Perched high in Gangtok, Enchey Monastery Sikkim is a magnet for those seeking religious tourism and tranquillity. As one approaches this Buddhist temple, the spectrum of colours of the prayer flags and the musical ringing of bells draws one to an atmosphere of serenity. If you crave spirituality, history or just plain serenity, this monastery will allow you to feel what Sikkimese Buddhism is all about. From the neo-gothic Chinese Pagoda-style structures to the spiritually enriching religious festivities, Enchey Monastery guarantees a revitalising and invigorating visit.
Enchey Monastery History
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The Enchey Monastery is the largest Buddhist temple in Gangtok, built-in 1909 atop Gangtok; mainly, the monastery belongs to the Nyingma order that follows Vajrayana Buddhism. Returning to its roots, it was established in a small Gompa by Lama Drupthob Karpo, the master tantric flyer and practitioner. It is believed that Guru Padmasambhava subjugated other powerful deities in the monastery, including Khangchendzonga and Yabdean, who are still believed to reside there.
Because of this entwinement with protective spirits, Enchey has assumed immense value to Gangtok’s populace. To add more significance to religion and architecture, in 1908, Sikyong Tulku, the tenth King of Sikkim, built the monastery in the Chinese Pagoda style.
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Enchey Monastery Architecture
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Enchey Monastery is a perfect example of a Monastery built with Tibetan and Sikkimese architectural designs. The roof is a pagoda made of iron sheets fixed at curved edges. Wooden frames and columns have been utilised in the structure’s construction, which is typical of the architectural style used. Thick stone masonry walls give the best insulation, and highly carved wooden beams are found on the outer face of the building.
The main prayer hall, Dukhang, has astonishing paintings and thangka on its walls and ceiling. Around hotels, there are stupas, chortens, and prayer wheels for a native religious flavour. An entrance gate is decorated, and the ceremonies are done in a central courtyard. The complex also has residential buildings for monks and a prayer hall (Tshomchen). Thus, the enhancement of colours and design of elements of ornamental and symbolic meaning—the Dharma wheel—is evidence of the Buddhist background of this Sikkimese tourism attraction.
Enchey Monastery Festivals
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The festivals at Enchey Monastery, a Nyingma sect monastery in East Sikkim, are significant cultural events. The Detour Cham, held in January or February, features vibrant masked dances. The Singhe Chaam, which is the less frequent one that happens every three years, is a dance performance that symbolises a battle between gods.
Pang Lhabsol is a festival that is dedicated to the blood relations between the Bhutia and Lepcha tribes. Such events, being part of the monasteries’ usual rituals, draw the faithful as well as tourists. The long-lasting prayer flags and a magnificent backdrop of the Himalayas that complete the overall beguiling look add a fiesta feel to the carnival that promotes Sikkim’s diverse culture.
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Enchey Monastery Timings And Entrance Fee
Planning a visit to Enchey Monastery involves knowing its operational hours and any associated costs. Here is essential information on the monastery’s opening times and entrance fees to help you make the most of your trip.
Timings – 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily
Entry fee – No entry fee
Places Near Enchey Monastery Sikkim
Discover the enchanting surroundings of Enchey Monastery with various nearby attractions that offer cultural, spiritual, and natural experiences. From picturesque lakes to bustling markets, each destination adds to the charm of your visit to Sikkim.
1. Rumtek Monastery
Built on a hillside just a few kilometres away from Gangtok, Rumtek Monastery is one of the magnificent monuments of Tibetian Buddhists. It is highly revered as the official residence of the Karmapa, the 17th Karmapa, Trinley Thaye Dorje, and head of the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism. Rich-coloured paintings, fantastic carving works and beautiful gold and bronze Buddhas are available in the monastery. Its sizeable open ground is used for bright-tinted functions and native mask dances. Accommodating religious artefacts and historical documents, Rumtek is a place for study and spirituality for Buddhists. The monastery’s structure is strictly adhered to traditional Tibetan architectural setup with wheels and prayer flags all around the compound.
Timings: Open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily.
Entry Fee: INR 10 for Indian nationals, INR 50 for foreign nationals.
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2. Namgyal Institute Of Tibetology
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Namgyal Institute of Tibetology located in Gangtok is one of the foremost institutions especially recognized for its dedication towards research work and cultural conservation of the Tibetans and Buddhism. It has unique architectural features representing the Tibetan style. It includes a collection of authentic Tibetan literature and a museum of antique Tibetan items. The exhibition consists of original manuscripts, thangkas (paintings on silk used as scrolls), and ritual items. It has statues, coins and ethnographic materials and would be informative for the prospective student about Tibetan history and art; among its educational activities, seminars and workshops are held regularly with scholars flying in from all over the world. Thus, the institute’s garden affords one with a conducive environment to ponder and study.
Timings: Open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday to Saturday, Closed on Sundays
Entry Fee: INR 10 for Indian nationals, INR 50 for foreign nationals.
3. Flower Exhibition Centre
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Flower Exhibition Centre is a botanical park situated in the Gangtok city of Sikkim and the centre is devoted to encouraging the people about the floral wealth of the state. This is a climate-controlled orchid house that houses some of the most exotic species of the orchids including some of the endangered species. There are opportunities to view seasonal flowers such as Rhododendron, Lily and Gerberas throughout the four seasons. An annual flower show for horticulturists and floral lovers is exhibited annually at the centre. Some of the informative displays use features of the location to point out Sikkim’s attempt at safeguarding biodiversity. The curtain of this health sector’s modern structure has been designed to harmonise with its environment to present vibrant sensory entertainment. It is a centre for botanical research and an aspect of environmental conservation for the region.
Timings: Open from 9:00 AM to 5:15 PM daily.
Entry Fee: INR 10 for adults, Free for children below 10 years.
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4. Do Drul Chorten
Overlooking the Gangtok skyline, we have Drul Chorten, an exquisite white-domed stupa. Lama Trulshik Rinpoche constructed the temple in 1945, which is of great religious importance among Buddhists. Around this stupa are 108 prayer wheels with inscriptions of various Buddhist mantras. The temple’s golden dome and other detailed paintings work to describe Buddhist principles and gods. The complex also comprises a meditation hall and the monks’ living spaces. Dances and other celebrations that are tailored to festivals are conducted here, depicted by colourful prayer flags and ceremonies.
Timings: Open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily.
Entry Fee: Free entry for all visitors.
How To Reach Enchey Monastery Sikkim
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By Air: The nearest airport to Gangtok is Pakyong Airport, about 31 kilometres away. Although there is no airport in Gangtok, the largest nearby airport is Bagdogra Airport in West Bengal, approximately 125 kilometres from Gangtok. From Bagdogra, you can take a taxi or a shared jeep to Gangtok, with the journey typically taking around 4 to 5 hours.
By Train: The nearest rail is New Jalpaiguri (NJP) in West Bengal, about a half-hour’s distance from Gangtok. You can hire a taxi directly from NJP or take a shared vehicle to Gangtok, such as a sumo. The drive usually takes 4 to 5 hours, depending on the route.
By Road: Enchey Monastery is about 3 kilometres from Gangtok’s main town. You can take a taxi to get there, or if you’re physically fit, you can walk the distance.
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When planning a trip to Sikkim, also spare some time for the Enchey Monastery tour. This abode of spirituality, in addition to attractions such as Monastery, Rumtek Monastery, and Flower Exhibition Centre, successfully provides tourists with a nice cultural and natural combination. Explore the colourful culture of the people of Sikkim and the fresh air of the mountains and take many unforgettable memories with you. It is time to set your heart racing in the beautiful land of Sikkim.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Enchey Monastery In Sikkim
When is the best time to visit Enchey Monastery?
The most suitable time to go is October to mid-December when the weather is good and the visibility of the Himalayas is clear.
Is there a dress code for visiting the monastery?
Men should wear T-shirts and trousers, women should cover their hair, and skirts and trousers below the knee. Removing shoes and carrying them to the main prayer hall is also recommended.
Is photography allowed within the monastery?
Filming is allowed in most cases in the courtyard. However, it is often forbidden in the prayer hall. Always consult with the management.
Is there any guided tour of Enchey Monastery?
Apparently, there are no organised tours but you can meet many ancient and experienced guides near the entrance who can guide you for a symbolic fee.
Are there any lodges or facilities near the monastery?
There are no accommodations within the monastery though there are plenty of hotels and guest houses in Gangtok within a few kilometres only.
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