Namchi is a vibrant town that is situated at an elevation of 5500 feet amidst the lush green mountains of the Eastern Sikkim. Namchi offers a picturesque view of the Kanchenjunga range as well as an escape path into the nature. One can delve into the Sikkimese culture, find inner peace at the yoga retreats or Buddhist meditation centers as well as have a river rafting experience in the Teesta river.
You may also visit the local market to purchase handicrafts items as well as savour the local cuisine like thukpa and momos. There are different options to travel to Namchi, based on your travel style and budget.
How to Reach Namchi
By Road
Travelling to Namchi by road transport offers the visitors the freedom to make stops at desired locations and enjoy the panoramic views. The NH10 via Siliguri helps in connecting the passage of Namchi to other cities across India. A distance of 90.9 km has to be travelled from Siliguri to reach Namchi, which may take up to 3 hours, based on the weather and traffic conditions.
There are also two buses that leaves from Tenzing Norgay Bus Terminus, which is situated at a distance of 3.4 km from Siliguri.
Bus Service from Siliguri to Namchi
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Travel Distance | 101 KM |
| Bus Timing | 08:00 AM, 2:30 PM |
| Travel Time | 4 Hours |
| Bus Style | AC Deluxe |
| Bus Fare | Rs. 220 |
You may also opt for private taxi from the taxi stand located near the Tenzing Norgay Bus Terminus, as well as travel in a shareable taxi.
There is also an option for renting a bike, especially for thrill seekers, as the ride to Namchi offers a scenic route covering a distance of 90.4 km within a time period of around 2 hours and 45 minutes. The price of rental bike may vary from Rs 1500 and higher, based on the model and on a per day basis.
Also Read : Best Things To Do in Sikkim
By Train
The nearest station to Namchi is the New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) that is situated at a distance of 95.8 km. After reaching NJP you may either hire a private taxi and drive to Namchi or you can also travel to Tenzing Norgay Bus Terminus, located at a distance of 3.3 km using local transport.
After reaching the bus terminus, you may avail the travel options as per your budget and preference. There are also number of rental bike service providers that offers rental bike to travelers. The price may start from Rs 1500 per day based on the bike model.
By Flight
The nearest airport to Namchi is Bagdogra Airport (IXB), which is 102 km and may take 3 hours 32 minutes approximately. After flying to Bagdogra airport, you can hire private taxi that will take you to Namchi.
You can also travel to Tenzing Norgay Bus Terminus, which is 14.2 km away from the railway station and will take around 35 minutes. You can choose the bus options available for travelling to Namchi and also travel using a shareable taxi.
Also Read: How to reach Sikkim
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the nearest station to Namchi?
The nearest railway station to Namchi is the New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP), which is located at a distance of 93.7 km and takes about 3 hours to reach from NJP via car
Which is the nearest airport to Namchi Sikkim?
The nearest airport to Namchi is Pakyong airport, which is situated at a distance of 63.6 km and will take around 2 hours and 12 minutes from the airport to reach Namchi via car
Is Namchi better than Pelling?
Both Namchi and Pelling are two different places that offer scenic views to the visitors. Tourists with less time consider Namchi ideal over Pelling to complete their sightseeing. Some of the famous places within this trip include miniature Char Dham model and Samdruptse statue
How much is a taxi from NJP to Namchi?
The fare between NJP to Namchi ranges between ₹3800 to ₹5600 and may differ according to season time and the type of car you are opting for to cover a distance of 94.6 km
How much is a taxi from Namchi to Pelling?
The fare of taxi from Nemchi to Pelling varies between the range of ₹3000 to ₹4000 and the fare may change based on the season time as well as the type of cars you wish to travel in
How much is a taxi from Kalimpong to Namchi?
Kalimpong is located at a distance of 51.3 km from Namchi and so the fare may range between ₹4300 to ₹ 8700. However, based on the season time and the type of car, the fare may be subject to change
Why is Namchi famous in Sikkim?
Namchi is a renowned city of Sikkim because of having the largest statue of Padmasambhava. Moreover, Namchi is also the district headquarter of South Sikkim. Moreover, Namchi also has a number of local Buddhist pilgrimage centers such as Namchi Monastery, Ralang Monastery and others.
