan tree which is surrounded by a circular aquarium that is full of fish.
Central Park, Namchi
All around the Centran Park are shops of all kinds, restaurants and hotel buildings. This is the commercial hub of Namchi and the Main Market area. However, all shops and eateries close down by 8pm.
Photo: PP Yoonus, cc by-sa 3.0
Namchi Mahotsav which is a very popular cultural & food festival is held in October at Central Park when the entire area bustles with people from all over the state and country. Flower shows are also held here in February-March and in October.
Samdruptse Monastery
Next is Samdruptse Monastery which is about 7kms from Namchi town and up on Samdruptse hill. Before Char Dham, this used to be the main attraction of Namchi, it is still very popular among tourists though. Outside the entrance there is a large paid parking.
A large building has been constructed for covered parking in the upper floor as well as hosting shops at the ground floor. Samdruptse means 'Wish fulfilling Hill'. The locals believe that the hill is actually a dormant volcano. The Buddhists lamas have been regularly offering prayers so that the volcano does not erupt. It has stayed calm so far.
Approach way to Samdruptse Monastery
Buy the entry tickets from the counter at the monastery gate and there is a fairly long uphill walkway (some 200 yards) that leads to the monastery. Buddhist prayer flags flutter on one side of the pathway. Take off your shoes before you climb the flight of steps to reach the upper platform.
Now look up and you will be awestruck with the mammoth 45-meter statue of Sikkim's patron saint Guru Padmasambhava set up on an elevated platform. The face is coated with gold that glitter in the sun. Walk around the platform (start from the left and make a full circle) and you can get magnificent view of the mountains and forests. The entry to the monastery is from the backside.
Statue of Samdruptse
The foundation stone here was laid by Dalai Lama on 22nd October 1997. Subsequently when the work started, it took over 3 years with many renowned architects, engineers and over 1,000 laborers who worked hard together to set up the statue and the monastery.
The religious aspects of the project were supervised by His Eminence Kyabje Dodrupchen Rinpoche who later consecrated the holy statue. The statue was finally opened to public on 18th February 2004 by the Chief Minister of Sikkim Sri Pawan Chamling who conceptualized and visualized the project.
Inside Samdrupste Monastery
This tall and large statue overlooks the town of Namchi and the surrounding areas. It can be seen from many different places in Sikkim and Darjeeling as well. As you walk back to the large open courtyard next to the covered car park, you will find several food stalls selling all kinds of snacks like momos, eggs with toasts, chaats, packaged snacks, tea, coffee, beverages etc. Good time to have a short tea break.
NOTE: You can also visit Samdrupse Monastery by Ropeway (Cable Car). Both the Ropeway Station and Samdrupse share the common car parking. For details, see the 'Namchi Ropeway' section below.
Namchi Rock Garden
On your way back towards Namchi town you can visit Namchi Rock Garden (about 10 minutes from Samudruptse). This place too was opened by Chief Minister Pawan Chamling on 22nd October 2005. You will need to walk down initially through flights of stairs and then a paved pathway which seems easy as you go down to visit the rock garden. There are many steps and be prepared to sweat it out while climbing up. However the rewards once you reach below are plenty.
Namchi Rock Garden Pathway
The landscaped garden below is quite beautiful. There are waterbodies, a gazebo, tiny arched bridges over lilipools, many different rare flowers and plantations, slides & swings for children, benches to relax & soak in the views - all make a wonderful experience. It's calm and quiet out here and a great opportunity to blend with the nature. There are narrow paved pathways to roam around and the garden feels more like a botanical garden.
Flowers at Namchi Rock Garden
A highlight at the rock garden are the Orchids. You will also see here a rare plant known as Timbur which is a sour citrus plant having a great medicinal value and used in liver ailment and lung congestion. The rock garden offers a wonderful view of Kanchenjunga snow peaks and also a lovely sight of the confluence of rivers Teesta and Rangeet. Entry to the Rock Garden is free.
NOTE: You can also visit Namchi Rock Garden by Ropeway (Cable Car) and avoid the steep climb of stairs to go back up to the road. For details, see the 'Namchi Ropeway' section below. Update: As of December 2022, Namchi Rock Garden is closed due to damages caused to it by landslides during the last monsoon.
Namchi Ropeway (Cable Car)
Ropeway or the cable car ride has become a very popular tourist attraction in Namchi. It is a 2.5kms stretch and has two sections. The first section is from the main ropeway terminus at PWD Bungalow located near the Main Market area of Namchi up to the Namchi Rock Garden. This ride takes about 15 minutes. This section mostly passes over the town of Namchi and you get a panoramic view of the township below.
At Rock Garden, there is a change in line. You can spend some time at the Rock Garden and then take another cable car or gondola later, or simply change the line and continue to the next section. The next section passes over mountains and forests and eventually terminates at Samdruptse Monastery. The cable car station here is located at the car parking of Samdruptse from where it is a short walk to the monastery. This section of the cable car ride takes about 10 minutes.
You can choose to ride one-way or both ways. Many tourists take their cars to the main ropeway terminus at PWD Bungalow and do a full one-way ride and ask the driver to go and wait at Samdruptse car parking. They visit the Rock Garden in-between. Others, take their cars to Samdruptse from where they take a 2-way ride up to the Rock Garden and get back. Each gondola has a capacity of up to 6 persons. The doors of the gondolas close automatically giving you a safe feel. Fares vary depending on the number of sections you want to ride.
Here are the Namchi Ropeway Fares (Fares updated January 2022):
PWD Bungalow to Samdruptse Round Trip = Rs. 400/- per person
PWD Bungalow to Samdruptse One-way = RS. 270 per person.
Samdruptse to Rock Garden round trip = Rs. 150/- per person
Samdruptse to Rock Garden One-way = Rs. 100/- per person.
Children within 5-12 years of age = 50% of above fare. Child below 5 rides free.
GST of @18% will be added to the above fares.
Namchi Ropeway Timings: 7 Days in a Week, 10.30 AM to 4.30PM.
Update: As of December 2022, Namchi Ropeway is not operational due to massive damages caused to it by landslides during the last monsoon.
Ngadak Monastery
Ngadak Monastery is about 2kms from Namchi town. You will need to take a diversion near Kolkata Hotel and reach the monastery complex in about 15 minutes from Rock Garden. From a large open field area you need to walk for about 150 yards to reach the monastery building because visitors cars are usually not allowed right up to the monastery. There is no entry fee to Ngadak Monastery.
This is one of the oldest monasteries of South Sikkim built in 17th century by Tensung Namgyal during the reign of Chogyal Gyurmed Namgyal. However the old building has been destroyed by earthquake and a new structure has come up in its place. Wonderful ambience, both outside and inside. Spend some 15 minutes before starting your return.
Ngadak Monastery Namchi
Bhaichung Stadium
A football stadium named Bhaichung Stadium is coming up in Namchi which is named after the popular Sikkimese footballer Bhaichung Bhutia. It is still under construction and you can see it as you pass by.
Bhaichung Stadium under construction
There are several other places which you can visit from Namchi, however time may be a constraint during a day trip. But if you decide to stay for at least a night at Namchi, then you can certainly visit those places.
Temi Tea Garden
Temi Tea Garden is about 18kms from Namchi town and located in Ravangla, South Sikkim. This is the only tea garden of Sikkim and owned by the State Government. It spreads across 440 acres of land on gradual hill slope originating from Tendong Hill. The tea garden produces one of the finest tea in the world and commands high prices in the world market. There is also a factory here. You can visit the factory to see tea processing and buy packaged tea at the Sale Outlet.
Kanchenjunga View from Temi
It produces about 100 tones of tea annually. The tea estate was established in 1969. Prior to that there used to be a Sherpa village here as well as plant nurseries of Forest Department, and missionary buildings.
One of the best accommodations within the garden is
Cherry Resort (erstwhile Yatri Niwas which belonged to Sikkinm Tourism Department and now leased out). It has sweeping views of the tea garden and Kanchenjunga from its rooms and terrace. It's a mid-range hotel and you can book online through their site. There is also a British Bungalow within the garden (locally known as Dak Bungalow) where you can plan to stay. This too is an STDC property and leased out to 'Heritage Bungalows' group. You can book the bungalow online from their website.
Tarey Bhir
Tarey Bhir - a ridge top walk offers a breathtaking vista of the surrounding mountains, river valleys and the hills of Darjeeling & Kalimpong. This is one of the lesser known attractions to tourists, yet one of the 'must see' spots in South Sikkim. The word 'Bhir' in Nepali means 'Cliff'. Along the top of the ridge, a 3km stepped walkway has been laid out with a railing on one side that overlooks the gorge.
Stepped walkway on Tarey Bhir
Photo: Madhumita Das, cc by sa 4.0
As you walk down the concrete steps the foliage around is wonderful. Go all the way to the end or edge of the cliff, the views around is simply stunning. There is a 3,500ft drop here. Down below on a clear day you can see the
confluence of rivers Teesta and Rangeet and on one side you can see Darjeeling & Kalimong hills.
Tarey Bhir is about 16kms from Namchi and takes about 40 minutes by car to reach. You need to take the road Agam Singh Tamang Road. Tarey Bhir is located near a small hamlet known as Sadam. The entrance to the stepped pathway is quite non-descriptive although there are signboards there. It's a wonderful way of soaking in the beauty of the mountains and surrounding areas as you walk along a ridge top. You can easily spend about an hour and a half there.
Buddha Park
Another lovely place is Buddha Park in Ravangla also known as Tathagata Tsal, 30kms from Namchi town. Spread over 23 acres of area this parkland has a towering sitting statue of Buddha which is 137ft 22inch tall. The face of the statue is coated with 3.5kgs of gold. It is the tallest metal statue of Buddha in the world.
Buddha Park, Ravangla
The statue has been setup on a hillock. The park with paved pathways and surrounded by mountains & forests looks awesome. Buddha Park project started in 2006 and was inaugurated by Dalai Lama in 2013. The park area is donated by the nearby Rabong Monastery.
There is an entry fee of Rs. 50/- per person. The compound has all facilities including washrooms and toilets, eateries, souvenir & gift shops, seating areas etc.
Mainaam Garden
Mainaam Garden has been named after the revered peak Mainam in south Sikkim. The garden is spread across 20 acres of land area and is famous for the production and supply of cut flowers of all types. Its oldest flower nursery is located in a place called Ghurpisey which is about 2kms from Namchi town. Here you can see the largest collection of Lilium cut flowers and also several other types such as Iris and Amaryllis.
IHCAE
IHCAE (Institute of Himalayan Centre for Adventure & Eco Tourism) is located at Chemchey Village at an altitude of about 6,500ft. From Namchi town the distance is about 16kms via Damthang. Opened in December 2009, the Institute offers training courses to the youth in the area of adventure activities and eco tourism. The courses include Mountaineering, Rock Climbing, Mountain Biking, Trekking, Paragliding, White Water Rafting, Trekking, Skiing etc.
IHCAE Campus, South Sikkim
Photo: IHCAE, Sikkim
It has a sprawling campus covering some 21 acres of land area on gentle hill slope which is worth a visit. The campus has Mountain Interpretation Hall where theory classes are conducted, meditation hall, guest rooms, administration blocks and 14 stage obstacles. It offers hostel facilities to trainees. Email :
[email protected]; Mobile : +91 9434117158
You don't usually plan a trip to Namchi keeping shopping in mind. However, there do exists several stores and art & craft centers that are worth visiting and you won't return empty handed for sure. Kanchenjunga Handicrafts Center located near Serdupcholing Monastery has exquisite handcrafted items. Another place for great local hand crafted items is Technical Handicraft Center which is located about 2kms from Namchi town.
While there are number of small eateries all through Namchi including at places like Shirdi Sai Mandir by the roadside, for proper food you can visit Hotel Solophok on Melli road, Hotel Mayal on Jorethang Road and Wine & Dine on DC Office road above State Bank of India branch.
For pure vegetarian food, Yatri Nivas at Char Dham is also a good option. This is where you can also stay. The rooms are spacious and airy. It's a nice budget hotel in Char Dham complex. If Char Dham is where you plan to spend most time, then this where you should stay. In evenings, you can simply walk up to the temples and enjoy the wonderful aarti (the lamp lit Hindu rituals) that are held there.
Yatri Nivas, Char Dham, Namchi
One of the great mid-range/budget accommodations is Seven Hills Resort located at the hill slope of Phalidara and overlooking Namchi. It has 12 cottages spread out in 6 acres of lush greenery & natural setting, and done up in traditional Sikkimese style. From the balconies you get wonderful view of Solophok Hill where Char Dham is located, the Rock Garden, Samdruptse, snow peaks of Kanchenjunga and Darjeeling township. The hotel has in-house restaurant preparing nice local cuisine. There is also a bar. Email: sevenhillresortgmail.com; Phone: +91-33-30533973 / 74 / 75 .
The Club Mahindra Resort at Baiguney (about 2kms from Namchi) is also a great retreat and welcomes general tourists. It's a luxury resort located by the river-front and spread across 12 acres of landscaped area. It's a visual treat by itself. The resort has a spa, swimming pool, gym, fun zone etc.
Some of the other hotels at the Namchi market area which are also popular with tourists are Hotel Mayal on Jorethang Road, Hotel Samdruptse, Hotel Kesang, Hotel Rock Ville, Hotel Nayuma etc.
Book a hotel online in Namchi
You can use the search box below to book a hotel at an attractive low rate including some of the ones I mentioned above. This service is provided by world's no.1 online hotel booking site.
Best time to visit Namchi
March to May is a good time to visit Namchi when the temperature remains moderate and comfortable. There is usually no rains during this time. Another good time is between October to December.
Namchi is located between Ravangla and Jorethang. It is 78kms from Gangtok (takes about 3.5 hours), 26kms from Ravangla, 96kms from NJP and 102kms from Bagdogra.
Regular Sikkim Tourism buses are available between Gangtok and Namchi, as well as private taxis. While shared taxis from Gangtok to Namchi are also available at the stands, you may not always get them. You can however take a shared taxi from Gantok to Singtam and then change to another one from Singtam to Namchi.
Namchi is also well connected by road from NJP (the nearest rail junction), Bagdogra (the nearest airport) and Darjeeling. You will get pre-paid taxis from NJP station or Bagdogra airport. Shared taxis are available from Siliguri. In case you don't find one, take a shared taxi up to Jorethang and then change to another one for Namchi.
There are also bus services between Siliguri (SNT Bus Stand) and Namchi. There is a bus that leaves Siliguri in the morning and another in the afternoon.
Indicative Rates
(Fare updated: March 2022)
Small reserved taxi from NJP station to Namchi: Rs. 3,500/-
Small reserved taxi from Bagdogra airport: Rs. 3,500/-
Shared taxi from Siliguri: Rs. 300/- per person.
Bus (AC Deluxe) from SNT bus stand (Siliguri): Rs. 220/- per person
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Visitors' Reviews/Comments
Tarun Das (November 2022)
I'm touring Darjeeling from 23 to 26 Dec. On 25.12, will start by 10 am from Darjeeling for Namchi, stay there and return on 26.12 from Namchi by 2.pm for 8 pm train to Kolkata. Can I also visit Buddha park, Ravangla and Samdruptse from Namchi immediately after check in at Namchi Hotel and return on the same day? I have not finalized any tours for 26.12, is it doable? or shall I skip Ravangla.
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) November 2022
On 25th, you should ideally start from Darjeeling by 8am... if the hotel at Namchi doesn't allow early check-in, keep the luggage with them and move on to Samdruptse and then to Ravangla. You can have lunch at Buddha Park (there are eateries inside). On 26th, you can do Namchi sightseeing including Char Dham before returning to NJP to catch your train at 8pm.
Pratik Mondal (June 2018)
Hi, Raj.. Thanks for sharing your travel experiences with such informative article. I want to visit Namchi - Ravangla - Gangtok in December. I can't wait to visit Tarey Bihr after reading your blog; but schedule is little tight. So can we visit Temi Tea Garden, Budhha Park and Tare Bihr enroute Gangtok ?? Or the route to Tarey Bihr is different ??
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) June 2018
Hi, Tarey Bhir is in a different direction (south of Namchi) while the rest are towards north of Namchi, so it can't be covered enroute to Gangtok via Ravangla. However before visiting Namchi, you can take the Melli-Turuk road from Melli to first visit Tarey Bhir and then continue to Namchi.
Bala Balachandran (April 2018)
Four of us went to Namchi in first week of March 2018 and the entire journey, including the driver from Gangtok, was excellent. The enroute journey with lots of scenic beauties, nature beyond description, was worth every minute of one's life. It is amazing to see how the people would have constructed these sacred places, at such a height, several years ago and it is truly breathtaking. All in all an excellent trip.
N. Sengupta (February 2018)
We would be travelling to Pelling on May from Darjeeling. Would it be possible to visit Chardham, Temi Tea Garden etc on our way.
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) February 2018
Chardham (Namchi) will require a longer route than usual (about 126kms) and Temi will require further detour of another 15kms, but it's possible. Suggest that from Darjeeling you take the shortest route through Tukvar tea estate, Jamuni and then to Jorethang. Total travel time will be about 6.5 hours plus time to visit each site along the way. So start early.
Pinaki Pal (June 2017)
Mr. Raj. I just want your expert advice for staying overnight at Namchi. We are going for a Gangtok & Pelling tour. From where we can pass through the Temi Tea Garden & 21 hair pin bends?? Gangtok--Namchi or Pelling--Namchi via Ravangla?? Your opinions are really very practical & extremely helpful for me.. Thanks & Regards.
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) June 2017
Your night stay accommodation in Namchi will depend on what your plans are as well as your budget. If Char Dham is where you want to spend most time in Namchi, then you can stay at Yatri Nivas located at the Char Dham complex next to the car park. Temi Tea Garden and 21 Hairpin bends are located along the route from Gangtok to Namchi and closer to Namchi. You can also approach it from Ravangla - Namchi route but around mid way, you need to take a diversion for few kms and then return to the main route.
Srijonee Choudhury (April 2017)
Hi Raj, I want to visit Namchi from Kalimpong. Can I get proper transport from Kalimpong?? If I start early, can we manage to see all the spots in Namchi and return to Kalimpong on the same day?? With regards.
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) April 2017
Yes, highly doable. Will take about 2 hr 15 minutes one way via Melli. Start early.
Tarasankar Dasgupta (March 2017)
Hi Raj, On the 1st day while going to Pelling from NJP at 8-30am, would it be fine if we visit Namchi and then reach to Pelling. We are 04 adults, above 56 years. Otherwise we can visit Namchi while going to Gangtok from Ravangla. Which alternative would be fine as per your suggestion.
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) March 2017
Both options will require about 1 hour detour. However the second option (via Ravangla) would be better because a local taxi of Sikkim is more likely be willing to take the detour and do a local sightseeing at Namchi during a transfer to Gangtok. Taxis at NJP may not (more because there are restrictions in Sikkim for non-Sikkim registered taxis to do local sightseeing).
Tarasankar Dasgupta (March 2017)
Hi Raj, many thanks for your prompt and expert opinion. Both the vehicles already booked to our Pelling Hotel without any detour idea. Now I find Namchi is almost on the way from NJP to Pelling and say, if Sikkim no. vehicle is provided to us, should we visit while going to Pelling? Your free and frank opinion is most valuable to me. Yours truly,
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) March 2017
Hi, yes you can visit Namchi on the way to Pelling, then you need to take an alternative route from Melli which is longer (the usual route to Pelling is via Jorethang).
B. Rajagopal (March 2017)
We went on a one day trip to Namchi. The drive was mostly along the Teesta river. On the way we stopped at an elevated spot from where we had a spectacular view of the meeting point of Rangeet and Teesta river. As we were enjoying the view, we were suddenly enveloped in clouds, which made the moments magical.
After crossing Teesta, we entered Sikkim. Just on the side was Gupta Restaurant which served very tasty aloo paratha and mango achar, along with very refreshing ginger tea. After reaching Namchi, we went to Sandruptse monastery. This was a very beautiful and divine spot. It had a huge statue of Saint Padmasambhava and a garden with lots of marigold flowers.
The other interesting spots were the Char Dham, Helipad and Sai Baba Mandir. From Char Dham and Helipad, we took some excellent pictures of Kanchanjungha.
Partha Chatterjee (November 2016)
Hi Raj, It would be very kind of your if you please guide me on these two things. 1) How to reach Cherry Resort from Darjeeling. Is shared vehicle available? What would be the stops on the Journey. 2) How do I reach Lava from Cherry Resort, what would be the convenient route & moderate by fare too. Thanks in advance my friend.
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) November 2016
Hi, Cherry Resort is in south Sikkim towards Ravangla. From Darjeeling you will need to go via Namchi (enroute Jorthang). Shared taxis are not available on that route from Darjeeling. You won't get shared taxis from Cherry Resort to places like Lava. Only option is reserved taxi (you need a Sumo like vehicle from Darjeeling as the road is quite bad at several places).
Biswajit Dey (January 2016)
Sir, I am wanting to visit Namchi Chardham while coming from Darjiling and going towards Gangtok. Is it possible to cover this in one day?
Raj (darjeeling-tourism.com) January 2016
Yes, quite possible. Start early and take the route via Jamuney and Jorthang (you need a large vehicle like a Sumo). Road is bad in several patches.
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