Namchi

Namchi has been truly blessed by natural beauty and sights of visual delight. It is literally at the foothills of the mighty Himalayas; this picturesque place is the place to relax, rejuvenate your mind and body and seek comfort. The horizon is marked by ancient monasteries and, of course, glimpses of the Khangchendzonga range and the Rangit valley. 

Namchi has three distinct seasons – summer, rains, and winters. Between March and May, the temperature is quite moderate and pleasant. That is why it is the best time to visit the place. Another good time to visit Namchi is between September and November, during the winter. Also, the local tourism festival that focuses on food and culture is held in October, making it a good time to visit this place. There is also a flower show festival help here during February that features natural floral species from Sikkim – again making it the right time to visit Namchi.

Namchi has about one lakh residents, with 59% of the population are Hindus, 21% Buddhist, and about 16% Christians. The natives of Namchi are mostly workers. In addition, there are cultivators, agricultural laborers, and household industries that people are engaged in. Most of the residents here speak the Nepali language. The other official languages include Bhutia, Limbu, Newari, Rai, Gurung, Lepcha, Sherpa, Sunwar, and Tamang. 

The Namchi Mohatsav is a very popular event organized at Namchi Central Park every October. The festivities are loved by locals and also have tourists come in to be part of the carnival. Several activities are hosted here, like flower exhibitions featuring native floral species, local folk dances, food stalls, handicrafts, and handloom stalls from every part of Sikkim.

While Namchi has a decent number of restaurants serving all kinds of cuisines, it is best to enjoy the local delicacies here, including Chhurpi soup, Masauyra Curry, Kodo Ko Roti, and Gya Kho and Kinema Curry.

The place has the right mix of natural scenic beauties and man-made features. For example, the Samdruptse Hill or the Wish Fulfilling Hill at an altitude of 7000 feet is marked by a goliath statue of Guru Rinpoche. The local faith is that Guru Padmasambhava or Rinpoche has been showering his kindness over the land for the past 1,200 years. The ornamented statute is 45 meters tall decorated with sparkling gold. Another reason for visiting the Hill is that you get a panoramic view of the mighty MT. Kachenjunga from here. 

If you love nature, a visit to the slopes of Tendong Hill is a must. The tea garden estate here is also the base for numerous treks across the rough-looking slopes. Namchi is home to several warm-blooded animals that roam about the place free. You can catch glimpses of Red Pandas, Leopards, and Himalayan Bears. 

The Nyingmapa sect of Buddhism maintains the Doling Gompa with its colorful flags. In addition, the Ngadak Monastery and the Solophok Chardham are two of the most popular pilgrimage spots here. 

The Serduo Choling Monastery is another must-visit place in Namchi, while wildlife enthusiasts can visit Tendong State Biodiversity Park for the rich biodiversity, flora, and fauna. You can catch glimpses of Flying Squirrels and Barking Deer, chestnuts, walnuts, alders, oaks, and bamboos.