Discover the mysteries of Namchi, a major centre of culture and pilgrimage for locals and tourists all over the world.

Any vacation place could offer you some relaxing or interesting moments. However, a dormant volcano that is kept asleep by the prayers of Buddhist monks is something really different. Namchi also hosts the largest statue in the world, called Buddhist Padmasambhava, the patron of saint Sikkim.

History of Namchi

Namchi is a pilgrimage place for Buddhist all over India. The Buddhist Padmasambhava is a saint that was spreading Buddhism in Bhutan and Tibet. The Eight Manifestation is held in Namchi every year, so the place is crowded with tourists and pilgrims.

Tourism in Namchi

Your itinerary could include the Ralong monastery and Namchi. On the Samdruspe hill opposite to Namchi you will also find the Buddhist Padmasambhava statue. If you are lucky, you could take some great pictures of the Buddhist priests praying for the volcano to stay calm. If you are a wealthy tourist, you can book a helicopter flight to the Kanchanzonga Mountain. The view of rolling Bengal plains is breathtaking. Don’t forget about the famous temi tea, as this is the only place where this famous tea is produced. If you are tired after visiting the monasteries and Buddhist temple in the area, you can always relax in the picnic area of the Rock Garden.

If you are planning your vacation in February, you can attend the annual flower show. Buy some rare orchids for your home, but don’t forget about other beautiful flowers. As a sport passionate, you can attend the Gold Cup Soccer Tournament. Although this is an amateur competition, the competition attracts players from Nepal, Bangladesh and Bhutan.

Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary is situated 25 kilometres from Namchi, and it is rich in rare flora and fauna. This was the only source of water for the surrounding area, so it is considered a holy place.

The Indian Government realized the importance of this place as a tourist destination, so the infrastructure is great. However, the locals are somewhat behind this trend, so accommodation options are limited. However, fewer hotels mean more quality, so you won’t have to worry about this aspect. All the hotels are comfortable and suited for a long-term holiday. The food is also great, as you could taste some Indian exotic specialities there. The people are also trying to accommodate themselves with the new touristic aspect of Namchi, trying their best to make the tourists to feel good.