I am very excited to share a journey through Namchi, Sikkim, that truly went beyond the typical tourist spots. While places like Char Dham and Samdrupse are well-known, Namchi holds many lesser-known gems that are sure to captivate any visitor.
We had the privilege of being invited by the Sikkim Tourism Department to cover the Rankey Festival, an event you can experience yourself next year on July 16th and 17th in Namchi.
Our base for this adventure was Atithi Homestay, whose owner Yogesh Ji is also a spokesperson for the Tourism Department. The homestay rooms were beautiful and offered a stunning view of the Kanchenjunga. The hospitality and food were exceptional, with the cost being ₹1800 per person per day, including breakfast and dinner, servingchicken and mutton dishes on alternate nights. We arrived on July 15th, and while July 16th was cloudy, heavy rain began that day, making sightseeing challenging and limiting birdwatching opportunities, as our focus was primarily on the festival and exploring offbeat locations.
Love Himalayan birds? Take a look here.
Despite the rain, we managed to explore some fascinating spots:
This location is a must-visit for anyone in Namchi, primarily due to the beautiful, winding road leading to it.
We were fortunate to catch some clearer views that made the drive very enjoyable.
This is an offbeat destination that most tourists don’t typically visit. Built in 1986 and later expanded by the government, the monastery itself is quite beautiful. We received a warm welcome with Khadas upon arrival, and the view from this spot also opened up nicely during our visit.
The interior of this monastery is truly exquisite, with its stone and wood structure reminding one of architecture found in Himachal or Ladakh. Originally built as a palace in 1684, it was converted into a monastery in 1777. Interestingly, the name of Namchi town itself is derived from this monastery. Inside, it houses statues of Padmasambhava in both his fierce and peaceful forms, with Buddha or Shakyamuni on the upper floor. The intricate carvings and paintings, made with vegetable colors that reportedly have medicinal value, are mesmerizing. We ascended four to five floors to reach what is known as Padmasambhava’s Heaven (Palri), and observed the contrasting concept of ‘hell’ in the lower section. The monastery also features statues of Sikkim’s first king and the monastery’s founder.
With an entry fee of ₹50 per person, this path offers breathtaking mountain beauty, even amidst fog. This area is rich in biodiversity, and we spotted several birds. While generally taking about half an hour to explore, nature enthusiasts could easily spend much more time here.
The next morning, July 17th, we ventured to Rukumtar, an offbeat Sherpa village located about 45 minutes from Namchi, meaning “Land of Sherpas”. We received a traditional welcome with Khadas and badges and witnessed a vibrant cultural program, including a prayer song. We were then offered “Chhaang,” a traditional fermented drink with fruits, a ritual to sip after the prayer song.
The highlight was undoubtedly the Sherpa traditional breakfast, a truly priceless experience. It included:
• Chhaang
• Boiled corn
• Potatoes
• Ragi Chilla
• Delicious butter milk tea
• A local pickle made from ‘timbur’, which also has medicinal value.
This direct experience of authentic local life and food was incredibly enriching, going beyond mere sightseeing.
Our journey continued to the Temi Tea Garden, where the wonderful aroma of tea filled the air. Established in 1969, this garden utilizes the Orthodox process to produce its tea, focusing on plucking only the “two leaves and a bud” for the best quality. The tea leaves are dried overnight at 256 degrees Celsius for 12 hours. They have three main plucking seasons: March to November (first flush, second flush), and an Autumn season. The garden authorities are actively promoting tea tourism to attract more visitors.
Finally, we drove through beautiful mountain paths to Parbing Village, the highest point in the Namchi area at over 6000 feet. Sikkim is an organic state, and Parbing village organically grows produce that supplies Gangtok and Namchi. We observed various crops and a small lake. We also visited a local artist’s studio, where exquisite clay sculptures of Buddha and Padmasambhava were crafted. Parbing also offers a trek route and has a homestay, with organic farms directly behind it.
In conclusion, Namchi unveiled itself in a completely new light. It was an experience unlike any before, blending traditional tourism with deep cultural immersion. I hope you enjoyed this journey through offbeat Namchi!
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In Namchi, we relished mouthwatering lunches and dinners at delightful local hotels and restaurants, where every meal carried the essence of Sikkimese hospitality. From steaming bowls of thukpa and hearty plates of momos to fresh organic vegetables and local chicken curries, the food was simple yet bursting with flavor. What made these experiences unforgettable were the breathtaking views—rolling green hills, distant Kanchenjunga peaks, and the calm valley stretching far below.
Many of these establishments also provide cozy stay options, making them ideal for travelers who wish to linger a little longer. As part of the Rankey Festival celebrations, these hotels and restaurants not only offered delicious meals but also added a vibrant cultural touch, blending food, festivity, and the warmth of the local people.
