Samdruptse — Attraction in Sikkim

A visit to Samdruptse Hill is inevitable if you’re visiting Namchi for it is on top of this mountain that the world’s tallest statue of Guru Padmasambhava is perched. Towering at a height of 148 feet and surrounded by emerald forests, you will be able to spot this magnificent gilded statue of Sikkim’s guardian saint from miles away.

As you walk uphill towards the statue sitting on a lotus-shaped pedestal, your eyes will meet the piercing gaze of Padmasambhava which make him resemble a wrathful deity. In fact, the wide-open eyes represent a form of meditation practiced by him—a symbol of the highest form of awareness. A marvelous amalgamation of art and engineering, the giant idol, commissioned by the government of Sikkim, took seven long years to complete. In fact, the foundation stone was laid down by the Dalai Lama himself. The base of the statue has an archive with a vintage collection of photographs of Sikkim. It also has a small prayer room.

Take a cable car ride from the car park to the nearby rock garden for some glorious views of Namchi and its surrounding hills. You can also see Char Dham, another popular tourist spot with a giant Shiva statue from here. If you’re the adventurous kind, there is a scenic trekking route from here to Maenam Hill and Tedong Hill.

Samdruptse Hill is located about 7 km away from Namchi, the district headquarters of South Sikkim. There are plenty of local taxis that ply to Samdruptse available from Namchi.

The complex is open to visitors everyday between 9 am to 5 pm. Anytime between March to June and September to November is a good time to visit this area of Sikkim.

Padmasambhava, after Gautama Buddha, is the most revered saint in the Mahayana school, the most widely practiced form of Buddhism across the Himalayan region. He was a tantric yogi born in India sometime during the 8th century. His travels led him across the Himalayas via Sikkim to Tibet where he spread the tenets of Buddhism through his teachings. Hundreds of legends and myths revolve around him, especially in Sikkim where he is popularly known as Guru Rimpoche, the patron saint of the state.

Many locals believe that the Samdrupste Hill is a dormant volcano and it can only be kept from exploding through extensive prayers. Buddist monks from neighbouring monasteries as well as locals often visit the hill to offer prayers. Samdrupste is also known as the ‘wish-fulfilling’ hill.

Since the hill is located at a height of more than 7000 ft, it can get chilly on a coudy day, especially in the evenings. Make sure you carry adequate...

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. The hill offers the vista of the magnificent Mt. Kangchenjunga amongst the richly forested hills under the blue painted sky. It is believed that the hill is a dormant volcano and only prayers can hold it from erupting, that is why the local monks offer their reverence and devotion to it. The repository within the premises of the statue, has a profound collection of historical photographs of sikkim also including the fading photos of Mahatma Gandhi, come as a delight for the history buffs. The statue is an incredible triumph of engineering, that took around seven years for its construction under the sponsorship of the Sikkim State Government. The foundation stone for the statue was laid by Dalai Lama in the year 1997.

What To Do And See

There are many tourists attractions around the Samdruptse hill like the very popular Shiva Mandir that has a huge statue of Lord Shiva, is an essential part of the Solophok Chardham. The trekkers can exploit the nearby thrilling trails to the Tendong Hill and Maenam Hill with a detour to the Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary and Tendong State biodiversity Park to gratify their adventure seeking soul. Other than these, Namchi is also a hub of beautiful monasteries that one can not miss along with their visit to the Samdruptse Hill such as Ralang Monastery, Doling Gompa, Ngadak Monastery and Serdup Choling Monastery.



Getting There

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.

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. The entry fee applied here is Rs....

🛕✨ Samdruptse – The Silent Hill of Blessings & Beauty! 🙏🌄

My visit to Samdruptse Monastery was a peaceful and awe-inspiring experience 😇🌿. Located near Namchi in South Sikkim, this place is a perfect blend of spirituality, history, and natural beauty 🏞️🌈.

🗿 Giant Guru Padmasambhava Statue

The 118-feet tall statue of Guru Padmasambhava is absolutely majestic 😍🧘‍♂️. Painted in golden hues, it can be seen from miles away – standing tall on the sacred "wish-fulfilling hill" 🙌✨. It's a symbol of faith, protection, and Sikkim’s rich Buddhist culture 🕉️📿.

🌄 Breathtaking Views

The hilltop location offers panoramic views of the hills, valleys, and snow-capped mountains 🏔️☁️. The calm breeze and sound of prayer flags fluttering in the wind bring peace to your soul 🌬️🧘‍♀️💫.

🧘 Peaceful Ambience

It’s a great place to sit quietly, meditate or just take in the positive energy 🔔🕯️. The monastery itself is clean, well-maintained, and filled with spiritual vibes 🙏🪷.

📷 Photography & Surroundings

Perfect spot for stunning pictures 📸 – the statue, prayer wheels, colorful flags, and green surroundings create a magical backdrop 🌺📷. There are benches to sit and relax 🌳🪑.

🚗 Easy to Reach

Well-connected by road from Namchi 🚗🛣️. There’s parking available and the uphill drive is scenic 🌲🛤️.

✅ Final Verdict:

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 (5/5) Samdruptse is not just a tourist spot – it’s an experience of peace, power, and spirituality 💖✨. A must-visit in South Sikkim if you want to feel blessed, refreshed, and connected to nature & divinity 🙌🌏.

Highly recommended for travelers, families, photographers, and anyone seeking inner...