 Deriving its name from two words; Nam meaning the ‘sky’ and Chi meaning ‘high’ that translates as the top of the sky, Namchi, located at an average elevation of 1,315 metres, is the capital of the South Sikkim district of the Indian state of Sikkim and the place is fast emerging as a popular tourist destination. Set in a picturesque location, Namchi offers an unmatched view of the Khangchendzonga range and the Rangit valley. Namchi hosts the very popular Namchi Mahotsav, a Tourism, Culture and Food Festival, every year in October. A flower festival is also held annually.
The entire state of Sikkim was once under the reign of the Chogyals, it is also believed that the Chogyals were the main emperors of Sikkim as well as Ladakh. As per legend, it is said that the Sikkimese Princess, Pende Ongmoo, cheated a Sikkimese Chogyal. The supporters of Chogyal after knowing this got angry and killed her. The place where the princess was killed is believed to be present day Namchi. In addition, it is also believed that her spirit still haunts the foothills of Ghurpisey.
Another popular legend attached to the destination is associated with the Samdruptse Hill. This hill is believed to fulfil all wishes, where the largest statue in the world of Lord Padmasambhava is also established. Formerly, this hill was believed to be a volcano, which is now dormant. According to myths, it is said that Buddhist saints and monks go up the hill and pray that the volcano does not erupt.
The majority of the population of Namchi consists of Hindus and Buddhists; the languages spoken in the region are Nepali, English and Hindi. Every year Namchi hosts the 'The Gold Cup' football tournament at the Baichung Stadium. Teams from Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan and all over India participate in this tournament.
Furthermore, in the month of February, the Namchi garden hosts an annual flower show. The special attraction of this show is the exhibition of exotic and rare orchids. Besides orchids, the show is famous for being the largest flower show in Sikkim. In addition, the place also hosts Namchi Mahotsav in October which is a tourism, culture and food festival.
Namchi has become one of the popular tourist attractions as well as pilgrimage centres. The Namchi Monastery, Ralong Monastery, Sherdup Choeling Monastery, Dichen Choeling monasteryand Tendong Hill are some of the most prominent attractions of the destination. The world's largest statue of Buddhist deity Lord Padmasambhava, with a height of around 118 feet is located at the Samdruptse hill, which is another popular attraction. Apart from these, Namchi Rock Garden located between Namchi town and Samdruptse, is another major attraction of the destination. The 135 feet high statue of Guru Padamasambhava is present at Samdruptse near Namchi at a distance of 75 kms from Gangtok. Samdruptse literally means 'wish fulfilling hill' in the Bhutia language. This unique, awe inspiring and gigangtic high statue of Guru Padamasambhava is installed atop Sampruptse. It is the highest statue of Guru Padamasambhava in the world. His Holiness the Dalai Lama laid the foundation stone of the statue in October 1997. It took nearly three years to complete the statue.
There is also the Namchi Rock Garden located between Namchi town and Samdruptse. This popular garden has many attractive plants, flowers and species of trees. A number of waiting sheds, view points and waterbodies along its footpaths have been provided. A neat and clean cafeteria serves the tourists and visitors well.
Namchi can be reached by flights, which are served by the Bagdogra Airport, located at a distance of around 100 km away. In addition, the destination is also connected to the rest of India via the New Jalpaiguri Railway Station, which is situated at a distance of 91.7 km from Namchi. Buses are also available for travellers, which are operated by the Sikkim Nationalised Transport (SNT).
The best time to explore Namchi is during the summer season, which extends from the month of March to June. |
