• Jan 25 2016
• Admin
• 12
• 3332
• Travel

Samdruptse

At a distance of 6 km from Namchi Taxi Stand and 22 km from Ravangla, Samdruptse is an epic hill situated in Namchi, Sikkim. It is one of the popular places of pilgrimage in South Sikkim and among the must visit Namchi Tourist Places.

Situated at an altitude of 2134 m, Samdruptse Hill is surmounted by a giant statue of Guru Padmasambhava who is the patron saint of Sikkim. At 148 feet, this is the tallest statue of Guru Padmasambhava in the world. Studded with gold that glitters when sun rays fall on it, it looks magnificent with the setting of the Kanchenjunga Hills against the blue painted sky. The foundation stone of the statue was laid in 1997 by His Holiness Dalai Lama and completed in 2004. The construction was sponsored by the Sikkim State Government.

The name Samdruptse Hill literally translates to the 'Wish Fulfilling Hill', as the hill is revered by many local monks, who worship the Hill, believing that the Hill is a dormant volcano, and only praying can keep the volcano dormant. There is a monastery under the statue with a beautiful interior and a very tranquil atmosphere. A grand copper prayer wheel adorns the entrance of the monastery. Inside there is a huge prayer hall where monks chant hymns during prayer time. It also has various paintings, historic sculptures, artifacts, and statues.