10 Best Monasteries in Sikkim || Must visit on your next trip to Sikkim

Sikkim is one of the foremost popular tourist destinations of the North East and is dotted with more than 200 Buddhist monasteries. Here are a number of the foremost noteworthy monasteries in Sikkim that you simply should visit!

1. Rumtek Monastery

Rumtek Monastery has located 23 km from Gangtok, the 3-storied monastery that lies to the other of the mountains. So if you visit Rumtek, there are viewpoints from where you get amazing sights of the entire Gangtok town on the other hill. However, from the gate at the monastery, it requires an uphill walk (about half a kilometer) to succeed up to most monasteries. one of the most important monasteries in Sikkim, Rumtek belongs to the Kargyu sect and was built by Gyalwa Karmapa in the 1960s.
How to reach Rumtek Monastery: From Gangtok, private taxis are available to Rumtek Monastery.  

2. Enchey Monastery

200 years old, the Enchey Monastery has located 3 km to the northeast of Gangtok. Enchey translates to solitary which is aptly justified by its location. The monastery belongs to the Nyingma of Vajrayana Buddhism. Special prayers are held at the monastery during the moon per year, which is consistent with the Tibetan calendar that takes place in January and February.
How to reach Enchey Monastery: It takes a 10-minute taxi ride from Gangtok city to reach the monastery

3. Pemayangtse Monastery

Pemayangtse Monastery one of the oldest standing monasteries in Sikkim thronged by travelers year-round. The interiors of the monastery are noticeable with all the Tibetan motifs and styles on the walls and pillars.
The 300-year-old monastery makes the right place to try some soul searching and enjoys prayers and meditation. Rich architecture, stunning mountains within the backdrop, and friendly Buddhist monks inside the temple would definitely make your trip to at least one of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim worthwhile.
How to reach Pemayangtse Monastery: Reserve taxi from Pelling and Gangtok (110 km) can easily get you to Pemayangtse Monastery. You will also walk the 2 km distance from Pelling to the monastery.

4. Phodong Monastery

Phodong Monastery belonging to the Kagyupa Sect in Buddhism may be a popular attraction and a serious monastery in Sikkim. Founded by Gyurmed Namgyal of Kagyupa Sect, the monastery stands at 4,500 feet above sea level. The monastery is well adorned with paintings, murals, and holy scriptures from the past, making it one of the simplest monasteries in North Sikkim.
How to reach Phodong Monastery: From Gangtok to Phodong Monastery distance, 39 km on the way of North Sikkim.  Bagdogra Airport is the nearest airstrip to reach Gangtok. Siliguri (114 km) and New Jalpaiguri (125 km) are the closest railway stations. Gangtok is well connected by major road links. 

5. Ralang Monastery

Ralang Monastery where you simply get to savor the simplest of Tibetan architecture. The most important monastery in Sikkim is the wonderful assimilation of colors, traditions, and incredible Tibetan architecture. Located within the wonderful surrounding of Ravangla, the monastery may be a popular site for Buddhists from everywhere in the world. 
The monastery is additionally popular due to the very fact that it hosts Pang Lhabsol – a well-liked festival within the region, per year. Kagyed Dance performed by the monks during the festival makes for the highlight.
How to reach Ralong Monastery: Bagdogra (112 km) is the nearest airport while New Jalpaiguri(107 km) is that the nearest railhead to Ravangla. From Bagdogra and Siliguri taxis are available for Namchi. Namchi to Ravangla is 22 km which may be covered by a private or shared vehicle.

6. Tashiding Monastery

Snow-capped peaks and rustic charm prettify Tashiding Monastery. Popular among travelers from everywhere the world this Sikkim Buddhist monastery truly reflects the old world charm. there’s a pot of water kept inside the monastery which is taken into account as auspicious and is employed only during the festivities.
With many fluttering prayer flags and holy chants, the monastery complex may be a perfect place to spend some great moments within the lap of nature. The monastery houses on the brink of 60-70 monks.
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 these major cities to succeed in the monastery.

7. Dubdi Monastery

Established way back in 1701, Dubdi is one of the favored monasteries in Sikkim. Belonging to the Nyingma sect from Lamaism, this monastery enjoys a tremendous hilltop location. Mysterious paths and dense alpine guard the beautiful monastery that has got to be visited by every traveler trying to find popular attractions in Sikkim.
Perched atop 6,900 meters, this beautiful creation bears the statues of three lamas. The 2-storied stone architecture of the monastery is quite fine and there’s a bell-shaped structure atop the roof that is remarkable for its positioning referred to as Gyaltshen.
How to reach Dubdi Monastery: Dubdi Monastery may be a 3 km walk from Yuksom. Yuksom is often reached by a shared Jeep or buses that run from Geyzing or Pelling. One also can take a personal cab to succeed in the monastery. Pelling and Geyzing are accessible from Bagdogra and Siliguri. 

8. Lingdum Monastery

Lingdum Monastery lies within East Sikkim some 20 km from Gangtok. The monastery has been a preferred location for Bollywood filmmakers, thus making it one of the favored monasteries in Sikkim. Lingdum, also referred to as Ranka Monastery, is the most up-to-date monastery of all of them, completed in 1998. The monastery makes for the right place to spend some moments of solace within the company of divine intervention. Surrounded by forested mountains, the monastery is actually a photographer’s delight among other monasteries situated in Sikkim.
How to reach Lingdum Monastery: The monastery is often easily reached by a personal vehicle from the capital city.

9. Kartok Monastery

Located opposite Kartok Lake, the Kartok Monastery is the pride of Yuksom village. Many travelers flock to marvel at this monastery which bears red color. Yellow and golden motifs depicting Tibetan design are often found everywhere in the monastery exteriors. One of the favored sites to go to in Yuksom, Kartok forms an excellent combo with Kartok Lake and Dubdi Monastery. Slow chants and fluttering prayer flags, and therefore the beautiful Lake Kartok nearby make it an awesome spectacle for the character lovers.
How to reach Kartok Monastery: Yuksom is often easily reached from places like Pelling and Geyzing.

10. Tsuklakhang Palace

Tsuklakhang Monastery came up towards the top of the 19th century and is one of the eminent structures in Sikkim. Popularly referred to as Tsuklakhang Royal chapel and Monastery may be a popular religious spot for Buddhists from all around the world. The monastery is additionally important from a cultural point of deem it promotes and preserves the cultural heritage of the northeastern state. A visit to Tsuklakhang Monastery would also take you closer to the good glorious tradition of our nation.
How to reach Tsuklakhang Monastery: The monastery is often easily reached by a personal vehicle from Gangtok. It takes a 10-minute taxi ride from Gangtok. NJP is the closest railhead from Gangtok.

I think you are already excited to go to these monasteries in Sikkim. Not only you’re just getting to adore the views but the journey resulting in a number of these monasteries is quite fascinating. So, get ready to plan your Sikkim tour and leave directly because the stunning Sikkim beckons you.

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Kartok Monastery || Sikkim Monasteries || Best Monasteries in Sikkim