Namchi: South Sikkim's Sky-High Capital
A guide to Namchi in South Sikkim — Char Dham, Samdruptse, Temi Tea Garden, and Ravangla.
Namchi — meaning "Sky High" in the Sikkimese language — lives up to its name. The town commands panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga range and is surprisingly peaceful despite being a district capital.
Char Dham and Samdruptse
Namchi's two landmark attractions are the Char Dham replica complex and the 87-foot Guru Padmasambhava statue at Samdruptse Hill. The Char Dham replicates the four holiest Hindu pilgrimage sites — a remarkable achievement set in the Buddhist Himalayas.
Temi Tea Garden
Sikkim's only tea estate lies just below Namchi and is one of the most scenic in India. The garden produces organic Darjeeling-style tea and can be visited on a guided walk.
Ravangla Connection
Just 25 km from Namchi, Ravangla adds the giant Buddha Park and the Bon monastery of Ralang to an easy South Sikkim circuit.
Getting There
Namchi is about 4 hours from NJP station by car via Jorethang. The route along the Teesta and Rangit rivers is scenic throughout.
