Samdruptse Hill

Overview

Samdruptse Hill, often known as the “wish-fulfilling hill,” is located about 5 kilometres from Namchi at an elevation of 2134 metres (7000 ft). This magnificent hill is adorned with a massive statue of Sikkim’s patron saint, Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche), who has been bestowing his blessings for over 1,200 years. It’s a 45-meter-tall monument that looks out over the entire city and is gilded with gold that glitters when the sun shines on it. The slope provides a view of the spectacular Mt. Kangchenjunga set against the backdrop of lushly forested hills and a blue-painted sky. The hill is thought to be a dormant volcano that can only be stopped from exploding by prayers, which is why the local monks pay their respects.

Things to do & see

Many tourist sites surround Samdruptse Hill, including as the famed Shiva Mandir, which houses a massive statue of Lord Shiva and is an important part of the Solophok Chardham. To satisfy their adventure seeking souls, trekkers can take advantage of the neighbouring thrilling trails to Tendong Hill and Maenam Hill, with a diversion to the Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary and Tendong State Biodiversity Park. Apart from these, Namchi is also home to a number of spectacular monasteries, including Ralang Monastery, Doling Gompa, Ngadak Monastery, and Serdup Choling Monastery, all of which should be seen in conjunction with a visit to Samdruptse Hill.

Best time to visit

The months of February to May, as well as September to mid-December, are ideal for visiting this location because the weather is pleasant and the vistas are inspiring. The admission price for adults is Rs. 30.

How to reach

Namchi is only 7 kilometres from Samdruptse Hill. Regular SSRTC buses/shared taxis run from Sikkim’s major cities to Namchi, from which one can rent a cab or board a bus to get here.

Tendong Hill

Overview

Tendong Hill is a place in Sikkim that gives a spectacular view of the valley. Tendong Hill, located 8530 feet above Damthang, is a well-known tourist destination in Sikkim’s southern region. Tendong had been the home of Buddhist Lamas who had spent years in meditation in the quiet and serene environment of the location due to its serenity and peacefulness. The view from the top of Tendong Hill looks to be spectacular. It appears to be wonderfully excellent, and you will not want to miss it on your visit to Sikkim.

Tendong Hill, located above Damthang and near Namtse, Sikkim’s South Headquarters town, has become a renowned tourist attraction. It can only be reached via hiking, which begins in Damthang, 13 kilometres from Ravangla. The hike takes you through lush, lush greenery, abounding in unusual flora and fauna. This forest is home to over 90 species of birds, Himalayan Bears, leopards, and the elusive Red Panda. Tendong Hill, at an elevation of 8660 feet, offers a spectacular panoramic view of the eastern Himalayas and is an extinct volcano. On the summit of this hill, there is a small and lovely monastery as well as a three-story watch tower.

Best Time To Visit Tendong Hill

The summer months of Damthang include March, April, May, and June. Summers may reach 28°C and winters can reach 10°C. The weather is favourable throughout this time, making it a perfect time to explore the town. You must, however, bring winter clothes. The monsoon season delivers plenty of rain to this location, and temperatures drop during this period. The winter months in Damthang include October, November, December, January, and February. These months may be extremely cool, so bringing along some woollen clothes is essential.

Traveling Around Tendong Hill

To go about the neighbourhood, taxis are accessible in the surrounding area. The majority of individuals prefer to take nature hikes on foot.

Sightseeing Around Tendong Hill

Tendong Hill is the greatest place to go sightseeing in Sikkim. From here, you can view the entire Singalila range in the west, the Chola range in the east, a portion of Gangtok town, Nathu La, Darjeeling, and a portion of West Bengal’s lowlands. From this vantage point, the towering Kanchenjunga peak gleams like gold and is a breathtaking sight.

Activities At Tendong Hill

This location serves as the starting point for a number of exciting hikes.

Trivia About Tendong Hill

According to Lepcha tradition, Tendong Hill means _†â€TMUpraised Horn â€, and tales and stories passed down through centuries claim that Tendong protected the Lepchas from the huge torrent that engulfed the whole planet.

Tips For Visiting Tendong Hill

It is recommended that you go with a guide. It is usual to give a contribution at a monastery and to make a clockwise loop around shrines. Don â€TMt harm the animals or its environment in this area. At the monasteries, don’t smoke, consume alcohol, or talk loudly.

How to reach Tendong Hill

Air: Bagdora Air Force Base Airport is the closest airport to Damthang-Tendong Hill. Damthang may be reached by bus or cab from here.

Rail: The nearest railway station to Damthang-Tendong Hill is »_Darjeeling train station Junction which is 16 kilometres distant. To go to Damthang, take a cab or a bus from here.

Tendong Hill may be reached by bus from Sikkim’s several cities. It is well connected by road to all of Sikkim’s major cities.

Doling Gompa

Overview

Doling Gompa is a little mountain with a welcoming array of multicoloured flags; calm and lush Barfung hamlet is only 4 kilometres from Ravangla. The Nyingmapa sect of Buddhism is practised in the monastery, and it is one of the oldest sects of Buddhism. Doling Gompa, placed on an elevated platform, offers a view of enormous mountains and dense forest, which contrast with the sparse blue sky showing dazzling rays of the sun. Witness the colourfully attired untiring workers labouring on the beautiful green fields of cardamon on your journey to the monastery. Doling monastery is one of Sikkim’s most renowned tourist destinations, known for the stone carrying Dorje lingpa’s footprint.

Things to do & see

There are a few more notable and distinctive monasteries in Namchi that may be visited when visiting the Doling Gompa, including Ralang Monastery, Ngadak Monastery, and Serdup Choling Monastery. The Solophok Chardham is another tourist hotspot that has recently gained a lot of attention; visitors can see a beautiful Hindu chardham imitated here, as well as a statue of Lord Shiva in a sitting posture that is truly awe inspiring, similar to the Buddhist Padmasambhava mightily positioned at Samdruptse Hill. There are several adventure alternatives for visitors to Namchi, including popular climbs up Tendong Hill and Maenam Hill, both of which are relatively near to one other, as well as a worthwhile visit to the Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary and Tendong State Biodiversity Park.

Best time to visit

The greatest time to visit this location is between February and May, and between September and mid-December, when the weather is pleasant and the vistas are inspiring.

How to reach

The Doling Gompa or Monastery is located 4 kilometres from Ravangla Town in Barfung Village. Regular SSRTC buses/shared taxis run from Sikkim’s major cities to Ravangla, from which one may take a cab or board a bus to go here.

Ngadak Monastery

Overview

The charm and serenity of Ngadak Monastery are palpable. Tensung Namgyal established this monastery as the palace for Her Highness Pendi Ongmu during the reign of Chogyal Gyurmed Namgyal. It is located a short distance from Namchi’s main town. The monastery is now supported by iron fences, and a new Gumpa is being built to replace the previous one, which was damaged by an earthquake in the 17th century. Ngadak is one of Namchi’s oldest monasteries, and it’s an ideal spot for finding serenity and meditation in the middle of nature. It is stated that everyone who comes here must make a vow to return to the Gumpa. In reality, Ngadak is a word that meaning “promise.”

Things to do & see

You may tour the Gompa and see medicinal plants during your visit to Ngadak Monastery. You may also take a cable car ride from the Namchi Rock Garden to the Samdruptse Hilltop Monastery to witness the gigantic statue of Guru Padmasambhava.

Best time to visit

The months of March through June are ideal for visiting this location. These months provide a pleasant climate that is ideal for sightseeing.

How to reach

The Ngadak Monastery is a short distance from Namchi and can be reached by local taxi.

Solophok Chardham

Overview

This freshly established Pilgrimage-cum-Cultural Centre is built on top of the Solophok Hill in South-Sikkim to boost Religious Tourism in Sikkim. The 2612 m high statue of Lord Shiva in sitting posture, which marks the site of the main temple, can be seen for kilometres. Apart from this massive statue, the compound also has replicas of the twelve Jyotirlingas as well as the four Dhams of Badrinath, Jagannath, Dwarka, and Rameshwaram (7 acres approx). This gorgeous chardham in the calm atmosphere of Sikkim has become one of the most popular tourist spots in the state, particularly among Lord Shiva followers.

Things to do & see

There are numerous more prominent tourist attractions around that might fascinate guests during your soul-enlightening vacation to Solophok Chardham. Tendong Hill and Maenam Hill are two popular hikes that are physically close to one other and may be experienced along with the surrounding Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary and Tendong State Biodiversity Park, which are like the cherry on top for adventure enthusiasts. In Namchi, there are numerous beautiful and popular monasteries to visit, including Ralang Monastery, Doling Gompa, Ngadak Monastery, and Serdup Choling Monastery. Tourists are enticed to come to Samdruptse Hill for a closer look at the self-promulgating huge Statue of Buddhist Padmasambhava.

Best time to visit

Solophok Chardham may be visited at any time of the year to experience the year-round festival celebrations. The months of March and May, as well as September and January, are ideal for seeing the beautiful Mt Kanchendzonga and the bright flowers blooming around the complex. It is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There is a nominal admission fee per adult.

How to reach

Namchi is 5 kilometres away from Solophok Chardham. Regular SSRTC buses/shared taxis run from Sikkim’s major cities to Namchi, from which one may rent a cab or board a bus to go here.

Serdup Choling Monastery

Overview

This newly developed Pilgrimage-cum-Cultural Centre is built on top of the Solophok Hill in South-Sikkim to promote Religious Tourism in Sikkim. The 2612 m high statue of Lord Shiva in sitting posture, which marks the site of the main temple, can be seen for kilometres. Apart from this massive statue, the compound also has replicas of the twelve Jyotirlingas as well as the four Dhams of Badrinath, Jagannath, Dwarka, and Rameshwaram (7 acres approx). This gorgeous chardham in the calm atmosphere of Sikkim has become one of the most popular tourist spots in the state, particularly among Lord Shiva followers.

Things to do & see

There are numerous more prominent tourist attractions around that might fascinate guests during your soul-enlightening vacation to Solophok Chardham. Tendong Hill and Maenam Hill are two popular hikes that are physically close to one other and may be experienced along with the surrounding Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary and Tendong State Biodiversity Park, which are like the cherry on top for adventure enthusiasts. In Namchi, there are numerous beautiful and popular monasteries to visit, including Ralang Monastery, Doling Gompa, Ngadak Monastery, and Serdup Choling Monastery. Tourists are enticed to come to Samdruptse Hill for a closer look at the self-promulgating huge Statue of Buddhist Padmasambhava.

Best time to visit

Solophok Chardham may be visited at any time of the year to experience the year-round festival celebrations. The months of March and May, as well as September and January, are ideal for seeing the beautiful Mt Kanchendzonga and the bright flowers blooming around the complex. It is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There is a nominal admission fee per adult.

How to reach

Namchi is 5 kilometres away from Solophok Chardham. Regular SSRTC buses/shared taxis run from Sikkim’s major cities to Namchi, from which one may rent a cab or board a bus to go here.

Tendong State Biodiversity Park Namchi

Overview

The Tendong State Biodiversity Park, located on the southern end of the Maenam-Tendong ridge, spans 255 hectares and is home to dense stands of chestnuts, bamboos, canes, oaks, walnuts, and alders, as well as a plethora of medicinal and blooming plants. The area is home to a diverse avifauna as well as a number of endangered Sikkim Flora species such as Barking Deer, Flying Squirrels, and others. Tendong State Biodiversity Park is a generous effort by the Government of Sikkim’s Department of Forest, Environment and Wildlife to increase the population of rare, threatened, and endemic species for restoration in their natural habitats, as well as to develop other conservation-oriented exploratory gardens.

Things to do & see

Take a detour to Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary, which is close to Tendong State Biodiversity Park, while enjoying the daring climbs of Tendong Hill and Maenam Hill. Temi Tea Estate, a producer of the finest tea brand, is adjacent to the biodiversity park and may be visited to observe the amazing views of the mountains and flora, as well as see the processing of Temi Tea. Namchi has a number of soul-stirring tourist attractions, including Solophok Chardham, which is dedicated to Hinduism, and a number of Buddhist monasteries, including Ralang Monastery, Doling Gompa, Ngadak Monastery, and Serdup Choling Monastery.

Best time to visit

The pleasant months of Sikkim, between March and May, are the best time to visit this beautiful biodiversity hotspot.

How to reach

The Bagdora Air Force Base Airport is the closest airport to Damthang-Tendong Hill. To get to Damthang, buses and taxis are available.

Damthang-Tendong Hill is 16 kilometres from the nearest railway station, Darjeeling train station Junction. To get to Damthang, use a cab or a bus.

Tendong Hill may be reached by bus from all of Sikkim’s major cities. All of Sikkim’s major cities are easily accessible through road.

Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary

Overview

In Namchi, Maenam is a treasure trove of rare fauna. This location is great for anyone who enjoys spending time in nature. The sanctuary is 36.34 square kilometres in size and stands at a height of around 10,600 feet. This must-see sight is situated on the Maenam-Tendong Ridge and includes a medicinal plant and herb garden. Red Panda, Serow, Goral, Barking Deer, Leopard-Cat, Marbled-Cat, Civet-Cats, and Common Hill Partridge, Blood Pheasant, Magpies, Blue Necked Pita, Sunbird, and Black Eagle are among the temperate forest species found here. Maenam Animal Sanctuary is an excellent spot for trekking as well as wildlife viewing.

Things to do & see

Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of uncommon species, including unusual birds and animals. Many therapeutic herbs and plants may also be found in this sanctuary. In addition, there are two other attractions on the premises: Maenam Gompa and a Temple devoted to Lord Shiva. Trekking expeditions to some fantastic paths near the wildlife reserve are also available for adventure seekers.

Best time to visit

Between March and June is the best time to visit Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary. During the spring-summer season, you will have the opportunity to witness a variety of unique birds and creatures.

How to reach

Between Namchi and Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary, there are several taxi options.