TOURISM OF NAMCHI, SOUTH DISTRICT OF SIKKIM: AN OVERVIEW

TOURISM OF NAMCHI, SOUTH DISTRICT OF SIKKIM: AN

OVERVIEW

Amrita SardarPramanick Research Scholar, Dept. of. Geography, C.M.J. University, Jorabat, Meghalaya, India.

Dr.Harsha Kumar Das Gupta Research Guide, Dept. of. Geography, C.M.J. University, Jorabat, Meghalaya, India.

Abstract: Needless to say, Sikkim is a wonderful tourist destination of our country. South

district of Sikkim is comparatively smaller than three other districts of this state. However, it

has some of the most amazing places to visit. The nature lovers, adventurists, as well as the

other tourists who are very much interested for angling, rafting, camping, trekking, wildlife

exploration etc. find this South district as the most ideal destination for their complete

enjoyment as it really acts as a healing agent. The present study deals with the infrastructure,

scope and possibility of Namchi as the main tourist focus of South Sikkim. This area has the

high natural potential of being an excellent tourist attraction of South Sikkim. But in the field

of tourism over grooming is taking place because of the huge investment of private business

houses and religious trust foundation.

Keywords: tourist destination, trekking, rafting, tourism infrastructure.

Introduction

In terms of Gross Domestic Product, tourism is the second largest contributory sector in

Sikkim. This state provides a wide potential in tourism that has yet largely remained

unexploited. The perennially snow-capped mountains, lush green tropical and temperate

forests, gurgling streams and the rich flora and fauna are all present there for the tourists to

savor. The State Government aims at promoting sustainable tourism and simultaneously

encourages the private sectors to develop tourism related infrastructure and services without

disturbing ecology and environment and also to reduce the tourist pressure at Gangtok, the

capital city of Sikkim. With the help of private business houses and religious institutions,

Sikkim Government has now focused on the tourism project of South district of the state,

mainly in Namchi. Tourism based on nature and adventure is commonly found all over this

state. But in Namchi it is mainly pilgrim based.

The inflow of tourists from different parts of India is gradually increasing at the different

tourist centres of Namchi due to development of hotels and road networks and specially for

the attraction of pilgrim architecture. But insufficient infrastructural facilities particularly

Science, Technology and Development

Volume IX Issue VII JULY 2020

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inadequate numbers of hotels with proper modern facilities and amenities, inadequate

transport network etc. is making this tourism hub non-eco-friendly and yet to reach the

marked developmental level. Moreover, the pilgrim tourism by constructing gigantic statues

or pilgrim grounds intensely affect the natural environment and majestic beauty of this place

to a large extent.

In order to address the above-mentioned problems, the present study has been undertaken to

discuss the scope, possibility and problems of growing Namchi as a focal tourist spot of

South Sikkim. This study would provide information about the present state of tourism

infrastructure and will help to understand the tourist flow at different tourist spots of Namchi

and also lack of tourism infrastructure like accommodation and transport facility.

Study Area

Namchi is the capital of the district of South Sikkim. It is the southernmost block of South

District of Sikkim. This town is located at 27°17´N and 88°35´E with an average elevation of

1,315 mt. above the MSL. This town lies off the road between Melli and Jorethang. It is

situated at a distance of 78 kilometers from the State capital Gangtok, and 100 kilometers

away from Bagdogra at Siliguri, the nearest airport. Namchi is well connected with other

towns in Sikkim and West Bengal with jeeps and buses running regularly between Namchi to

Gangtok, Pelling, Jorethang, Kalimpong, Siliguri. It is also connected to the nearest

international airport being Kolkata in West Bengal. According to census of India, 2011 about

2733 people lived in Namchi town (census of India, 2011).



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Methodology

The population data of Namchi have been collected from the census of India, Gangtok. Data

of tourist flow to different tourist spots and transportation frequency have been collected

from the Tourism Department, Government of Sikkim and Transport Department of Sikkim

at Namchi and Gangtok respectively. An extensive tourist survey has been carried out

through systematic survey to know the different unknown facts of tourism.

Nature of Tourism

Namchi is really a scenic settlement of South Sikkim. Enclosed with daunting hills and

emerald green forest, Namchi has conquered the heart of many tourists with its mesmerizing

beauty of snow-covered Kanchenjunga. Visitors can stay either in budget

stay in Namchi according to their budgets and conveniences. Attraction, Accessibility and





through systematic survey to know the different unknown facts of tourism.



covered Kanchenjunga. Visitors can stay either in budget hotels or in home








hotels or in home-




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Accommodation - the three key factors with varying levels are considered as essential

elements for the development of tourism industry of any state. A combination of these 3 ‘A’

jointly work in Namchi area for convenience of the maximum number of tourists. In the study

area religious tourism has become the key component without mythological history and this

pilgrim tourism encourages maximum number of targeted groups of religious tourists

specially the Hindus.

Best Season to Visit

The best timeto visit at Namchi is during summer and winter. The temperature remains

moderate and pleasant during March to June and it is a very good time to visit there. During

February, flower show festival is held every year. At that time numerous species of

Himalayan flowers bloom in beautiful shades. During July to September, Namchi

experiences heavy rainfall and the road leading to Namchi becomes prone to landslides.

September to November is another good time to visit at Namchi.

The annual tourism festival, culture and local food festival is held in the month of October. It

is called NamchiMahotsav and is organized at the Namchi Central Park. Tourists as well as

the local people participate in this festival to be a part of this annual carnival that hosts an

array of activities including folk dance performances, flower exhibitions, handicrafts and

hand-loom stalls, traditional food stalls of every ethical group of Sikkim.

Major Tourist Places

Namchi is fast developing into a tourist destination with its immense potential for all round

tourist activities. This town has emerged as a religious center with a number of sacred

temples and monasteries. It is a new project venture in the tourist map of Sikkim. Most of the

tourist spots evolved during 2006 and 2010 at Namchi. The SaiMandir, Buddha Park,

SiddheswarDham, Temi tea garden etc. are some of the important and popular tourist

attractions at Namchi.

a) Indian Himalayan Centre for Adventure and Eco-Tourism, Chemchey

It is located in the pristine mountains of Central Himalaya on the lap of majestic

Kanchenjunga. The mission of the center is to initiate, develop and sustain the highest levels

of excellence for adventure and eco-tourism through safe, environmentally responsible

activities, to develop local skills and to sensitize on established traditions.



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b) Namchi Central Park

This Parkbasically acts as the Central Business District (CBD) of this hilly town. It extends

near about one sq. km. Commercial centers like banks, ATMs, hotels, restaurants, vegetable

market, public transport terminal and different types of shops like medicine shop, curio shops

etc. are available here. The roadside weekly small market is now transformed into the

present-day CBD. At present 98% tourists of Namchi stay at this place.

c) TareyBhir

It is a very interesting place to visit for those who adore natural relief and mountain. It is

along a ridge having 10,000 ft. length. The panoramic confluence of Teesta and Rangit rivers

and also many beautiful river valleys and forests of Sikkim can be seen from here.

d)Temi Tea Garden

It is the only tea estate of Sikkim which produces top quality tea for international market. The

tea garden was established in the year of 1969 and covers an area of 435 acres. Here, the tea

garden is extended on a gentle hill slope originating from the Tendong hill. It provides a

magnificent view of the surrounding villages. The visitors came to know about the tea

processing methods here. There is an old British bungalow that lies below the tea garden,

providing an option to stay more-close to nature.

e) Bhaichung Football Stadium

One of the highlights of Namchi town is the Bhaichung Football Stadium built by Sikkimese

Government in honor of its most honored citizen footballer BhaichungBhutia. In almost

every year ‘The Gold Cup’ football tournament is held in this stadium.

f) Buddha Park (TathagataTsal)

It is situated near Ravangla, at the base of Maenam hill and was constructed between 2006

and 2013. A high statue of Lord Buddha (130 ft.) is at the center place of this park.

g) SiddheswarDham or Char Dham

It is 5 km away from Namchi town and is situated at Solophok hill. Here, the 108 feet statue

of Lord Shiva is encircled and supported by a girdle of twelve Jyotirlingams, which is

situated in four different places of India like East as Jagannath, West as Dwarika, South as

Rameshawaram and North as BadrinathDham. Especially Hindus are considered as main



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pilgrimage at Char Dham. It was the first Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) venture of the

Government of Sikkim at Namchi. Sikkim Government took up this project in collaboration

with Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) Mumbai, in the year 2008. The

architecture of the temples of Char Dham provides the visitors the opportunity to enjoy the

scenic beauty of nature with Hindu religions flavor.

Table 1: Tourist inflow at Char Dham, 2013

Months of 2012 Domestic tourists Foreign Tourists

March 29859 NA

April 37050 908

May 33256 318

June 51555 445

July 43281 11

August 5740 76

September 6564 136

October 46226 1251

November 13027 541

December 5168 261

Total 271726 3947

Fig. 2.Tourist inflow at Char Dham, 2013

0

10000

20000

30000

40000

50000

60000

Tourist inflow at Char Dham, 2013

Domestic tourists Foreign Tourists



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Source: Tourism Department, Government of Sikkim.

Inflow of domestic and foreign tourists at Char Dham differs during different seasons.

Maximum number of tourists visited this place during the month of June, while minimum

tourists visited in the month of August probably due to heavy rainfall and occurrence of

frequent landslides as well as bad road condition (Table.1, Fig.2). About 40% of foreign

tourists are of opinion that climatic condition of Sikkim is most suitable for overseas tourists

during the period of October to December.

h) The Samdruptse

The most iconic monument is the grandiose statue of Guru Padmasambhava sited atop the

‘Samdruptse Hill’ which means “The Wish Fulfilling Hill”. It is the world’s largest statue

with an average height of 118 ft. Buddhist Guru Padmasambhava introduced Tantric

Buddhism in the Himalayan regions. This statue is decorated in shimmering copper and

bronze. The Samdruptse hill is located about 7 kms. Away from Namchi Town.

Analysis of the tourist inflow at the Samdruptse hill reveals that the maximum number of

domestic tourists visited this place during the period May to July. Tourist inflow decreased in

September due to late monsoon rain and resultant landslides in different areas of Namchi.

The flow again increased during November and December due to winter vacation in the

educational institutions in the neighboring state and also for pleasant weather conditions.

Table 2: Tourist inflow at Samdruptse, 2013


January 10200 65

February 8300 110

March 5210 150

April 9500 165

May 15400 120

June 12800 40

July 5800 50

August 4300 50

September 3500 100

October 8500 250

November 5700 90

December 10500 80

Total 99710 1270



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Fig. 3.Tourist inflow at Samdruptse, 2013


i) Rock Garden

About 5 km away from Namchi Town, Namchi Rock Garden is situated at the base of

Samdruptse Hill and was inaugurated by Chief Minister of Sikkim in 2005. This is a very

beautiful park consisting of water bodies, wide varieties of rare flowers and plantations, tiny

arched bridges over lily pools, slides and swings for children, benches to relax and soak in the

rivers – all make a wonderful experience. The garden also has a hill facing cafeteria for

refreshment of tourists. A popular highlight at the rock garden is the orchid in Namchi. The

place is extremely calm and peaceful. The weather remains absolutely pleasant and fantastic

during the month of February to June and also from October to December to enjoy the beauty

of this garden.

j) Helipad

The helipad is about 5.2 km away from Namchi Central Park. Situated at an altitude of 1524

mts. It provides a majestic view of Kanchenjunga, Kalimpong and the hills on the border of

West Bengal. The misty surroundings, cool breeze and tranquility all around are a very

charming experience here.

0

2000

4000

6000

8000

10000

12000

14000

16000

18000

Tourist inflow at Samdruptse, 2013




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k) The Sai Temple

The Sai Baba Temple is located at Assangthang, about 4.6 km away from Namchi Town.

This majestic temple of Sai Baba reveals an architectural endeavor of the ShirdiSai Baba

Trust of South Sikkim under the patronage of Government of Sikkim Tourism. It was opened

for to the public on 3rd

November, 2010. The exterior of the temple has gold accents. No

entry ticket is charged here for a visit.

In 2012 more than 9000 domestic tourists visited Sai Temple. Here maximum tourists were

found in January while minimum in August. Foreign tourist inflow was 60 on an average

during this year (Table.3, Fig. 4). In fact, climatic conditions influence tourist inflow in

different months of a year.

Table 3: Tourist inflow at the Sai Temple, 2013


January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

15877

9245

5560

12391

12343

11542

8732

1600

2766

3892

3873

5494

38

95

15

113

159

24

08

41

27

122

40

41

Total 93320 723

Fig. 4 Tourist inflow at Sai Temple, 2013

02000400060008000

1000012000140001600018000

Tourist inflow at Sai Temple, 2013




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l) Ngadak Monastery

Ngadak is one of the oldest monasteries in Namchi. It was built by TensungNamgyal during

the reign of ChogyalGyurmedNamgyal. It is said that whoever visits here has to make a

promise to return again to the Gumpha. In fact, the name Ngadak itself means ‘promise’. This

monastery is located about 7 km away from Namchi Town and tourists are attracted

throughout the year due to its sacred and solemn atmosphere.

The other minor tourist spots are Doling Gumpha, Namchi church etc.

Here, contribution of domestic and foreign tourists in tourism industry of this state is shown

based on the data obtained from Tourism Survey of Sikkim (June 2011 to May 2012).

Table 4. Represents the contribution of states for domestic tourists in the state of Sikkim. The

survey findings suggests that contribution of West Bengal was highest (55.8%) in case of

domestic tourists for the state, followed by Sikkim itself (12.2%), Delhi (7.4%), Assam

(5.1%) and U.P. (4.5%).

Table 4. Contribution of states for domestic tourists (in %)

STATES % OF DOMESTIC TOURISTS

West Bengal 55.8

Sikkim 12.2

Delhi 7.4



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Assam

U.P.

Bihar

Maharashtra

Arunachal Pradesh

Gujarat

Others

Total

Fig. 5. Distribution of State Wise Domestic

Source: Tourism survey of Sikkim (June 2011

Table 5 represents the distribution of countries for foreign tourists in the state of Sikkim. The

survey findings suggest that contribution of USA was highest (21.3%) in case of contribution

of foreign tourists for the state of Sikkim, followed by UK and Nepal (both 12%).

Table 5Contribution of countries for foreign tourists

STATES

USA

UK

Nepal

France

Spain

Canada

Italy

Australia

Others

Total

STATE WISE % DISTRIBUTION OF DOMESTIC TOURISTS

West Bengal Sikkim

U.P. Bihar

Gujarat Others

5.1

4.5

3.8

Maharashtra 3.5

Arunachal Pradesh 3.3

2.9

1.5

100

Fig. 5. Distribution of State Wise Domestic Tourists

Source: Tourism survey of Sikkim (June 2011 – May 2012)

epresents the distribution of countries for foreign tourists in the state of Sikkim. The



Table 5Contribution of countries for foreign tourists

STATES % OF FOREIGN TOURISTS

21.3

12.0

12.0

8.5

8.0

8.0

7.2

Australia 7.0

16.0

100

STATE WISE % DISTRIBUTION OF DOMESTIC TOURISTS

Sikkim Delhi Assam

Bihar Maharashtra Arunachal Pradesh

Others

epresents the distribution of countries for foreign tourists in the state of Sikkim. The



Arunachal Pradesh



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Fig. 6. Distribution of Country Wise Foreign Tourists

Source: Tourism survey of Sikkim (June 2011

Transportation

The primary means of communication within Sikkim is by road as there is no railway within

this state. But this state is well connected with other states of India by rail and by air via

Siliguri and Kolkata of West Bengal. Most of the roads are metalled but

season road communication is frequently disrupted somewhere due to frequent landslides.

The serpentine roads of Sikkim are constructed along the riversides, or sometimes they pass

on mountains, thick forests and cultivated terraces.

Namchi has moderate connectivity with different parts of Sikkim and West Bengal by small

buses and jeeps. The passenger transport may be categorized into public and private

transportation system. The public transport is ‘Sikkim Nationalized Transport (SNT), w

is controlled by Government of Sikkim and provides both passenger and freight services by

buses. The private transport sector is controlled by South West Taxi Driver Association and

conducts transportation mainly by Sumo, Jeeps, Safaris, Taxis, Touris

vehicles which easily can reach the remote moderately accessible areas through narrow roads.

The public vehicles (Table. 6 & Table.7

of this state and also neighboring states. The fr

SPAIN

CANADA8%

ITALY7%

AUSTRALIA7%

OTHERS16%

DISTRIBUTION OF COUNTRY WISE % OF FOREIGN

Fig. 6. Distribution of Country Wise Foreign Tourists

Source: Tourism survey of Sikkim (June 2011 – May 2012)



Siliguri and Kolkata of West Bengal. Most of the roads are metalled but during the monsoon



on mountains, thick forests and cultivated terraces.

chi has moderate connectivity with different parts of Sikkim and West Bengal by small


transportation system. The public transport is ‘Sikkim Nationalized Transport (SNT), w



conducts transportation mainly by Sumo, Jeeps, Safaris, Taxis, Tourist Cars and other small


Table. 6 & Table.7) are the main connectors of Namchi with rest parts

of this state and also neighboring states. The frequencies and availability of private vehicles

USA21%

UK12%

NEPAL12%FRANCE

9%

SPAIN8%

OTHERS16%

DISTRIBUTION OF COUNTRY WISE % OF FOREIGN TOURISTS



during the monsoon



chi has moderate connectivity with different parts of Sikkim and West Bengal by small


transportation system. The public transport is ‘Sikkim Nationalized Transport (SNT), which



t Cars and other small


) are the main connectors of Namchi with rest parts

equencies and availability of private vehicles



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are much more than SNT buses. SNT plays a vital role in transportation system and has a

comparatively reasonable fare than the private sector.

The Tourism Department of Sikkim Government and many travel agencies organize

conducted tours to the different parts of this state. Tourists are also permitted to take their

private vehicles to all parts of Sikkim except some restricted areas where only government

approved taxis are allowed to travel.

As Sikkim is entirely a hilly terrain, it is impossible to ply rickshaws and ordinary bi-cycles

in Sikkim. But two wheelers like motor cycles and scooters are widely used as a means of

transport.

Table 6: Different Transport Routes from Namchi, 2013

FROM UPTO DISTANCE(KM) JOURNEY

PERIOD(HR)

NO. OF

VEHICLES

NAMCHI Jorethang 20.90 km 0.46 37

Gangtok 78.00 km 2.35 22

Darjeeling 45.00 km 1.55 02

Kalimpong 52.70 km 1.50 04

Siliguri 92.10 km 3.00 22

Kakravitta, Nepal 119.00 km 3.30 02

Source: South-West Taxi Driver Association, Namchi, 2013

Table 7: Taxi Route Fare Chart from Namchi, 2013

FROM UPTO DISTANCE (KM) JOURNEY PERIOD IN HRS. FARE IN RS.

NAMCHI Jorethang 20.90 km 0.46 600

Gangtok 78.00 km 2.35 2000

Darjeeling 45.00 km 1.55 2000

Kalimpong 52.70 km 1.50 2000

Siliguri 92.10 km 3.00 2200

Mali 35.00 km 1.30 800

Singtham 54.00 km 2.00 1200

Samdruptse 08.00 km 0.30 200

Char Dham 05.00 km 0.15 150

Ravangla 26.00 km 1.00 600

Source: Transport Department, Government of Sikkim, 2013

At present Namchi taxi network has nine communicating nodal points for smooth travelling

of the local people and tourists. Only 170 vehicles with the capacity of five persons in each

vehicle are available here, which are controlled by the Namchi Taxi Association. Taxis do not

have any specific time table for departure and the fare is fixed based on distance, road



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conditions. The average speed of vehicles is limited to 30 km/hr. due to road conditions. Less

number of vehicles and expensive taxi fare works negatively in flourishing tourism industry.

Accommodation and Catering Facility

Accommodation outside Gangtok was very basic till some days ago. But with development of

tourism, many decent resorts and hotels are coming up. Various departments of Government

of Sikkim like Roads & Bridges Department have bunglows at various places for the use of

government officials on duty, but others can also stay there obtaining permission from the

concerned office at Gangtok.

There are eighteen registered hotels out of which fourteen hotels were registered after 2008

(Department of Tourism, Government of Sikkim, 2013). Moreover, few non-registered hotels

are also there at Namchi. Most of the hotels are located surrounding the Namchi Central Park

mainly in Benjiung Road and Meli Road.

Tourist holding capacity of hotels is not enough in Namchi particularly during the peak

season i.e., during March to June and September to October due to scarcity of sufficient food

and water. Most of the major food items, vegetables, fish, milk etc. are brought from Siliguri,

West Bengal and many of the hotel owners find it very troublesome to arrange those

necessary commodities to satisfy the tourists to their desired level. At Namchi some hotels

provide both food and accommodation while some provides only lodging, but they are very

fewer in percentage.

Through primary survey it is learnt that about 26% tourists were not satisfied with

accommodation, food and hospitality of the hotels. It is also seen that nearly 56% tourists

were visiting Namchi for the second or third time due to the attraction of its natural beauty

and also of pilgrim sites. During peak season due to insufficient supply of food and water the

hotel owners are unable to meet tourist’s satisfaction. Actually, if these insufficient

infrastructural facilities are solved, tourists’ demand can be fulfilled satisfactorily.

Favourable Conditions for Tourism Industry

Several circumstances favor for the development of tourism industry in Sikkim and also in

Namchi as well.

a) Social and political stability are the key factors which promote tourism industry in

this area.



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b) Richness in biodiversity, pollution free environment, uniqueness in ecology, organic

state, richness in natural and rural landscape helps in gradual flourishment of tourism

industry at Namchi.

c) The heart touching hospitality of Sikkimese people has a very positive impact on

tourism industry.

d) State fiscal policy, assistance from government, friendly environment helps the

private sectors to invest in tourism sector.

Drawbacks Regarding Tourism Industry

a) Connectivity of Namchi is not so well and good. It is a main problem in the

development of tourism industry. The National Highway (NH-31A) is the only means

of communication.

b) Within the state there is no airport or railway for communication due to its rugged

topography.

c) At Namchi, lack of skilled and trained human resources is another problem for

tourism.

d) Lack of proper coordination between different departments of Govt. of Sikkim also

hinders the development of this industry.

Opportunity for Tourism Industry

a) Tourism based mainly on pilgrimage in beautiful and attractive hilly terrain of

Namchi is the prime opportunity for development of tourism here.

b) Strong involvement of private sector in this industry will discover more amazing

tourist spots at Namchi.

Problems

a) Haphazard growth and development of tourist centers all over Sikkim.

b) Aggressive competition among the neighboring states, especially in Darjeeling district

of West Bengal.

Conclusion

Tourism is one of the major contributing industry of Sikkim. With the advancement of time,

tourism industry is also growing rapidly and Namchi is now added to the list as a successful

place of interest for the tourists. The gradual increase of inflow of both domestic and foreign

tourists in Namchi gradually turning this place as a promising place of tourism and if the



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infrastructural facilities regarding development of tourism are more improved it will

definitely very soon acquire an important landmark in the tourist map of Sikkim.

References

1. Census of India, 2011: Primary Census Abstract, Gangtok, India.

2. Lama, M. P., (1994), Sikkim: Society Polity Economy Environment, Indus Publishing

Company, New Delhi, pp 68-81.

3. Sikkim Tourism Policy, 2012, Tourism Department, Govt. of Sikkim, Gangtok, pp

06-43.

4. Tourism Survey Report for the State of Sikkim (June 2011 – May 2012).



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TOURISM OF NAMCHI, SOUTH DISTRICT OF SIKKIM: AN OVERVIEW

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