Samdruptse Namchi, South Sikkim - Statue of Guru Padmasambhava

Samdruptse Hill Namchi Samdruptse Hill; the 'wish fulfilling hill' is just 5 km away from Namchi, situated at an altitude of 2134 m (7000 ft). This epic hill is ornamented with a giant statue of the Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche); the patron saint of Sikkim who has been showering its blessings since more than 1,200 years. It is a 45 m tall statue, overlooking the whole city, and is gilded with gold that glitters when the sunlight falls over it. Samdruptse Hill is just 7 km from Namchi. Regular SSRTC buses / shared taxis are available from major cities of Sikkim to reach Namchi from where one can hire a cab or get onto a bus to reach here. Namchi is pleasantly situated at 1700 m above sea level, and is the administrative centre for South Sikkim. It lies 79 km southeast of Gangtok, and is rapidly becoming a magnet for domestic tourists due to the extraordinary statues that are around it. Namchi is worth a visit for seeing the huge statue of Guru Padmasambhava (138 ft or 41 m high) that is located on Samdruptse Hill, about 8 km away from Namchi. Best Time To Visit The best time to visit this place is during the month from February to May and September to mid December, when the weather is pleasing and the views are soul fulfilling. Hours : 9am-6pm Entry Ticket Price: 30 Rs, parking : 30 Rs How to Reach: By Air The nearest airport is Bagdogra in West Bengal about 102 kms from Namchi which is a domestic airport and connected to the nearest international airport being Kolkata in West Bengal. By Train The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri Station in West Bengal about 96 kms from Namchi from where one can avail trains to different parts of the country. By Road Namchi is approximately about 92 kms from Siliguri. The Sikkim Nationalised Transport (SNT) buses plies regularly from Namchi to towns within the state and Siliguri. Private taxis are also available on regular basis for hire or on shared basis.