Top Places to Explore in South Sikkim En-Route West Sikkim

South Sikkim, with Namchi as its headquarters, is one of the most developed and accessible districts in the state. The name Namchi means “Sky High,” and the town sits at an altitude of around 5,500 feet, offering beautiful views of rolling hills, deep valleys, and distant snow-capped mountains. Thanks to relatively flat terrain and stable geology, South Sikkim has some of the best road connectivity in the region. Historically, the area was under Nepalese occupation for about 30 years during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.

 

Today, South Sikkim is known for its rich blend of spirituality, culture, and nature, making it an important stop on any Sikkim itinerary. Some of the top places to explore in South Sikkim include Namchi, Ravangla, Jorethang, and Melli. Major attractions such as the 108-ft statue of Guru Padmasambhava at Samdruptse, the Siddhesvara Dham (Char Dham) complex, the serene Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary, and the lush organic Temi Tea Garden attract travelers throughout the year.

 

Located about 78 km from Gangtok and around 100 km from Siliguri, South Sikkim is easily accessible. The nearest airport and railway station are at Bagdogra, West Bengal. Due to its strategic location, South Sikkim serves as an ideal one-night stopover and acts as a gateway for travelers heading towards West Sikkim.

TAREY BHIR (CLIFF)

A high-angle view looking down a series of stone steps built into a steep, grassy mountain ridge. The pathway follows the narrow crest of the hill, lined with a black and white railing, leading toward a sharp cliff edge. In the background, vast layers of blue-toned mountain ranges stretch across the horizon under a clear, bright blue sky with a few wispy white clouds.

NAMCHI CHARDHAM

mandir of shiv god in the namchi, the god figure is in white colour and a large bell is placed in the middle of the picture

SAMDRUPTSE

A view looking up a paved two-lane mountain road toward a rocky peak topped with small lookout structures and antennas under a clear blue sky. On the left side of the road stands a unique white A-frame building with multiple gables. The surrounding landscape is rugged and sparse, with rocky, brownish-orange terrain.

TITANIC VIEW POINT

A bright rainbow arches over a lush, green mountain range under a pale blue, hazy sky. In the far distance, snow-capped mountain peaks are visible behind the closer, forested hills.

BUDDHA PARK

A view looking up a paved two-lane mountain road toward a rocky peak topped with small lookout structures and antennas under a clear blue sky. On the left side of the road stands a unique white A-frame building with multiple gables. The surrounding landscape is rugged and sparse, with rocky, brownish-orange terrain.

RALANG MONASTERY

A large, multi-story building constructed with light-colored stone bricks, featuring traditional Himalayan architectural elements. The windows are framed in dark wood with red accents and white patterns. A small wooden balcony with yellow decorative panels extends from the second floor. The building has a prominent, wide-hanging dark roof and a red-painted base. In the foreground, a stone staircase leads up from a grassy lawn filled with small white clover flowers.

TEMI TEA GARDEN

A girl posing in the middle of tea garden in sikkim