Indeed, Sikkim is one of the most amazing destinations where you can enjoy both, peace and beauty in one place. In fact, it is one of the most beautiful northeastern states of the country for a lot of reasons. It gives you a variety of delicious cuisines to eat, different places to visit, and adventurous activities to do. Amidst all the beautiful locations in Sikkim, lie the ancient monasteries, echoing with holy chants. These monasteries of Sikkim are special due to their scenic locations but also due to the great legacy they carry. Located on the top of the mountains, most of these Buddhist monasteries in Sikkim are the 17th and 18th centuries old and have their own significance.
Top 10 Monasteries in Sikkim
- Dubdi Monastery
- Enchey Monastery
- Rumtek Monastery
- Kartok Monastery
- Lingdum Monastery
- Pemayangtse Monastery
- Ralang Monastery
- Phodong Monastery
- Do-Drul Chorten Monastery
- Tashiding Monastery
Dubdi Monastery
Established in 1701, Dubdi Monastery is one of the popular monasteries in Sikkim, belonging to the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism. This monastery is located on a hilltop location and provides a scenic view of the entire state. Located at a height of 6,900 meters, this beautiful place has the statues of three lamas. The bell-shaped structure at the roof is remarkable for its positioning known as Gyaltshen.
Some of the other popular attractions near Dubdi monastery include Kartok Monastery, Tashiding Monastery, Norbugang Chorten, Tashi Tenka, etc.
How to reach Dubdi Monastery: Dubdi Monastery is just a 3 km walk from Yuksom, which can easily be reached by a shared Jeep or bus. The travelers can also book a private cab to reach the monastery.
Enchey Monastery
Enchey Monastery is almost 200 years old, the monastery is located just 3 km to the northeast of Gangtok. This monastery belongs to the Nyingma of Vajrayana Buddhism and the most admiring thing about this monastery is its location. The location will bring you closer to nature. The tourists visiting this monastery can also take part in special prayers which are held at the monastery in the lunar month every year. Also, during the lunar month, Chaam, a religious dance, is performed by masked dancers with full zeal.
How to reach Enchey Monastery: It takes just 10-minute (by taxi) from Gangtok city to reach the monastery
Rumtek Monastery
Located on the top of the hills, Rumtek Monastery is one of the most significant and largest Buddhist monasteries of Sikkim. Established by Wangchuk Dorje, 9th Karmapa lama in the sixteen centuries, this monastery is located in East Sikkim. The monastery is quite popular as a Dharma Chakra Centre as well as it includes a monastery and a shrine temple for the monks. Also, one interesting thing to consider is that you cannot find these arts elsewhere in the world, thus make sure you pay a visit to this monastery in Sikkim.
How to Reach: Situated almost 23 Km from Gangtok, travelers can take private taxis from Gangtok to Rumtek Monastery. Also, they can take sharing vehicles to reach the monastery. But to reach the main gompa from the main gate, the travelers have to walk for almost a half kilometer. And then, finally, they will get an eye-pleasing view of the place.
Kartok Monastery
Located just opposite Kartok Lake, the Kartok Monastery is the pride of Yuksom village. Thousands of travelers visit the place to witness its beauty of this place. One can see the yellow and golden motifs showcasing Tibetan design here. Slow chants, different colored prayer flags, and the beautiful Lake Kartok nearby make Kartok monastery one of the most happening places.
How to reach Kartok Monastery: Yuksom village is easily accessible from different places like Pelling and Geyzing. Travelers can take a cab to reach this place.
Lingdum Monastery
Lingdum Monastery is located in East Sikkim, almost 20 km away from Gangtok. The monastery has always been an ideal location for shooting films, thereby making it one of the popular monasteries of Sikkim. Lingdum, which is also known as Ranka Monastery, is the most recent monastery whose construction work got completed in 1998. Located amidst the forested mountains, Lingdum Monastery is truly a photographer’s delight that can make your trip to Sikkim more memorable. The special attractions here include prayer wheels, masked dance during Losar, Banjhakri Waterfall, and Rumtek Monastery, another monastery located closer to it.
How to reach Lingdum Monastery: From the center of the city, travelers can take a private vehicle to reach here.
Pemayangtse Monastery
Pemayangtse Monastery is one of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim witnessing heavy footfall of travelers all around the year. Pemayangtse means Perfect Sublime Lotus and the place looks adorable in the clear blue sky. The interiors of the monastery have Tibetan motifs and designs drawn on the walls and pillars. Rich architecture, snow-covered mountains in the backdrop, and friendly Buddhist followers inside the temple make this monastery a must-visit place.
How to reach Pemayangtse Monastery: Travelers can take a direct taxi from Pelling and Gangtok to get to Pemayangtse Monastery in a taxi. Pemayangtse Monastery is almost 2 km from Pelling, and 110 kilometers from the capital city, Gangtok
Ralang Monastery
No words can explain the beauty of the Ralang Monastery, the biggest monastery in Sikkim. The monastery showcases the perfect blend of colors, Tibetan culture, and unique traditions. The monastery, which was established in 1995, is just 6 Km away from Ravangla. While taking a tour of the monastery, you will come across numerous thangkas and paintings indicating the opulence of Buddhist art.
How To Reach Ralang Monastery: Bagdogra is the closest airport and New Jalpaiguri is the nearest railway station to Ravangla. From Siliguri and Bagdogra, travelers can book taxis to reach Ravangla. But the last distance of 6 Km from Ravangla to Ralang Monastery has to be trek.
Phodong Monastery
Among various other monasteries of Sikkim, Phodong Monastery is another monastery belonging to the Kagyupa Sect in Buddhism. Founded by Gyurmed Namgyal of Kagyupa Sect, the monastery is situated almost 4,500 feet above sea level. The monastery is well known for its beautiful paintings, murals, and holy scriptures, thereby making it one of the best monasteries in North Sikkim.
How to reach Phodong Monastery: Phodong Monastery is just 38 km from Gangtok in North Sikkim and one can take a cab, which takes almost 1 hour 40 minutes.
Do-Drul Chorten Monastery
Do-drul Chorten Monastery is a huge Buddhist stupa that is just 3 Km away from Gangtok city. It is one of the biggest Buddhist monasteries in Sikkim, which was constructed in 1945 under the guidance of the late Rimpoche and Truslshi. This monastery has almost 108 Mani Lhakor or prayer meals. The wheels are inscribed with some mantras which are turned by the Buddhists when they chant to invoke the Buddhisattva.
How to Reach Do-Drul Chorten Monastery: Situatednear to the Tibetology Institute, the travelers can reach there by taking a private taxi, which takes almost 10-15 minutes.
Tashiding Monastery
Surrounded by snow-covered mountains, Tashiding Monastery is one of the popular Buddhist monasteries of Sikkim reflecting the same charm. Established in 1716, the Buddhist monastery belongs to the Nyingmapa and is built on top of the hill between the two exquisite rivers, Rathong and Rangit. Have some peace of mind by hearing holy chants and by seeing prayer flags, which give you some magical moments in the lap of nature. If you plan a trip to Sikkim, then take part in the very famous festival, Bumchu which is celebrated during the 15th day of the first month of the Tibetan calendar.
How To Reach: Located in western Sikkim, Tashiding Monastery is closer to Pelling. It is located at a distance of almost 40 Km from Gyalshing and 30 km from Ravangla. The travelers can take private cabs from all of the major towns in Sikkim to reach the monastery.
Conclusion
Starting from the prayer bells to the chanting of monks in unison, there are more than 200 monasteries in Sikkim, where you can witness every bit of spirituality. Though many of these places are visited for worship and peace, a few of the above-mentioned monasteries of Sikkim speak a lot about Buddhist art and architecture to admire for as well.
So, make sure you pay a visit to some of the worth-visiting monasteries in Sikkim during your trip to this beautiful state.
FAQs About Monasteries in Sikkim
Which is the biggest monastery in Sikkim?
The biggest monastery in Sikkim is Ralang Monastery, which is a wonderful blend of colors, traditions, and culture.
How many monasteries are there in Sikkim?
There are almost 200 monasteries in Sikkim belonging mainly to the Nyingmapa Sect or the Kargyupa Sect. All the monasteries here not only influence the cultural heritage but the lifestyle of the people living here.
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