Tag: Sikkim

The north-eastern state of Sikkim is one of the most beautiful states of India. Added as the 22nd state to the Republic of India, Sikkim was once ruled by the royal family of Sikkim. Sikkim is home to the world’s third-highest mountain peak – Mt Kanchenjunga. The stunning Himalayan mountain, ecstatic cultural diversity, organic living, atmospheric calmness, and close-to-nature surroundings bring travelers from around the world to this stunning state. Buddhist Monasteries of Sikkim nestled on the hilltop of mountains are homes for spirituality that drive a lot of travelers to unleash the stress of their city lives.

The stunning architecture, colorful interiors, prayer chants and serene silence of these Buddhist monasteries of Sikkim is an overwhelming experience. While some have become a center of learning for the children, others are dedicated to prayers and chanting of Lord Buddha. Here are some truly revering monasteries with the most beautiful architecture in Sikkim!

Rumtek Monastery

One of the largest and most important monasteries in India – the Rumtek Monastery is at a distance of 25kms from the Gangtok city. Celebrating the Tibetan culture in its design and outlook, this beautiful monastery was built in 1960 as a seat of the Karma Kagyu Lineage. Ever since the 12th Karmapa reached Rumtek Monastery after leaving his Tibet Seat, this monastery has become a religious activity center of the Buddhist and is also called by the name Dharmachakra Center. At any point of time, the monastery if full of learners and people chanting in its arena which makes the visit quite serene and connecting. With lush greenery on the background, the colorful appearance of the monastery invigorates the eyes and is a pleasant experience.

Lachung Monastery

Overlooking the large snow-capped mountains of Sikkim, the Lachung Monastery is located at the Indo-Tibetan Border village of Lachung. Built-in 1880 at an elevation of 3000 meters over the convergence of two tributaries of Teesta River i.e. Lachung and Lachen, this monastery in north Sikkim belongs to Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Holding a quaint presence in the silent surroundings of the hills, the monastery is popular for its Buddhism prayers and activities that keep ringing in the air of the place. With colorful flags, Tibetan architecture, and picturesque beauty, the monastery is a stunning visit at about 118 km from Gangtok. One of the popular traditional mask dance performance is held every year at Lachung Monastery.

Ralang Monastery

One of the newest additions to Sikkim Monasteries – the Ralang Monastery is one of the biggest monasteries in Sikkim made with the intricate art of Tibetan architecture. A short ride away from Ravangla (South Sikkim), this monastery combines the traditional values of Buddhism by following the Tibetan Buddhist Traditions and brings along a stunning beauty of the colorful exterior. With Mountains on the background and colorful Tibetan architecture on the front decorated with Tibetan flags, Sikkim Tourism is incomplete without visiting this monastery as it is known for its extensive collection of paintings, and thangkas. Owned by Kagyu Sect of Tibetan Buddhism, the monastery is known to hold an annual festival Pang Lhabsol where the Kagyed Dance is performed by the Buddhist monks. It is one of the popular tourist destinations to visit in Sikkim.

Permayangtse Monastery

An important religious center on the hilltop of Peiling, the Permayangtse Monastery is located at an elevation of 2085 meters. Holding to the beauty of its 300-year-old structure, the monastery is in the highlight of golden and white with stunning Tibetan art and architecture. The pillars are inscribed with ancient manuscripts and the whole interior is a woodwork art making it a serene and blissful experience. The arena is also covered with Buddhist flags and greenery. While the monastery celebrates Buddhism faith and breathes into silent nuances of the Tibetan prayers, it also offers a panoramic view of the whole valley with a peak of snow-capped Mount Kanchenjunga.

Dubdi Monastery

Built-in 1701 A.D. the Dubdi Monastery is one of the oldest monasteries of Sikkim. At a short distance of 3kms of the town Yuksam (West Sikkim), this monastery is located on a hilltop at an elevation of 6900 meters. The monastery is popular for its statues of the three lamas and close-to-nature beauty. Designed much in line with the Tibetan monasteries, the colorful structure with woodwork, intricate Tibetan scripts, colorful additions, and stone-carved statues is quite an enchanting visit. Being one of the oldest monasteries belonging to Nyingma Sect of Tibetan Buddhism, the monastery holds firm the beliefs of the Buddhist traditions and thus is quite a destination to know the Tibetan culture up close.

Phodang Monastery

Being a part of the three monasteries build in the 1960s under the guidance of the 9th Karmapa of Karma Kagyu lineage, the Phodang Monastery with Rumtek and Ralang is one of the must-visits in Sikkim. The murals, relics, artifacts and artistic design of the monastery capture the essence of the old-age Tibetan cultures. The Phodang Monastery resonate beauty with its colorful but intricate architecture, wooden dome, and scripts from the Buddhism beliefs. It is one of the popular learning centers too.

Tashiding Monastery

Built by Ngadak Sempa Chempo Phunsok Rigzing and founded in 1616 the Tashiding Monastery is widely popular for its beauty and architecture. Ngadak was one of the three holy men said to hold the crowning ceremony of the first king of Sikkim. Today the monastery belongs to Nyingma Sect and is also one of the most pristine and stunning monasteries of Sikkim. On the top of a hill, the complex of Tashiding Monastery is known to have several Buddhist Shrines (Chortens) within the complex. The never-ending chants of the Tibetans here keep the surroundings filled with blissful vibrations making the experience of a visit to this monastery a truly satisfying one.

Sikkim being Buddhism inspired state experiences a lot of Tibetan architecture, and lifestyle. To connect with the life of Sikkim, and unleash in a serene surrounding these monasteries are a perfect getaway. Make the most of your vacay in Sikkim by spending a day learning the Buddhist Culture and traditions in one of these celebrated monasteries.

Lachung Monastery, Sikkim

The Lachung monastery in north Sikkim established in 1880 is one. It is the last monastery on the highway that eventually reaches the Indo-Chinese border. The monastery is famous for its traditional annual dance. The word ‘Lachung’ means ‘Small Mountain’ and the monastery is located near the Lachun river, which is a tributary of the famous river Teesta.

Tashiding Monastery

The Tashiding Monastery makes it to the hit list of tourists and is blessed generously by natural beauty and charm of the snow-clad mountains and unspoilt natural greenery. This monastery was built by Ngadak Sempa Chempo Phunshok Rigzing and provides ample opportunity to relax and unwind. Tsuklakhang Palace, which is a surreal piece of ancient poetry, and is meant for the lovers of peace and harmony.

It is popularly known as Tsuklakhang Royal chapel. The monastery actively showcases the cultural heritage of Sikkim. It offers deeper insights into the religiosity of Indian culture and traditions.

Pemayangtse Monastery

The time tested and agile beauty of the Pemayangtse Monastery surpasses the beauty of most of the other monasteries surrounding it. This monastery makes for a harmonious and blissful tourist place and is best visited between the months of March to June. It is situated around 110 kilometres from Gangtok and is merely 2 kilometres from Pelling. Travellers flock to experience its glory the year round.

The word ‘Pemayangtse’ means Perfect Sublime Lotus and the monastery’s location and layout amply justifies the name. The interiors of the monastery are richly decorated with bright and shiny Tibetan motifs and it also has designer walls and pillars. This 300-year old monastery is the perfect place for deep learning, religious realizations and soul searching.

Indulge in prayers and meditation to find your true self. The monastery has a rich style of architecture and is set amidst gorgeous mountain ranges. As you watch the peaceful demeanours of the Buddhist followers in the temple premises, your inner being shall be in harmony with the peace of the ambience. The ancient manuscript adorning the monastery pillar pillars and the magnificent interior woodwork are worthy to be noticed.

Tsomgo Lake

A serene and naturally beautiful place Tsomgo Lake, which is located approximately 38 kilometres away from Gangtok, is often an indelible part of all Sikkim Tourism Package. The scenic route that leads to the Tsomgo Lake crossing the rocky mountain terrain and undulating plains across steep cliffs and gigantic slopes and deep crevices make for a unique experience of beholding unspoilt nature at its best.

Visit the Lake to watch the fascinating Migratory Brahmini ducks, beautiful flowers such as Primulas and Blue and Yellow Poppies. Enjoy a fun time with a yak or a pony ride. Visit the Lake area between the months of January and March to experience snow and between April and May to enjoy the vibrant colours of the rhododendrons and orchids.

Yuksom

Another divine tourist attraction of Sikkim meant for pure relaxation is Yuksom. Yuksom has unbridled natural beauty interwoven with historic charm and pathos. Yuksom has fascinating landscape and is actually the ancient capital of Sikkim.

It retains the grandeur with some of the most majestic monasteries situated on its soil. The term ‘Yuksom’ actually means ‘the meeting place of three llamas’. It is iconically believed to be the ‘Third eye of Sikkim’ and is the getaway to the third highest Himalayan peak, the Kangchendzonga. Yuksom has the serene Khecheopalri Lake located inside the belly of deep mountain forests. It is considered sacred and is the biggest lake in the state.

Yuksom also houses Tashiding Monastery famous for having been visited by the Buddhist master Guru Padmasambhava. It has dazzling colours and holds numerous colourful religions ceremonies. Dubdi Monastery, also located in Yuksom is synonymous with Yuksom Monastery, is famous for beautifully painted interiors, Buddhist manuscripts, pictures, symbols and manuscripts.

It offers serene and quiet moments in the lap of nature away from the humdrum of city life. Yuksom is also known for the Kangchendzonga National Park that is untouched by human civilization and harbours some fascinating plant and animal species.

Nathula Pass

Nathula Pass is a beatific and unruffled location in the heart of Himalayas. Combined with the charm of natural beauty, one can enjoy yak safari, a beautifully built war memorial, an exhibition centre and the splendid beauty of the gorgeous mount Chomolhari. Lachung, Lachen and Yumthang Valley are filled with the innocence of the Tibetan and Bhutia people, the magnificence of Gurudongmar Lake and the myriad colours of the rhododendron blossoms.

The brilliance of Lachung Gompa with the largest Buddhist shrine is another heavenly tourist destination to be included in the Sikkim tour packages. Experience the magic of Lachung Monastery, mesmeric handicrafts and the aura of Mount Pandim, Mount Kabru, Mount Simvo, Mount Jopuno, Mount Khangchendzonga and Mount Siniolchu. Also revel in the sub-zero temperatures and the whiteness of frozen peaks to have a complete Sikkim experience.