Namchi and the Flower Festival at Namchi
Namchi literally means “top of the sky” or “sky high” and is the headquarters of the South District of Sikkim at an altitude of 4,400 feet (1,341 meters). It is about 78 kilometers (49 miles) from Sikkim’s capital, Gangtok and about 100 kilometers (62 miles) from Siliguri.
Generally, the South District serves as a gateway to the West District.
Namchi is famous for its nurseries which have an extensive range of flowers including orchids. An annual flower exhibition is organized during the months of February/March when colorful flowers including rare species of orchids go on display.
An upcoming attraction in Namchi will be a 106 feet (32 meters) statue of the Hindu God, Shiva at Solophok. On the opposite hills is the Samdruptse (with the gigantic statue of Guru Padmasambhava and a rock garden at the base of the hill).
Important Note
- Namchi is open to all visitors without the need for an extra permit.
- See information on Permits and Entry Requirements to visit various places within Sikkim.
How to get there (transport)
- Approved local travel and tour agents provide transportation to Namchi.
- It approximately takes 3 to 4 hours to reach Namchi from Gangtok.
- Buses and shared taxis are easily available in Namchi at the central stand to all major parts of Sikkim like Jorethang (1 hour journey), Ravangla (1 hour journey), Gangtok (3 to 4 hours journey)and Siliguri (4 hours journey) in West Bengal.
Note: The frequency of shared taxis become less in the afternoon.
Where to stay (accommodation)
- Dungmali Heritage Guest House
Phone: +91-3595-263272- Hotel Samdruptse
Phone: +91-3595-264708- Hotel Zimkhang
Phone: +91-3595-263625- See information on hotels and accommodations in Sikkim.
What to see (attractions)
- The flower festival held during October/November every year.
- The many flower nurseries around Namchi.
- The Samdruptse which is a 45 meter tall statue of Guru Rimpoche or Guru Padmasambhava.
- The gigantic statue of Lord Shiva at Solophok.
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