Travel to Namchi, a picturesque resort, the capital of the South Sikkim district. It’s off the beaten path between Melli and Jorethang. Namchi, located at an elevation of 5,500 feet, is rightly named the state’s Culture Capital. It is a cultural and religious tourism destination since it is home to replicas of all four highly respected dhams of India (Char Dhams). The largest statue of Guru Padmasambhava, which is located atop the Samdruptse Hill, also known as the wish-fulfilling hill. Namchi translates to ‘Sky High.’ A trip to Namchi can be combined with a vacation to Gangtok.
How to Reach Namchi Conveniently?
When you travel to Namchi, we recommend first to visit Gangtok. The drive from Gangtok to Namchi is scenic, with stretches of beautiful tea gardens. Previously, Namchi was the Capital of South District of Sikkim. After the formation of six districts in Sikkim, Now Namchi is one of the district of Sikkim along with other five districts in Sikkim.
Previously South Sikkim and currently Namchi district of Sikkim is a home to numerous tourist destination. Various tourist sports in South Sikkim includes Samdruptse, Rock Garden, Phensang and Phodong Monasteries, other lakes and rivers etc.
Travel to Namchi by Air
Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri, West Bengal is the closest airport, approximately 104 kilometers from NH10. It takes around 4 hours to get there. Regular flights connect the airport to major Indian cities including as Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai. When you arrive at the airport, you can take a private or shared cab to Namchi.
Namchi is approximately 80 kilometers from Gangtok, and the most easiest way to get there is to fly to Gangtok and then drive down to Namchi. Gangtok is around 125 kilometers from Bagdogra Airport in West Bengal. If you plan to travel to Namchi and have a peek from a birds eye view then you can also avail the helicopter service from the STDC.
The good news is that Sikkim now has its own airport, Pakyong Greenfield Airport, which will connect it directly to India’s major cities. The airport is located in Pakyong hamlet, some 35 kilometers south of Gangtok. It is Sikkim’s first airport, located at an elevation of 4,590 feet, and is one of India’s highest altitude airports. It is much easier to get to Gangtok in less time through this airport. Though the schedule of the planes are very thin, but if one can spare some time then he can travel directly to this airport.
From the airport, shared as well and private cabs are available which will take you to Namchi via Ranipool, Singtam and Temi-tarku. Also another route that you can take is via Rorathang, Rangpo, Singtam, Temi-tarku and then finally to Namchi.
Travel to Namchi by Rail
The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri in Siliguri, West Bengal, which is 98 kilometers away by NH10. Namchi is 78 kilometers from Gangtok, and the most easiest way to get there is to fly to Gangtok and then drive down to Namchi. Regular trains connect the railway station to some of India’s main cities. Taxis may be rented both at the station and downtown Gangtok. There are also state-run buses that may take you to Namchi.
Travel to Namchi by Road
Namchi is well-connected by road to the region’s major cities and other destinations. It is easily accessible from nearby towns such as Gangtok, Pelling, and Yukosom by National Highway 31A. Namchi is 78 kilometers from Gangtok, and the most easiest way to get there is to fly to Gangtok and then drive down to Namchi. Taxis may be easily rented to get to Namchi.
If you are travelling in your own car then the most suitable route to reach Namchi is Via Rangpo, Singtam, Temitarku and then to your final destination. When you travel to Namchi, you can also go from Rangpo to Namthang Rateypani. Then to Namchi enjoying the scenic beauty of the Place.