Famous for being the capital of the scenic Indian state of Sikkim, Gangtok is a beautiful mountainous city that experiences a massive influx of tourists from around the world. Pristine natural beauty, captivating wreathed in clouds, jaw-dropping views of Mt. Kanchenjunga, and picturesque winding roads on hills adorn this mesmerizing city. You can stay at a luxury hotel and unwind while relishing the picturesque views of this beautiful city. Besides these, Gangtok is home to several sacred monasteries, where you can come across melodious holy chanting, multi-hued prayer flags, and red-clad Lamas. Monasteries here tell a lot about the spiritual aspect of the city and Buddhism. If you are planning a relaxing vacation to Gangtok, book an Airbnb rental and enrich your travel experience by visiting the various monasteries here. Scroll down to learn about the must-visit monasteries in Gangtok, Sikkim.
1. Pemayangtse Monastery
Pemayangtse Monastery, located in western Sikkim, is a renowned attraction for tourists from all around the globe. It should be a top spot on your Gangtok itinerary. It sits at a distance of 2 km (1.24 mi) from Pelling and offers a serene setting surrounded by woods. The tranquil setting makes it an ideal place for meditation and connecting with nature.
This 300-year-old monastery showcases rich Buddhist architecture, statues, scriptures, and traditional Tibetan designs, with views of the Himalayas during clear spring-summer seasons. You can also observe the ruins of Rabdantse from this location.
Pemayangtse Monastery
Address: 8742+3JM, Sikkim 737111
Website: Pemayangtse Monastery
Opening hours: 8am - 4pm (daily)
2. Sa-Ngor-Chotshog Centre
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Located in Upper Tathangchen, Gangtok, the Sa-Ngor-Chotshog Center is a spiritual retreat known for its breathtaking architecture and tranquil atmosphere. Founded in 1961 by Eminence Luding Khen Rimpoche, it holds blessings from both the Dalai Lama and HH Sakya Trizin. Additionally, it’s the only monastery in Sikkim affiliated with the Sakya Order of Tibetan Buddhism.
The monastery boasts serene walls adorned with paintings and thangkas, a prominent Buddha statue, and a stupa adorned with prayer flags. It serves as a sacred refuge for Tibetan refugees, welcoming visitors to discover its intricate beauty and experience a sense of peace within its walls.
Sa-Ngor-Chotshog Centre
Address: 8JRV+HGP, Upper Tathangchen, Gangtok, Sikkim 737103
Website: Sa-Ngor-Chotshog Centre
Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)
3. 1. Tsuklakhang Palace
Tsuklakhang Palace in Sikkim is a beautiful, two-story monastery that you can find in Gangtok during your excursion. It is a prominent place of worship, and it houses a huge collection of Buddhist scriptures. Every corner of the monastery has artistic wooden sculptures featuring the head of Snow Lion. Altars and murals adorn the walls of the monastery. Feel the spiritual atmosphere here as you look at the images of Buddha, Bodhisattva, and other Buddhist deities on the walls. Celebrations of prominent festivals, such as Phang Lhabsol and Loosong, take place here.
Tsuklakhang Palace
Address: Secretariat Rd, Vishal Gaon, Gangtok, Sikkim 737101
Website: Tsuklakhang Palace
Opening hours: 6am - 4pm (daily)
Price: Free
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4. 2. Enchey Monastery
Located on a scenic hilltop in the vicinity of Gangtok TV Tower, Enchey Monastery is a magnificent place that you must visit during your holidays to Gangtok. It is known to be one of the most prominent monasteries in the city. This sacred place is nestled in an enchanting view of meadows filled with flowers and pine trees. Its name comes from the word which means “solitary temple.” People here believe that Yabdean and Kanchenjungha are the safeguarding deities that stay in Enchey Monastery. Gaze at the spectacular views of Kanchenjungha Hills from here. Locals here celebrate the Pang Lhabsol festival at the monastery.
Enchey Monastery
Address: Gangtok, Sikkim 737103
Website: Enchey Monastery
Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)
Price: Free
5. 3. Gonjang Monastery
Based near Tashi View Point, Gonjang Monastery is another noteworthy site in Gangtok that enhances your spiritual experience. H.E. Tingkye Gonjang Rimpoche, who was the Nyingmapa Terton of the 15th century, established this temple. The Dalai Lama blessed this monastery in 1981. While you’re here, you’ll find panoramic views of nature from the building. Stroll through the garden, and learn about the historical artifacts present here. Marvel at the gigantic statue of Buddha and many other intricate sculptures found in the monastery.
Gonjang Monastery
Address: N Sikkim Hwy, Gangtok, Sikkim 737103
Website: Gonjang Monastery
6. 4. Ranka Monastery
Take your spirituality to the next level by visiting Ranka Monastery while touring through Gangtok. The magnificent monastery spans over an extensive area and is famous as one of the most prestigious monasteries present in East Sikkim. When you visit, don’t forget to admire the Thangkas, an incredible collection of Tibetan paintings. Also, offer your prayers to the gigantic gold-plated statue of Buddha that is present within the sanctum. As the monastery is located in a picturesque area, spellbinding natural wonders and forest-covered mountains adorn its surroundings. Do not miss visiting breath-taking Banjhakri Falls, which is located nearby.
Ranka Monastery
Address: Gangtok, Sikkim 737135
Website: Ranka Monastery
Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)
Price: Free
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7. 5. Phensang Monastery
Founded in 1721, Phensang Monastery is well-known for being the oldest Buddhist monastery in the capital of Sikkim. It is home to more than 300 monks, and it hosts a festival locals celebrate every year. The celebrations take place on the 28th and 29th day of the Tibetan calendar’s 10th month, a couple of days before the Sikkimese New Year. Also, Phensang Monastery is one of the biggest monasteries in the state. Marvel at the scenic views of nature from here, as the monastery is nestled on top of a hill, overlooking a gorgeous view of natural wonders.
Phensang Monastery
Address: Sikkim 737116
Website: Phensang Monastery
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: Free
8. 6. Rumtek Monastery
Formerly known as the Dharma Chakra Center, Rumtek Monastery is a noteworthy monastery nestled on a beautiful hilltop near the capital of Sikkim. People visit this monastery to see the magnificent shrine found within. Tourists admire its impressive interior design that features spectacular murals, Thangkas, and statues. When you visit, you also get to see a golden stupa and a lot of old, well-preserved structures that date back to the time of the 16th Karmapa. Verdant mountains that surround the sacred place offer you picturesque views. Go to the top of the monastery and bask at the awe-inspiring landscapes of Sikkim.
Rumtek Monastery
Address: Tsurphu Labrang Pal Karmae Sangha Dhuche, Dharma Chakra Centre,, Sikkim 737135
Website: Rumtek Monastery
Opening hours: 10am - 2pm (daily)
Price: 0.14 USD
9. 7. Phodong Monastery (from USD 140.0)
A popular Kagyupa Sect Monastery, known as Phodang Monastery, is located about 38 kilometers (23.61 miles) from Gangtok. Established in 1734 and completed in 1740 AD, the monastery is a sacred landmark worth visiting. Because the original structure of the monastery was damaged by an earthquake, Lamas here reconstructed a bigger monastery in 1977. While rebuilding the monastery, experts discovered old fresco paintings. Today, these old paintings are being preserved in a new building. If you plan on visiting Phodong Monastery during the winter season — from December or January — you’ll be able to witness the yearly masked dance festival.
Private Day Excursion: Same Day Gangtok To Phudong Monastery Trip
Duration: 4 hours
10. Take your spiritualty to the next level in Gangtok
Gangtok is a scenic and serene city in Sikkim that greets plenty of visitors every year. As it is home to many monasteries, touring through this Indian city offers you a great spiritual experience. If you planning to spend your vacation in northeast India, make sure to check out these must-visit monasteries in Gangtok, Sikkim for a unique spiritual experience. If you’re under a time constraint, book a tour of Gangtok, Sikkim, to fully explore all the things to do and see here.
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