10 Monasteries In Sikkim To Witness The Best Of India’s Cultural Heritage In 2025
Sikkim is extra special! For it is here that the air breathes peace, and folks live in harmony. Mountains sing lores of legend. And, amidst them lie the ancient monasteries, echoing with holy chants. These Buddhist monasteries in Sikkim are remarkable not just because they are scenic and immersed in the soft aroma of alpine but also because of their great legacy. Behold them for the fine architecture, ancient existence, and incredible surroundings, as these monasteries would leave you awed.
10 Sikkim Monasteries In 2025
Here is the list of famous monasteries in Sikkim that you can consider visiting when you travel to the Northeast next time. Take a look!
- Dubdi Monastery
- Enchey Monastery
- Kartok Monastery
- Lingdum Monastery
- Pemayangtse Monastery
- Phodong Monastery
- Ralang Monastery
- Rumtek Monastery
- Tashiding Monastery
- Tsuklakhang Palace
1. Dubdi Monastery
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Established in 1701, Dubdi is one of the popular monasteries in Sikkim. Belonging to the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism, this monastery enjoys an amazing hilltop location. A treacherous path and dense alpine forest guard the pretty monastery, which must be visited by every traveller looking for popular attractions in Sikkim. Perched atop 6,900 meters, this beautiful creation bears the statues of three lamas. The monastery's two-story stone architecture is rather delicate, and a bell-shaped structure atop the roof is remarkable for its positioning, known as Gyaltshen. One of the most famous monasteries in Sikkim, this place is a must-visit.
- Special attractions: Kartok Monastery and Tashiding Monastery, Norbugang Chorten, Tashi Tenka, and Khangchendzonga National Park are some of the must-visit places nearby.
- How to reach Dubdi Monastery: Dubdi Monastery is 3 km from Yuksom. Yuksom can be reached by a shared Jeep or government buses from Geyzing or Pelling, which are almost two hours away.
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2. Enchey Monastery
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Dating back to 200 years, the Enchey Monastery is located 3 km northeast of Gangtok. Enchey translates to solitary, which is aptly justified by its location. The monastery belongs to the Nyingma of Vajrayana Buddhism. Nature’s grandeur truly embellishes the location. Special prayers are held at the monastery during the lunar month every year, which, according to the Tibetan calendar, takes place in January and February. Furthermore, monasteries in the Himalayas offer serene scenic views like no other place, making them a sight for sore eyes.
- Special attractions: Chaam – a religious dance performed by masked dancers during the celebrations in the lunar month
- How to reach Enchey Monastery: It takes a 10-minute taxi ride from Gangtok city to reach the monastery
3. Kartok Monastery
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Located opposite Kartok Lake, the Kartok Monastery is the pride of Yuksom village. Hundreds of travellers flock to marvel at this beauty in the northeast, which bears a red colour. Yellow and golden motifs depicting Tibetan design are all over the monastery's exteriors. One of the popular sites to visit in Yuksom, the Kartok, forms a great combo with Dubdi and Ngadak Monastery. Slow chants, fluttering prayer flags, and the beautiful Lake Kartok nearby make it a superb spectacle for nature lovers. This is the best monastery in Sikkim for you if you love your temples located by gorgeous water bodies.
- Special attractions: Kartok Lake, the stunning landscape around the monastery, and fossils near the lake
- How to reach Kartok Monastery: Yuksom can be easily reached from places like Pelling and Geyzing.
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4. Lingdum Monastery
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Lingdum Monastery lies in East Sikkim, some 20 km from Gangtok. It has been a preferred location for Bollywood filmmakers, thus making it one of the most popular monasteries in Sikkim. Lingdum, also known as Ranka Monastery, is the most recent monastery, completed in 1998. The monastery is the perfect place to spend moments of solace in the company of divine intervention. Surrounded by forested mountains, the monastery is a photographer's delight among other monasteries in Sikkim.
- Special attractions: prayer wheels by the parking lot, a masked dance during Losar, the Tibetan New Year, Banjhakri Waterfall, and Rumtek Monastery, another monastery in East Sikkim.
- How to reach Lingdum Monastery: The monastery is easily accessible by private vehicle from the capital city.
5. Pemayangtse Monastery
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Plan a trip to Pemayangtse Monastery between March and June to experience it in full glory. This is one of the oldest standing monasteries in Sikkim, thronged by travellers year-round. Pemayangtse translates to Perfect Sublime Lotus, and the place flourishes under the clear blue sky. The interiors of the monastery are noticeable, with all the Tibetan motifs and designs on the walls and pillars.
The 300-year-old monastery makes the perfect place to do some soul-searching and indulge in prayers and meditation. Rich architecture, stunning mountains in the backdrop, and friendly Buddhist followers inside the temple would make your trip to one of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim worthwhile.
- Special attractions: Ancient manuscript on pillars and interior woodwork
- How to reach Pemayangtse Monastery: A direct taxi or a bus from Gangtok (110 km) can easily get you to Pemayangtse Monastery. You can also walk the 2 km distance from Pelling to the monastery.
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6. Phodong Monastery
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Among many other monasteries that dot the pious land of Sikkim, Phodong Monastery, belonging to the Kagyupa Sect in Buddhism, is a popular attraction and a major monastery in Sikkim. Gyurmed Namgyal of Kagyupa Sect founded the monastery at 4,500 feet above sea level. The monastery is well adorned with paintings, murals, and holy scriptures from ancient times, making it one of the best monasteries in North Sikkim.
- Special attractions: Noble lineage of 260 monks, Labrang Monastery, and Tumlong
- How to reach Phodong Monastery: Bagdogra Airport is the nearest airstrip to the monastery, 164 km away. Siliguri (150 km) and New Jalpaiguri (157 km) are the nearest railway stations, well-connected with major cities like Delhi, Kolkata, and Guwahati. Major road links well connect Gangtok. Shared and private jeeps operate from Gangtok to the monastery.
7. Ralang Monastery
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It is here at the Ralang Monastery that you can savour the best of Tibetan architecture. The biggest monastery in Sikkim is a wonderful assimilation of colours, traditions, and incredible Tibetan architecture. Located in the wonderful surroundings of Ravangla, the monastery is a popular site for Buddhists from all over the world. A new monastery was built in 1995 at a distance of 6 km from Ravangle.
The intention was to make this one more accessible than the previous one, located 13 km from Ravangla. The monastery is also popular because it hosts Pang Lhabsol, one of the popular festivals in Sikkim, every year. The highlight is the Kagyed Dance performed by the monks during the festival.
- Special attractions: Collection of paintings inside the temple, Kewzing Monastery, Tumlong, and Mangbrue Gompa & Viewpoint
- How to reach Ralong Monastery: Bagdogra (132 km) is the nearest airport, while New Jalpaiguri (127 km) is the nearest railhead to Ravangla. Taxis from Bagdogra and Siliguri are available for Namchi. Namchi to Ravangla is 25 km, which can be covered by private or shared vehicles. The last leg of 6 km from Ravangla to the monastery has to be trekked.
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8. Rumtek Monastery
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Fed by the thrills of the mountainous terrain, Rumtek Monastery in Sikkim is an ideal site for nature. Located 23 km from Gangtok, the 3-story monastery lies opposite formidable mountains. To reach the main gompa from the main gate, one has to walk a distance of half a kilometre. Vantage points from the monastery will charm you, and the fine architecture will leave you fascinated.
This monastery is located in Rumtek, a place which is 23 km from Gangtok town and on the opposite mountain. So if you visit Rumtek, there are vantage points from where you get amazing sights of the whole Gangtok town on the opposite hill. However from the gate at the base, it requires an uphill walk (about half a kilometer) to reach up to the main monastery. One of the largest monasteries in Sikkim, Rumtek, belongs to the Kargyu sect and was built by Gyalwa Karmapa in the 1960s.
- Special attractions: Botanical Garden
- How to reach Rumtek Monastery: From Gangtok, private taxis are available to Rumtek Monastery. Alternatively, you can take a shared vehicle, which is available in large numbers. Bus service is also available from the city to the monastery.
9. Tashiding Monastery: Adorned By Nature From All Sides
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Snow-capped peaks and rustic charm prettify Tashiding Monastery. Popular among travellers from all over the world, this Sikkim Buddhist monastery truly reflects old-world charm. A pot of holy water is kept inside the temple, considered auspicious and used only during festivities. With plenty of fluttering prayer flags and holy chants, the temple complex is a perfect place to spend some great moments in the lap of nature. A day at one of the oldest and holiest monasteries in Sikkim will be perfect. The monastery houses close to 60-70 monks.
- Special attractions: Inscription slab outside the monastery, Ravangla, and Yuksom
- How to reach Tashiding Monastery: Located near Pelling, the monastery is around 40 km from Gyalshing and 30 km from Ravangla. Private taxis are available from all these major cities to reach the monastery.
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10. Tsuklakhang Palace: Portrayal Of Ancient Artwork
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Sikkim monasteries are like no other! This one came up towards the end of the 19th century and is one of the eminent structures in Sikkim. Popularly known as Tsuklakhang Royal Chapel and Monastery, it is a popular religious spot for Buddhists from all around the world. The monastery is also important from a cultural point of view as it promotes and preserves the cultural heritage of the northeastern state. A trip to Tsuklakhang Monastery would also bring you closer to our nation’s glorious tradition. Losar, the Tibetan New Year festival, is celebrated with much enthusiasm here.
- Special attractions: Fine Tibetan architecture, the celebration of Losar, Pang Lhabsol festival held in honour of Mount Khangchendzonga
- How to reach Tsuklakhang Monastery: The monastery can be easily reached by a private vehicle from Gangtok (124 km). NJP is the closest railhead from Gangtok, located 148 km away.
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Conclusion
Monasteries or Gonpas, meaning ‘solitary places’, are a storehouse of culture and religion. A trip to Sikkim’s monasteries is bound to be a wholesome, holistic, and curious experience. Not only will you adore the panoramic views of the region, but the spiritual journey you’ll take is also life-changing. So, get packed, plan your trip to Sikkim, and leave immediately as the stunning Sikkim beckons you!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Monasteries In Sikkim
How many monasteries are there in Sikkim?
There are more than 200 monasteries in Sikkim. While this list focuses on the most famous, many other monasteries in Sikkim are worth visiting, including the renowned Phensang Monastery.
Which is the oldest monastery of Sikkim?
Dubdi Monastery or the Chogyar Namgyal, established in the year 1701, is the oldest monastery of Sikkim.
Is there an entry fee for Sikkim monasteries?
Since monasteries are religious establishments, generally there is no fee for visiting any monasteries. However, there can be exceptional cases, like in Rumtek Monastery, where you might need to pay a nominal fee to visit one or more sections of the monastery.
What is the best time to visit Rumtek Monastery?
For pleasant weather, visit between March to May or September to November. You can also explore the monastery during religious and cultural festivals like Losar Festival in February or Saga Dawa in May/June.
What festivals are celebrated in Sikkim monasteries?
Monasteries in Sikkim celebrate many Buddhist festivals, which include Losar ( the Tibetan New Year), Saga Dawa ( which commemorates Lord Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and nirvana), Bumchu (a sacred water festival), and Drukpa Tshechi (celebrating Buddha's first preaching in Sarnath).
Do I need a permit to visit monasteries in Sikkim?
Yes, Restricted Area Permit (RAP) or Inner Line Permit (ILP) are needed to enter several protected areas in Sikkim like Yumthang, Thangu-Chopta Valley, and Dzongri Trek. You can get your permits from the tourism offices or the District Magistrate's office
What is the best time to visit monasteries in Sikkim?
The best time to visit monasteries in Sikkim is during the spring and post-monsoon seasons. March to May and September to November are considered ideal.
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A perpetual nature seeker, Amit is on a mission to explore the best of planet Earth. Much famed as the Whistling Hound, Amit’s is currently based out of Wroclaw in Poland, and is experiencing the best of his life in Eastern Europe and Scandinavia.
