Namchi
Hilltop statues, Char Dham and the Temi tea slopes
About Namchi
Namchi has become the main South Sikkim stop largely because of two large hilltop complexes - the Char Dham pilgrimage site and the Guru Padmasambhava statue at Samdruptse. Both are unusual, and both have long views over the Rangeet valley.
It also sits beside Temi, the only tea estate in Sikkim, which makes for an easy and photogenic addition to the day.
Top attractions
Char Dham (Siddhesvara Dham)
A large complex with replicas of the four principal Hindu pilgrimage shrines and a tall Shiva statue.
Samdruptse
The seated Guru Padmasambhava statue on the hill above the town.
Temi Tea Garden
Sikkim's single tea estate, with a walking track through the slopes.
Ngadak Monastery
A restored old monastery just outside town.
Best time to visit
March to May
Pleasant and green, good for the tea garden walk.
October to December
Clear, dry and comfortable.
In pictures
How to reach Namchi
- Roughly 80 km from Siliguri, and about four hours from Gangtok.
- Frequently combined with Ravangla and Pelling on a South and West Sikkim circuit.
Other destinations nearby
Darjeeling
The classic Himalayan hill station - sunrise over Kanchenjunga, heritage rail and slopes of Darjeeling tea.
Explore
Gangtok
A clean, well-organised hill capital with a walkable centre and day trips to Tsomgo Lake and Rumtek.
Explore
North Sikkim
The high country - Yumthang's valley floor, Zero Point snow fields and the road to Gurudongmar.
Explore
Pelling
The best front-row seat for Kanchenjunga in Sikkim, with monasteries, ruins and waterfalls nearby.
Explore
Ready to plan your next Himalayan escape?
Send us your dates and the number of days you have. You will get a day-wise plan back, with stay options and clear inclusions - no obligation attached.