Tinkitam, Sikkim | Sightseeing, Activities, How to Reach

Tinkitam, Gangtok Overview

Tinkitam Rayong is a petite village in Sikip Tehsil in South District of Sikkim State. Mount Kanchenjunga can be seen in the backdrop of this town and its natural habitat supports a rare species of orchid, Paphiopedilum Faireanum or lady's slipper. Unlike most wild orchids which grow on trees, this orchid is terrestrial and flowers in the months of October-November which is the ideal time to visit this beautiful place. Tinkitam also provides a sight of a dormant volcano that one can come across during the trek from Dentham to Tendong National Park.

Tinkitam is a small town in South Sikkim India which is slowly developing as an important tourist destination. This town is home to rare species of orchids and Paphiopedilum Faireanum and other orchids of the Cypripedioideae genus, also called "Lady's slipper". Near to this place is the Temi Tea Gardens which are the only tea estate of Sikkim. The town enjoys a temperate climate throughout the year and is almost isolated with very little population. If you are looking forward to a quiet and relaxing holiday, this is the place to come to.

Must Know Before You Visit Tinkitam

Note :

It is advisable to travel with a guide.
It is customary to leave a donation at a monastery and to circle shrines in clockwise direction.
Don't disturb wildlife or its habitat here.
Don't smoke, drink alcohol or talk loudly at the monasteries.

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Best Time To Visit Tinkitam

Summers in Tinkitam are during the months of March, April, May and June. This is an ideal season to visit the town as the weather is pleasant during this time of the year. However, you must carry winter clothing. The monsoon season in this area brings sufficient rainfall and the temperatures fall during this time. Winters here are during the months of October, November, December, January and February. These months can get quite chilly and carrying woollen clothing is very necessary during this time.

Stay Near Tinkitam

There are many luxury hotels in Tinkitam. Apart from that, many affordable hotels are present in the area too. All the hotels have good services and you are most likely to enjoy a comfortable stay here.

Sightseeing Around Tinkitam

The orchids are the most important thing to see here. Apart from that, you can see several destinations in Namchi. The main tourist attractions in Namchi are Samdruptse and Solophok. Coated in shining copper and bronze tones is the spectacular 45 m Padmasambhava statue. This statue can be seen from miles around, shining like a golden cone in the heart of the forests of Samdruptse hill. The site is 7 km from Namchi. As if one giant statue were not enough, another Shiva statue is established on Solophok hilltop. There are several surrounding complex of temples and visitor pavilions here. Solophok is at a distance of 6km from Namchi.

Shopping At Tinkitam

Souvenir and craft items are the best things one can shop for here. Thanka paintings, carpets, handlooms, wooden carved and painted items, wooden masks, cane and bamboo items, traditional hats and caps, embroidered products and stuffed dolls make Namchi a great shopping place.

Local Experiences At Tinkitam

The locals here are mostly of Bhutanese and Nepal, Nepalese is the main language of this region. The main source of income of this village is the cardamom plantations.

Nightlife At Tinkitam

There are a few bars and clubs in the area near Namchi where one can have a good time. Tinkitam hardly has any nightlife.

Food At Tinkitam

The local cuisine of this place includes Gya Thuk or Thukpam, Phagshapa, Momo, Ningro along with Churpi, Sael Roti and Gundruk. These are dishes one must try while visiting here. Chaang is the popular drink of the place.

Restaurants Near Tinkitam

Chardhan Fast Food And Restaurant, The Height Restaurant, Unique Sweets And Fast Food, Dipar Cafeteria, Hill View Restaurant, Kamal Fast Food, etc. are some of the popular restaurants in the area.

Sample Itinerary For Tinkitam

Reach Tinkitam and check into a resort of your choice. Hire a transport service and a guide and visit the nearby sightseeing places. See the tea plantations and wild orchids in the area. After that, set out the next day to take a trip to Namchi.

How to reach Tinkitam

Air: The nearest airport is at Bagdogra which is at a distance of more than 100 km from the town. You will first have to take a bus or taxi from here to reach Namchi. Then from there, you can hire a taxi to reach Tinkitam.
Rail: The Darjeeling Railway Station is the nearest railway station which is about 27 KM from Tinkitam.Ã«_You will have to book a taxi from here to get to Tinkitam.
Road: Buses are available from the nearest railway station or airport to Tinkitam. It is well connected by roads to other cities of Sikkim.