South Sikkim
Namchi :
Namchi, meaning 'Sky High', nestled among the hills at an
elevation of 5,500 ft commands panoramic view of the snow-capped
mountains and vast stretches of valley. Atop Samdruptse hilltop
near Namchi, recently erected is the worlds tallest statue of
Guru Padmasambhava, the patron saint of both Hindus and the
Buddhist.
Samdruptse : At a height of 135
feet, this collosal statue of the Buddhist Patron Saint of
Sikkim is said to be the biggest of its kind in the world.
Located in the woods of Samdruptse just four kilometers above
Namchi, this newly erected monument is now a popular pilgrimage
site for local devotees.
Temi
Tea Garden : The one and only tea estate existing in the
State produces one of the top quality teas in the international
market. The tea garden is spread out on a gentle hill slope
originating from the Tendong Hill and provides a magnificent
view for the surrounding villages. The visit to the fact" could
be an eye opener for those wanting to know more about the tea
processing methods. A night spent in a old British built
bungalow located just below the tea garden could be an
enthralling experience of linking the past to the present. A
visit to the garden, enroute to the Tendong Hill, could be a
rewarding experience for those who want to cornbine nature and
culture as they keep trekking.
Ravangla
: At the base of Menam Hill is Ravangla, a small township
and transit to various tourist destinations in South and West
Sikkim. It is also an upcoming tourist spot, and transit point
for trekkers to Menam Hill and Borong. There are accommodation
facilities and numerous short nature trails. A trek down to the
sacred cave 'Shar Chok Bephu', one of the four holiest caves in
Sikkim, would be a memorable experience.
Menam
Hill : Menam Hill towers above Tendong Hill on the other
side over looking the ravangla Bazar settlement. Situated at an
altitude of 10,300 ft the scenic view from this height is,
perhaps, unmatched in this part of the world. Mt.
Khangchendzonga and its surrounding ranges looms above the dwarf
the richly forested and rugged hill. On a clear sunny day, it is
possible to see the plains of Bengal spanning across Kalimpong
and darjeeling Hills in the South, right across the Indo-China
border towards the North. A short distance away is the legendary
Bhaley Bhunga, a kind of rocky spur which juts out from the
ridge top and remains suspended in the air above Yangang
village.
Borong
: Facing the snow-capped mountains is Borong, motorable
from Ravangla or a trek via Menam. A picturesque village, its
beautiful landscape and magnificent view is also host to the hot
spring, Borong TsaChu'. The trek trail, originating from Namchi
or Damthang to Tendong - Ravangla - Menam - Borong (5-6 days) is
one of the most interesting trails scaling all the hill tops
along the route. The trek can continue to Tashiding or terminate
at Borong and drive back to Ravangla.
