Sikkim Tour Packages: 5 Places to Explore in Namchi

Namchi or Namtse is a capital of the district of South Sikkim. This city is situated at an altitude of 1,675 m (5500 feet) above sea level. The word Namchi is formed by combining two words Nam (Sky) and Chi (High). It lies approximately 78 kms from Sikkim’s capital city Gangtok. From this town, visitors enjoy unobstructed views of the mountain range Khangchendzonga and Rangit valley. The peace, tranquility and spell-binding views of this town attracts many tourists. It is a town with religious establishments, pristine nature, gardens and has its very own football stadium.

Besides general sightseeing, tourists also visit Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary and Kitam Bird Sanctuary to admire flora and fauna. There are more attractions in Namchi that you should cover with your Sikkim tour packages. Scroll down to know more:

Top 5 Places to Explore in Namchi on your Next Sikkim Trip

On your next Sikkim trip, here are the places to explore in Namchi:

• Namchi Rock Garden
• Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary
• Kitam Bird Sanctuary
• Bhaichung Stadium
• Siddheswar Dham (Char Dham)

1. Namchi Rock Garden

Namchi Rock Garden features manicured lawns, striking rock formations, waterfalls, and a blanket of flowers. It’s a place of profound beauty and solace for visitors. The common flowers for sighting are roses, marigolds, and dahlia. Nature lovers and anthophiles must include this place in their Sikkim trip itinerary. There is a beautiful footover bridge under which flows a brook surrounded by big boulders. You can reach this garden via hiring a can or through an aerial tram. It is one of those places in Sikkim that irrespective of who you are with, you will love spending time here.

Address: Namchi Damthang, Rock Garden, Namchi, Namthang, Sikkim

Timings: The timings of visiting Namchi Tock Garden is from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm every day. However, the entry to the park closes at 4:30 PM.

Entry Fee: ₹ 30/- per adult.

2. Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary

Travelling in Namchi and not visiting Maenam wildlife sanctuary would be a lost opportunity. Spanning 36.34 square kilometres in area, Maenam wildlife sanctuary is located near Namchi. Inside the sanctuary, many species of birds and animals thrive, along with reptiles. This sanctuary sits on a staggering altitude of 10,600 ft above sea level. It is home to endangered and protected species like Red Panda, Leopard-Cat, Civet-Cats, and birds like Blood Pheasant, Common Hill Partridge and Black Eagle.

You can go on trekking in this sanctuary and spend time in the lap of Mother Nature. On the top ridge of the sanctuary, a Buddhist Gompa called Maenam Gompa sits perfectly. It was established in 1969. There is also a temple of Lord Shiva in this sanctuary.

Timings: 8 AM to 4 PM

Entry Fee: None

3. Kitam Bird Sanctuary

Located in Namchi district, Kitam Bird Sanctuary should be the go-to place for all the avifauna enthusiasts out there. This sanctuary was declared a protected area back in 2005. The tropical deciduous woodlands here are formed by thick and mighty pine and sal trees. Consider yourself lucky if you are able to spot elusive birds and animals like Assamese macaque, masked palm civet, Himalayan crestless porcupine, small Indian civet, small Indian mongoose. Bird species that are found here are Indian peafowl, red junglefowl, scarlet minivet, green magpie, and oriental white-eye, kali etc. Various species of butterflies are also found in this sanctuary.

Address: Melli-Nayabazar Road , Kitam, Sikkim 737126

Timings: 8 AM to 5 PM

Entry Fee: ₹ 50 per person

4. Bhaichung Stadium

This stadium was built to commemorate the most famous football player and citizen of Sikkim, Baichung Butia. He was also the former captain of the Indian football team and was called Sikkimese Sniper for his football shots. This stadium is a famous attraction and you can catch the "The Gold Cup" football tournament. Teams from India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Bhutan compete in the football tournament for the coveted title and it draws both tourists and local crowds. You should definitely visit this stadium if you are a football fanatic and get some photos clicked. It is one of the best places to visit in Namchi.

Address: Bhaichung Bhutia Football Stadium, Namchi, South Sikkim

5. Siddheswar Dham (Char Dham)

Siddheswar Dham is a significant pilgrimage site in Namchi, Sikkim. This temple complex covers an area of 7 acres and was founded by Sri Pawan Chamling. It is also called Char Dham as it houses replicas of the actual four dhams in India. These four pilgrimage points are Jagannath in the east, Dwarika in the west, Rameshawaram in the south, and Badrinath Dham in the north of India. In the middle of this premises, lies a gigantic statue of Lord Shiva along with his 12 jyotirlingas. The serene Shiva statue, which is 87-feet tall, itself is a sight of awe and reverence.

Timings: Opens between 6:30 am to 8:00 pm every day

Entry Fee: ₹ 50 per adult and parking charges ₹30 per vehicle.

When is the best time to visit Namchi?

• Located in South Sikkim, Namchi has three seasons—a very pleasant spring/ summer, stormy weather, and glacial winters.
• The months of March and May are a good time to visit Namchi when the temperature remains pleasant.
• Another good time to visit is between the months of September to November.
• Visit this town in February, if you want to attend the annual flower festival. This festival showcases different Hinlayan flower species and ethereal beauty.

Once you visit Namchi, the serenity in the air and hospitality of its people win over your heart. Namchi is one of the best places to visit in Sikkim. Book your Sikkim tour package, get your luggage ready and travel to Sikkim to experience the magical place called Namchi. It will be a memorable experience of a lifetime, so do not miss it.