Namchi is the capital of the South Sikkim district in the Indian state of Sikkim. The appellation Namchi means Sky (Nam) High (Chi) in Bhutia.Namchi is situated at an altitude of 1,675 m (5500 feet) above sea level. It is situated at a distance of 78 km from the state capital Gangtok and 100 km from the town of Siligur…i.Namchi commands panoramic view of the snow capped mountains and vast stretches of valley.

Namchi is fast becoming a major tourist spot and pilgrimage centre. The Namchi monastery, Ralong monastery and Tendong Hill are important Buddhist pilgrimage centres. The world’s largest statue of the Buddhist Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, the patron saint of Sikkim, is on the Samdruptse hill (The Wish Fulfilling well) opposite Namchi. It was completed in February 2004. It is also said that the Samdruptse hill is actually a Dormant Volcano.

Myths say that the buddhist monks have been going on top of the hill and offering prayers to the volcano to keep it calm. There is also a Rock Garden just few kilometers up from the town on the way to Samdruptse. Rock Garden offers varieties of Flora. It is a recreation and picnic spot.It offers a magnificent view of Mount Kanchendzonga.Namchi has been identified as the land or orchids and other variety of flowers.

Journey to Namchi in Sikkim

Airport : The nearest airport is at Bagdogra, West Bengal, about 124 km from Gangtok. From here you will find numerous vehicles to reach Namchi.

Railhead : New Jalpaiguri Railway Station in West Bengal is the closest railhead, which is 125 km from Gangtok.

Road Transport : There are SNT buses to Pelling, Gangtok, Yuksom, Jorethang, Tashiding, Darjeeling and Siliguri. You will find buses from these place to reach Namchi.