Monasteries in Sikkim

The Buddhist monasteries lies in the high mountains of Sikkim are so special not only because they are scenic and immersed in the soft aroma of alpine but also because of the great legacy they carry in terms of fine architecture, history and the rich traditions. A majority of these monasteries belon to the 17th and 18th century which stand wearily today, tested by time and toughened by the weather conditions in the mountains.

Rumtek Monastery:

Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre or Rumtek Monastery: About 24 Kms away from Gangtok, is the Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre popularly known as Rumtek Monastery which is one of the largest monasteries in Sikkim, belonging to the Kagyud order, one of the four major Tibetan sects of Buddhism.

Built by the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa in the 1960s the glorious Rumtek Monastery houses a beautiful shrine temple and a monastery for the monks which were established with the aim of spreading the Buddhist teachings around the world. It also houses some of the World’s most exquisite religious scriptures and rare traditional objects. A golden stupa and various other sculptures belonging to the 16th Karmapa have also been preserved at the monastery.

The magnificent shrine has a walkway around it on which the monks, pilgrims and visitors perform Kora (a circuit round of the monastery). The massive prayer hall inside the monastery is decorated with splendid murals, statues and thangkhas. Tourist can be present within the hall during the afternoon prayer ritual that starts at about 2:00pm. The prayer of the monks chanting, and playing religious musical instruments including drums, lutes, and horns is so mesmerizing and intense that can help you to experience the highest level of imperturbability.

Enchay Monastery:

Literally known as ‘the solitary temple’, this 200 years old Buddhist shrine is a mystical wonderland surrounded with splendid natural beauty. Located at a close proximity to the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, the Enchey Monastery is an important seat of the Nyingmapa order of Vajrayana sect of Buddhism. As per the belief, the Lama Druptob Karpo; a renowned tantric blessed with flying powers, flew from Maenam Hill and constructed a hermitage here. It had been renovated under the reign of Sidkeong Tulku (1909 1910). Today the monastery is home to 90 monks. The Monastery pays its reverence to Buddha, Loki Sharia and Guru Padmasambhava.

The Enchey Monastery is famous for its iconic Chaam dance; a special prayer offered by the masked monks, organized on the 18th, 19th day of the 12th lunar month of the Tibetan calendar. The monastery also celebrates the Pang Lhabsol festival that brings together the the Lepchas and the Bhutias.

Lingdum Monastery or Ranka Monastery:

Lingdum Monastery, popularly known as Ranka Monastery lies in the East Sikkim some 20 km from Gangtok is one of the popular monasteries in Sikkim. Built in 1998. The monastery follows the Zurmang Kagyud lorder of Buddhism. Since it’s relatively a new monastery and does not have much historical or strategic significance like Rumtek Monastery, it is not much talked about.

However, due to its picturesque surroundings and beautiful architecture, the monastery attracts many Bollywood filmmakers here, and it has been a part of several Bollywood movies that have been shot here.

The monastery is spread out in a vast area with a 2-storey building along the periphery of the courtyard that has several classrooms where the young lamas undergo training. The visitors can easily interact with the young monks who are trained here.

The monastery is a good example of Tibetan architecture with a huge gold plated Buddha statue sits in the lotus position inside the sanctum. There are rows of low tables lying inside the sanctum where the lamas read their prayer books. One can visit the monastery during the evening prayer time when the monks chanting, and playing religious musical instruments thereby creating serene and spiritual atmosphere.

Pemayangtse Monastery

Renowned as one of the oldest and premier monasteries of Sikkim, This 300-year old monastery makes the perfect place for the people who are looking for some soul searching and indulge in prayers and meditation. Founded by Lama Lhatsun Chempo in 1705, the monastery is situated in Pemayangtse, near Pelling in West Sikkim. Pemayangtse translates to ‘perfect, sublime lotus’ and is said to represent one of the four networks of nerves (vessels) in the human body. The monastery belongs to the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Budhisim which is a tantrik sect established in the 8th century ad and controls all other monasteries of that Order in Sikkim. The monks of this sect wear red caps rather than the yellow ones worn by monks in other monasteries.

The monastery depicts many beautiful and antique paintings on its walls and statues of saints and Rinpoches. It was damaged by earthquakes in 1913 and 1960 but has been refurbished.

Pemayangtse is surrounded by picturesque mountains, glaciers and has abundant shrubs of the exotic rhododendron. A small walks from the Pelling town to the monastery offers a refreshing and sylvan environs of Pemayangtse. Pemayangtse also serves as the base for travellers who opt for exploring many exhilarating trekking routes of western Sikkim.

Dubdi Monastery:

Established way back in 1701, Dubdi Monastery is a Buddhist shrine of the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism near Yuksom and is accessible by a thrilling but moderate 3 kms walk through nature’s wonderland embellished with fine tall trees, beautiful streams, gorgeous stoned path eventually leading to the panoramic view of the snow peaked mountains. Popularly known as Yuksom Monastery, it is considered to be the oldest monasteries in Sikkim, carrying immense historical significance to it.

This elaborately painted two storied building is built with stones and painted with Buddhist prayers and other symbols of Buddhist relevance. No photography is allowed inside the shrine and visitors are expected to leave their footwear outside. Within the monastery is a perfect spot to sit and meditate. Stands at an altitude of 2,100 metres, this place can certainly fill you with a sense of serenity that can be out of the world.

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