Monasteries in Gangtok to Find Solace

Religious Sightseeing

Seated in the Eastern Himalayan ranges at an altitude of 5,410 feet, Gangtok is the capital and the largest town of the Indian state of Sikkim. It was established as a Buddhist pilgrimage in 1840 by (Read More)the then monarch of the region and the monasteries in Gangtok is a big part of the city's culture. In 1975 Sikkim became a part of India. Here are some of the best Buddhist monasteries in Gangtok.

Here is the list of 10 Monasteries in Gangtok to Find Solace

1. Rumtek Monastery, Gangtok

Rumtek Monastery, Gangtok
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Also known as Dharnachakra Centre, Rumtek gompa is one of the largest monasteries in Gangtok and Sikkim. It belongs to the Karma Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. Monks of the same lineage are the residents of the monastery. It was founded by the 9th Karmapa Lama. But it had to be reconstructed in 1966 and sacred relics were installed in it. The golden stupa and the prayer wheels make the experience of visiting monasteries in Gangtok more riveting and extraordinary.

Location: Tsurphu Labrang Pal Karmae Sangha Dhuche, Dharma Chakra Centre, Sikkim 737135
Timings: 10:00AM- 2:00PM

2. Dubdi Monastery, West-sikkim

Dubdi Monastery, West-sikkim
3.1 /5

Another gompa belonging to the Nyingma sect, Dubdi gompa is locally known as Yuksom gompa. The gompa was established in 1701 and is also known as “Hermit’s Cell”, for it was founded by three great ascetics of Buddhism. Dubdi literally means “the retreat”. The structure is two-storey and has elaborate interior art. The gompa is decorated with impressive statues of the three lamas that helped establish this gompa. Standing at an altitude of 2100 metres, the monastery presents a magical view.

Location: Near Yuksom, Yuksom, Sikkim 737113
Timings: 8:00AM- 8:00PM

3. Phodong Monastery, Gangtok

Phodong Monastery, Gangtok

Phodong Monastery, also known as Karma Thubten Tashi Chokhorling was built in the eighteenth century and was established by the 9th Karamga Lama of Karma Kagyu lineage along with Rumtek monastery. The monastery is home to around 260 monks who practice their religious rituals. It has many murals which are of extreme religious significance. Perched on an altitude of 4500 feet, this is one of the six most important monasteries in Sikkim.

Location: Sikkim 737119
Timings: 9:00AM - 5:00PM

4. Enchey Monastery, Gangtok, Gangtok

Enchey Monastery, Gangtok, Gangtok

Located at an altitude of 5800 feet, Echey monastery is the center of a small village named Echey Gaon. This monastery in Gangtok is known for its excellent serenities. The village is rich in flora and the hill covered with colorful flowers and a wide variety of flowerless ferns. The monastery is beautified with such colorful flowers surrounding it. This hilltop monastery is a must visit of Gangtok.

Location: Echey Gaon, Near New Jalpaiguri, Sikkim
Timing: 10:00AM - 2:00PM

5. Dodrupchen Monastery

Dodrupchen Monastery

Belonging to the Longchen Nyingtik sect, Dodrupchen gompa is known for two most popular features. First, it has the largest chorten and second is the daily ritual of Dodrupchen Rinchope himself blessing the visitors at 8:00AM and 9:30AM. Seeking his blessing makes the whole visit worthwhile. The monastery was founded in 1862 by second Dodrupchen. Situated in the midst of lush green plains of Do Valley, the monastery calls for nature lovers who have a high appreciation and sensitivity towards nature’s bounty and greenery.

Location: Tsangchen Plains, Do Valley, Gangtok, Sikkim
Timings: 9:00AM- 5:00PM

6. Tsuk La Khang Monastery, Gangtok

Tsuk La Khang Monastery, Gangtok

Tsuk La Khang monastery is an imperial gompa and an integral part of the Tsuk La Khang royal palace. This palatial monastery is the centre of Buddhist literature and has served as a venue for many ceremonial celebrations of the royal family. The chapel has an extensive collection of murals and paintings intricately carved on the walls of the altar and prayer hall. This monastery in a palace is one of the most famous tourist attractions of the town. The monastery celebrates several annual festivals that showcase the ethnic mask dances that are performed by the monks.

Location: Secretariat Rd, Vishal Gaon, Gangtok, Sikkim 737101
Timings: 6:00AM - 6:00PM


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7. Tashiding Monastery, West-sikkim

Tashiding Monastery, West-sikkim
3.1 /5

Entreated by two rivers Rangit and Ranthong, this monastery belongs to the Nyingma sect. The monastery, also known as “the heart of Sikkim", it was built in the seventeenth century. Bhumchuu, an annual festival celebrated in its premise is that time of the year during which hymns are chanted by 50-60 monks residing in the monastery. Along with its overwhelming festivities, the chapel’s architecture is as captivating as its enchanting surroundings.

Location: Sikkim 737111
Timing: 6:00AM- 6:00PM

8. Ranka Monastery, Gangtok

Ranka Monastery, Gangtok

Known as Lingdum monastery, it was founded by the people of the Zurmang Kagyud lineage. Ranka Monastery is one of the most picturesque and exquisite views. The view becomes more sublime and ethereal with the presence of the beautiful Banjhakri fall. The monastery is a training centre for young lamas as well. The courtyard of the gompa is adorned with colorful fluttering prayer flags and laughter of young lamas playing.

Location: Gangtok, Sikkim 737135
Timings: 8:00AM- 6:00PM

9. Pemayangtse Monastery, West-sikkim

Pemayangtse Monastery, West-sikkim
4.2 /5 View 7+ photos

Founded by Lama Lhatsun Chempo, Permayangtse gompa is one of the oldest and the most famous monasteries in Sikkim. It is ordered by the Nyingma sect. One interesting aspect is that the monastery is solely meant for celibate monks and the name also of the gompa also translated into “pure monks”. It is a three storey structure with beautifully painted doors and windows. Each floor exhibits paintings and murals depicting lives of several great rinpoches, Buddhist idols and scriptures. The Chham dance festival, marked on 28th and 29th day of the month of February is a celebration of enlightenment. The festival is made extravagant by fireworks and display of impressive, large scrolls presented by 108 monks residing in the gompa.

Location: Sikkim 737111
Timings: 9:00AM - 5:00PM

10. Bon Monastery

Bon Monastery

Also known as Bong Yung Dung monastery, it was established in 1980 by the people of Bon sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery is dedicated to the Bon deity or the Bon Demonical Buddha. Having located on a hill, one can feel the exuberance of the peaceful and calm environment of the gompa. One can witness the southern valleys and the mountain range in the backdrop standing in the wide enough courtyard of the monastery.

Location: Sikkim 737113
Timings: 6:00AM - 6:00PM

These Buddhist monasteries in Gangtok attract spiritual seekers, nature lovers, and photographers. Which of these are you most excited about visiting?

This post was published by Ishika Wahane

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