The northeastern part of India has some of the most beautiful states to explore. The rich vegetation, alpine and subalpine landscapes and abundant natural beauty is awe-inspiring. Not to forget, the vibrant culture of diverse communities that enrich the cultural fabric of this region. Out of all the northeastern states, one state that has gained massive popularity over the last couple of years for its tourism is Sikkim.
Bordered by Bhutan, China (Tibet), Nepal and West Bengal, Sikkim is influenced by many cultures, but more specifically by Buddhism. It is not uncommon to see many Buddhist monasteries, shrines, and gigantic statues of Lord Buddha. In equal measure, you will find shrines dedicated to Guru Rinpoche (also known as Guru Padmasambhava) who introduced Tibetan Buddhism to this region. The Buddhist monasteries and shrines are located all over Sikkim’s districts and one such district is Namchi.
The word Namchi is formed by two words Nam (Sky) and Chi (High). If you are visiting Sikkim for holidays, you must visit Namchi. The district is located 1,675 m (5500 feet) above sea level and gives impeccable views of the Kanchenjunga mountain range. It is home to some of top attractions in Sikkim which are mentioned below:
Top 7 Places to visit in and around Namchi, Sikkim 2025
The attractions in Namchi are a mix of religious tours, recreation and adventure. From Namchi rock garden to elaborate monasteries, the below mentioned places are a must visit on your Sikkim Namchi tour.
Table of Contents:
- Namchi Monastery (Nagadak Thupten Monastery)
- Sai Mandir
- Solophok Char Dham
- Guru Rinpoche of Samdruptse Hill
- Tendong Hill
- Kitam Bird Sanctuary
- Rose Garden Solophok
1. Namchi Monastery (Nagadak Thupten Monastery)
Namchi Monastery, also known as Nagadak Thupten Monastery, is a crucial part of the Sikkim Buddhist Circuit. It is one of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim. Visiting this monastery on your Sikkim tour will make you realise its spiritual and cultural significance. Those who yearn for inner peace and tranquility, must find a place to sit down and meditate. The sounds of bells, mantra chants, and fluttering prayer flags create a soul-soothing atmosphere. There are hardly any crowds inside the monastery, so you won’t be facing any hustle and bustle.
- Address: Ngadak Thupten Shedup Dhargey Choeling, Namchi
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM
- Entry Fee: There is no entry fee for Indian or foreign nationals.
2. Sai Mandir
On your Namchi tour, stop by the beautiful and divine Sai Mandir. The first thing that catches one’s attention is the ethereal golden and white exterior of the temple. The temple is dedicated to Satya Sai Baba, an Indian saint known for his benevolence, love and compassion. The surroundings of the temple is adorned by scenic mountain views and greenery. Devotees visit this temple to seek blessing and gather together for a satsang ( a congregation where people gather and sing praises of the Divine). Inside the temple there are ten beautiful paintings, depicting ten avatars of Lord Vishnu.
- Address: Namchi Sai Mandir, Agam Gram, Namchi, Sikkim 737126
- Opening Hours: Sunday 6 AM to 4 PM, Saturday 4:30 to 5:30 PM, Thursday 5:00 to 6:30 PM
- Entry Fee: No entry fee
3. Solophok Char Dham
Siddheshwar Dham or Char Dham is a famous pilgrimage destination and cultural centre that attracts many tourists both locally and internationally. The Char Dham in Namchi is a facsimile of the actual temples that fall into Char Dham pilgrimage tour. This includes Badrinath of Uttarakhand, Dwarka of Gujarat, Jagannath Temple of Puri, Odisha, and Rameshwaram in Tamil Nadu. Siddheshwar Dham is approximately 4 kms away from the main Namchi town and is located on the Solophok hill. The temple premises also houses a serene 87-feet tall statue of Lord Shiva along with the 12 jyotrilingas. Make sure to dress modestly when visiting the temple.
- Address: Namchi – Namthang Raod, Agam Gram, Namchi, Rhenock, Sikkim 737126
- Opening Hours: 6:30 AM to 8:30 PM
- Entry Fee: INR 50 per person, parking fee: INR 50 per vehicle
4. Guru Rinpoche of Samdruptse Hill
Guru Rinpoche or Guru Padmasambhava is a revered figure in all of Sikkim, especially for followers of Tibetan Buddhism. He is worshipped as a guardian saint of Sikkim. And one of the key attractions related to him is Samdruptse Hill (wish fulfilling hill). On this hill, a giant statue of Guru Padmasambhava sits a height of 118 metres. The Samdruptse hill is about 7 kilometres away from Namchi town. The golden hued statue looks resplendent as the sunrays fall over it. The best time to visit a tour to Samdruptse hill is from March to June and September to November.
- Location: 7 kilometres away from Namchi Town.
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
- Entry Fee: INR 30 per person
5. Tendong Hill
Catch the unobstructed views of the eastern Himalayas by visiting Tendong Hill. The word Tendong in Lepcha language means ‘the upraised horn’. This hill is sacred to the Lepcha community. It sits at an altitude of 8530 feet and is perfect for taking nature walks, trekking, and birdwatching. The trek here passes through lush woodlands rich in abundant flora and fauna. There is a lore surrounding the Tendon Hill, the natives believe that Tendong saved them from the great flood, which submerged the entire world. On the occasion of Lho Rum Faat festivals, people from the Lepcha community visit this hill to pay homage. Climb a little and you will also see a small monastery and a three stories watch tower which gives amazing views of the hills and valley.
- Location: 14 kilometres from Namchi
- Timing: The ideal time to visit Tendong hill is between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM.
- Entry Fee: No entry fee
6. Kitam Bird Sanctuary
On your way out or in to Namchi, pause by the verdant Kitam Bird Sanctuary — a must visit spot for nature lovers and bird watchers. The bird sanctuary is approximately 19 km away from the main Namchi town but is completely worth the visit. This guarded bird sanctuary lies at an elevation of 1200 feet and 3200 feet above sea level. It is home to around 200 bird species and beautiful butterflies. The bird sanctuary is sprawled across an area of 6 square kilometers. It features dense vegetation of shrubs, sal, peepal, and pine trees. The two serene rivers — River Rangit and River Manpur also flows by the sanctuary. Some commonly spotted birds in this sanctuary are Rufous-necked Hornbill, Grey-crowned Prinia, peacocks and Chestnut-breasted Partridge.
- Address: Melli – Nayabazar Road, Kitam, Sikkim 737126
- Opening Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Adults – INR 100, Children INR 500, Foreigner – INR 200/-
7. Rose Garden Solophok
How about taking a walk in a garden filled with roses? On your Namchi escapade visit the tranquil rose garden sprawled across an area of 2 acres. There are around 50 varieties of roses, along with marigold, dahlia, and chrysanthemum. This place is perfect for taking a romantic walk with your partner. An indoor nursery in the rose garden also sells saplings, seeds, and small flowers which you can buy as souvenirs. The best part of this garden is the outdoor Garden Cafe that offers panoramic views of the valley and hills. It also has a well maintained restaurant that serves delicious food. Visiting this place is completely worth the money.
- Location: Just below Siddheswar Dham, Namchi, Sikkim 737126, India
- Timings: Opens everyday from 10 AM to 9:30 PM
- Entry fee: For adults: Rs. 50/- and free entry for kids below 8.
These were the top destinations in Namchi to include in your Sikkim tour. Which places in Namchi are you most interested in visiting?