Discover The Serene Charm Of Chilipam Monastery In 2024

The monastery is located at Chilipam, around 12 km from Rupa. Chilipam Monastery, also known as Chilipam Gompa, stands majestically atop a hill near Bomdila in the West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh, India. This relatively new monastery, blessed by the 14th Dalai Lama, has quickly become an epitome of peace and serenity amid the picturesque eastern Himalayas. Also known as Sang-nag Choekhor Dargyeling Monastery, the monastery enjoys a spectacular location, overlooking the mountains and offers a bird’s-eye view of Rupa. Here’s a small travel video by the Team OK North East of the Buddhist Monastery.

About Chilipam Monastery

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Located 15 kilometres from Rupa village in West Kameng District, the Monastery is built on a peninsula which offers spectacular 270-degree views of the surrounding Eastern Himalayan valleys. More commonly known as Chillipam Gompa, the secluded sanctuary is adorned with some of the region’s most magnificent Buddhist art. Chilipam Monastery is an important centre for Buddhist teachings and a place for meditation and reflection. His is the only monastery built by a Chinese architect. So the Chinese architecture reflects throughout the monastery. The view of the monastery during sunset time is a treat for the eyes. The hide-and-seek of clouds will amaze any nature lover. The Monastery Complex of Chilipam. The work started about 15 years ago and was completed around 2009. It is excellent and worth a diversion from the Dirang BomdiLa highway near Rupa town. It is located on a ledge; the view of the river valley, Rupa town and hills beyond is fantastic.

Must Read: Places To Visit In Arunachal Pradesh

Places To Visit Near Chilipam Monastery

There are several places you can visit near Chilipam Monastery. Some of the most popular tourist attractions near Chilipam Monastery are given below:

1. Pemayangtse Monastery

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The Pemayangtse Monastery is a Buddhist monastery in Pemayangtse, near Gyalshing city in Gyalshing district in the northeastern Indian state of Sikkim, located 6 km from Gyalshing city, the district headquarters, 110 km west of Gangtok. This three-storied building has many statues of saints and Rinpoches, including Padmasambhava (Lotus Born). It also has several antique idols and scriptures. The main prayer hall is decorated with paintings; the doors and windows are beautifully painted in traditional Tibetan design. The monastery’s history is closely linked to Chador Namgyal’s reign at Rabdentse. Chador, a very religious person, had taken several initiatives to spread the Buddhist religion in Sikkim.

• Location: Near Pelling in West Sikkim, Sikkim, India.
• Distance from Chilipam Monastery: Approximately 13 kilometres (8 miles) northeast.

2.Rabdentse

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Rabdentse was the second capital of the former Kingdom of Sikkim from 1670 to 1814. The capital city was destroyed by the invading Gurkha army and only the ruins of the palace and the chortens are seen here now. Rabdentse is the 16th former capital of Sikkim and the condition of this is in ruins. It is located very close to the Pemayangtse Monastery and the impeccable view of the Kanchenjunga range is incredible. It was destroyed in the 18th century. The Rabdentse ruins are part of the Buddhist religious pilgrimage circuit starting with the first monastery at Yuksom known as the Dubdi Monastery, followed by Norbugang Chorten, Tashiding Monastery, the Pemayangtse Monastery, the Sanga Choeling Monastery, and the Khecheopalri Lake.

• Location: Ancient ruins near Pelling, West Sikkim, Sikkim, India.
• Distance from Chilipam Monastery: Approximately 15 kilometres (9 miles)northeast

Suggested Read: Things To Do In Arunachal Pradesh

3. Sanga Choeling Monastery

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The Sanga Choeling Monastery, also spelt Sange Choeling Monastery, established in the 17th century by Lama Lhatsün Chempo, is one of the oldest monasteries in Pelling, about 10 km from Gyalshing city in the Gyalshing district in Northeast Indian state of Sikkim. His monumental attraction can be reached by going for an hour-and-a-half trek. It is a 3-kilometre walking distance via the Rani Dhunga Jungle Trek path. Inside this magnificent monastery, one can witness the ancient wall paintings, statues, unique clay statues and scriptures. There are also other important, valuable artefacts stored on the Sangachoeling Monastery’s premises, which was remodelled after a fire incident.

• Location: Near Pelling in West Sikkim, Sikkim, India.
• Distance from Chilipam Monastery: Approximately 14 kilometers (9 miles) northeast.

4. Kanchenjunga Falls

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Kanchenjunga Falls was not known to people and remained untouched till the 90s. It only came into the limelight, when a local tour operator named Topjor Bhutia accidentally discovered it. Today this spot become one of the leading tourist spots in West Sikkim. A stone staircase (around 50 steps) will take you to the waterfall. Kanchenjunga Falls is situated in the western town of Pelling, and an hour’s journey via Pelling-Rimbi Road will bring you to this spot. There is a nominal entry fee of ₹20.

• Location: Near Pelling in West Sikkim, Sikkim, India.
• Distance from Chilipam Monastery: Approximately 12 kilometres (7.5 miles) northeast.

Suggested Read: Valleys In Arunachal Pradesh

5.Tashiding Monastery

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Tashiding Monastery is a Buddhist monastery of the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism in Tashiding, about 27 km from Gyalshing city in Gyalshing district in the northeastern Indian state of Sikkim. which is the most sacred and holiest monastery in Sikkim. Tashiding Monastery is believed to be the holiest monastery in Sikkim. The legend is that just the glimpse of Thongwa Rangdol Shrine (chorten), washes away your sins. Seeing is cleansing here; there is no need to take a holy dip into a sacred river. The walk up to the monastery is dotted with white-coloured prayer flags. The monastery was built during the 17th Century. There are many oranges, orchards, and cardamom plantations around Tashiding, which can be visited from here.

• Location: Tashiding, West Sikkim, Sikkim, India.
• Distance from Chilipam Monastery: Approximately 40 kilometres (25 miles) southeast.

6. Khecheopalri Lake

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Khecheopalri Lake, originally known as Kha-Chot-Palri, is a lake located near Khecheopalri village, 147 kilometres west of Gangtok in the West Sikkim district of the Northeastern Indian state of Sikkim. Khecheopalri Lake holds immense spiritual significance for both Buddhists and Hindus. For Buddhists, it is a sacred pilgrimage site associated with Guru Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche. Legend has it that the lake is considered the emanation of the goddess Tara Jetsun Dolma, a protector of Sikkim. Located 34 kilometres (21 mi) to the northwest of Pelling town, the lake is sacred for both Buddhists and Hindus and is believed to be a wish-fulfilling lake. The local name for the lake is Sho Dzo Sho, which means “Oh Lady, Sit Here”.

• Location: Near Khecheopalri village in West Sikkim, Sikkim, India.
• Distance from Chilipam Monastery: Approximately 22 kilometres (14 miles) northeast.

Further Read: Honeymoon In Arunachal Pradesh

Now that you have a list of things to keep in mind for your next adventure, consider planning a trip to Arunachal Pradesh . Whether you’re seeking spiritual enlightenment, marvelling at the stunning architecture, or simply finding solace in the peaceful surroundings, this Chilipam Monastery promises a tranquil and rejuvenating experience. Don’t miss the chance to explore this hidden gem and book your tickets now for a soulful getaway.

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Aryan Sharma

With a passion for exploring and travelling to the roads long forgotten, experience the world through enthralling stories and adventures. Join me as I share my experiences at some of the world’s most popular tourist destinations and quench that pestering curiosity with something exciting!