Guide To Gonjang Monastery, Gangtok

Things to do in and near Gonjang Monastery

Gonjang Gumpa or Gonjang Monastery is a Tibetan monastery near Gangtok, which belongs to the Nyingma Order of Buddhism. It was consecrated in the year 1981 and blessed by the Dalai Lama himself.

Apart from the main shrine, Buddhist training center, and the monks’ quarters, the monastery is home to Thadrol Dorjee Memorial Community Health Care Centre, which provides great healthcare and medical facilities not only to the resident monks but also to the community in general. Here’s a list of what you can do during your visit:

1. Within the premises

Once you are at the monastery, there is no need to tell what you can do there. The holy premises will make you feel so good and at peace from within that your feet will automatically turn toward the shrine. First, pray to the almighty Lord and then marvel at the fascinating architecture. While touring the premises, meet and interact with a monk or two, and if they allow, take a lot of pictures!

2. Nearby attractions

Just within a short distance from the monastery are plenty of attractions to see. Here are some major ones:

Sikkim Himalayan Zoological Park

If you are traveling with children, you can head to this zoological park that is just 10 minutes away by car. The park features wildlife, a watchtower, and stunning views of Kanchenjunga.

Sikkim Himalayan Zoological Park

Address: Bulbulay, East Sikkim, Gangtok, Sikkim 737103

Website: Sikkim Himalayan Zoological Park

Opening hours: Fri - Wed: 9am - 4pm (closed on Thu)

Tashi View Point

This attraction is located just 1,969 ft (600 m) from the monastery, which means that if you start walking from the monastery, you will reach the place in about two to five minutes. It has a huge observation deck from where you can see the mighty Kanchenjunga, the third highest peak in the world.

Tashi View Point

Address: Gangtok, Sikkim 737107

Opening hours: 5am - 6pm (daily)

Parbateyswar Shivalaya Mandir

This place is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is situated at a short distance of only nine minutes from the monastery.

Parbateyswar Shivalaya Mandir

Address: Gangtok, Sikkim 737103

Opening hours: 5am - 9am (daily); 5pm - 8pm (daily)

Enchey Monastery

At a 20-minute driving distance of Gonjang Monastery lies another Buddhist complex, Enchey Monastery. This monastery was established in 1909 and is set on a hill overlooking Gangtok.

Enchey Monastery

Address: Gangtok, Sikkim 737103

Opening hours: 6am - 7pm (daily)

Ban Jhakri Falls Park

It takes half an hour’s drive from the monastery to reach this attraction. The place has a scenic waterfall, a lush greenery, caves, and lot of recreation activities.

Ban Jhakri Falls Park

Address: Gangtok, Sikkim 737101

Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)

Travelers’ tips for visiting Gonjang Monastery

Best Time to Visit

1. The best time to visit Gangtok is between the months of September and June. September and October are the peak autumn months, November and December are peak winter months, January and February are the spring months, and March to June are the summer months.

2. With the monastery’s mountainous setting, you can visit during any of these months since the place will look equally beautiful. Be it the golden sunshine of autumn, summer, and spring or the snow-clad mountaintops in winter, the views will be spellbinding.

3. Try getting to the monastery a little after 9 am, so you can enjoy discovering the complex in broad daylight. Leave before it gets dark, so you can reach Gangtok in time for dinner.

While at the monastery, don’t miss these details

1. Khen-lop-Choe-Sum were the founding fathers of Tibetan Buddhism in the eighth century. Begin your tour by checking out the historical figures first.

2. Then marvel at the engraved statues of the 25 disciples of Padmasambhava, the tantric Buddhist Vajra master from India. They will leave you awestruck.

3. The walls of the monastery are covered with intricate murals that talk about different aspects of Tibetan Buddhism. Take some time to take in these colorful narrations.

Other tips

1. As you set foot into the complex, the first thing that will catch your attention will be the monastery’s colorful and intricately decorated façade. Click pictures while you are outside the sanctum.

2. Inside the main sanctum, photography is not allowed, so it is expected that everyone respects the sanctity.

3. While it is not mandatory to maintain silence at a Buddhist monastery, it is advised that you refrain from making a lot of noise while inside. There might be monks praying or studying in the vicinity, so too much noise might distract them.

4. While you are exploring the interiors of the monastery, do not touch or tamper with any of the idols and other religious artifacts. They are not just sacred but are also linked to the sentiments of the believers.

Where to eat

2 Bhukkads

Located just 0.1 mi (0.2 km) from the monastery, this dining option is a kid-friendly eatery offering breakfast, coffee, lunch, and dinner.

2 Bhukkads

Address: Tashi View Point Gangtok, Sikkim, India 737101

Website: 2 Bhukkads

Opening hours: 9am - 5:30pm (daily)

Roll House

At a distance of 2.7 mi (4.7 km) from the complex is this Gangtok eatery that serves sumptuous momos and rolls. The establishment also offers vegan options.

Roll House

Address: MG Marg, Arithang, Gangtok, Sikkim 737101

Website: Roll House

Opening hours: 9am - 9pm (daily)

The Dragon Wok

If you are craving some Chinese food, then this restaurant, also at a distance of 2.7 mi (4.7 km) from Gonjang Monastery, is worth checking out.

The Dragon Wok

Address: MG Marg, above Bata, Arithang, Gangtok, Sikkim 737101

Opening hours: 12pm - 11pm (daily)

There are also several other options in the vicinity of the monastery where you can find some lip-smacking food options.

How to get there?

Gonjang Monastery is only 4.6 mi (7 km) from Gangtok, as mentioned before. There are two major ways of getting to the monastery from the Sikkimese capital.

By Bus

You can take the bus from Gangtok SNT Bus Station. It will take you about one hour to reach your destination.

By Cab

From Gangtok’s taxi stand for north Sikkim on Baluakhani Road, you can take either a shared cab or a private vehicle to travel to the monastery. You can go via Sichey onto Lower Burtuk Road and then take NH10 to reach your final destination. This is the shortest route to the monastery, and it might take you between 15 to 30 minutes to reach.

You can also rent a bike from Gangtok to reach the monastery. This is one of the options youngsters and solo travelers might like.

Gonjang Monastery information

Gonjang Monastery

Address: N Sikkim Hwy, Gangtok, Sikkim 737103

Website: Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation

Opening hours: 7am - 5pm (daily)

Price: Free

Be at peace at Gonjang Monastery

You will surely find inner peace while you are at Gonjang Monastery. Let this feeling of peace sink in so that when you turn back, you are at ease with yourself.