Sikkim as a State
Sikkim, a small territorial land, which lies amidst the majestic Himalayan ranges, lush valleys and dazzling rivers in the north eastern part of India, has a lot to offer to its visitors and onlookers. A home to the small villages, big modernised cities, well cultured and hospitable residents and different religious faith, the state of Sikkim, with its capital at Gangtok, pampers all with the same values and same understanding.

Do- Drul Chorten
Distance - km ( from Gangtok )
Built in - 1945-1946
Sect -

Do Drul Chorten at Dotapu Chorten, Gangtok was built under the supervision of the late Most Venerable Trulshi Rinpoche after due prepartions in 1945-46, in accordance with the prophecy made in 1944 by his Holiness the Dud-Zom Rinpoche. Placed inside the Chorten are a a complete mandala set of Dorji Phurpa (Bajra Kilaya), one set of Ka-gyur holy Books, relics, complete 'zung'(mantras) and other religious objects. This chorten is considered to be one of the most important chorten of Sikkim. Around the chorten 108 Mani-Lhokor (Prayer Wheels) are installed. The Chorten is surrounded by Chortne Lhakhang, Guru Lhakhang, where tow huge statues of Guru Rinpoche (Guru Padmasambahava ) are installed, Drupda( Meditation Centre), Nyingma Shede (Institute of Nyingma Higher Studies) and many smaller monuments including the 'kudung' of the latter Most Venerable Trulshi Rinpoche. The Sikkim Research Institute of Tibetology and other Buddhist Studies (SRITOBS) is located near the Chorten. His Eminence Dodrup Chen Rinpoche of Sikkim has his seat at the Chorten Lhakhang and guides the disciples, including the inmates of the Drubda, in their search for higher knowledge and practice of the tenets of the Nyingma Order.

Phensong Monastery
Built in - 1840
Sect -

This monastery in North Sikkim was built during the time of Jigme Pawo. Belonging to the Nyingmapa order, this monastery, first established in 1840, stands testimony to the dedication of its monks who reconstructed the monastery within a year after it was burnt down in 1947.

The monastery is situated on a gentle slope stretching fom Kabi to Phodong in north Sikkim. There are around 300 monks under the monastery and is famous for the main annual Chaam (monk dance) performed on the 28th & 29th days of the tenth month of the Tibetan Calendar which normally corresponds to the month of December. Its name translates as "The excellent Banner" or "Good Bliss".

Phodong Monastery
Distance - 38 km ( from Gangtok )
Sect - Kagyupa

This monastery was built by the Chogyal Gyurmed Namgyal somewhere in the first quarter of the eighteenth century in Phodong in North Sikkim. It belongs to the Kagyupa Sect and it is said to be the first Kagyupa monastery to be set up in Sikkim.

It is famous for its exquisitely delicate mural painting and frescoes. The original monastery has been rebuilt and is today one of the most beautiful monasteries in Sikkim. It possesses the old mural paintings and has around 260 monks. Like the Ralong and Rumtek monastery the main annual Puja is performed on the 28th & 29thdays of the tenth month of the Tibetan Calender when the religious dances are performed.

Labrang Monastery
Distance - 40 km ( from Gangtok )
Built in - 1814
Sect -

Labrang Monastery is situated in North Sikkim, built 2 kms further up hill from Phodong Monastery. This is a much older structure. It is also unique in the sense that unlike most monasteries which were razed by fires sometime or the other, this one still retains the original structure. A pleasure for the eyes given its unique architecture, it is also one of the premier monasteries of Sikkim.

The location is a wide and open meadow, ideal for congregations. Dense forests surround the southern, western and northern sides of the compound. Gyalshe Rigzing Chempa commissioned Labrang Monastery in 1814, who then resided in Wangdiche, a palace in the vicinity. It adheres to the Nyingmapa School of Tibetan Buddhism as this was the prevalent school of monastery and inception. Its name literally means "the Lamas dwelling". It was consecrated to the memory of Latsun Chembo of Kongpu of Tibet, who initiated and propagated this school of Buddhism in Sikkim. Just below the road between the Phodang and Labrang Monastery are the ruins of Tumlong, the third capital of Sikkim.

Sa-Ngor-Chotshog Centre:
Distance - 5 km ( from Gangtok )

Built in - 1961
Sect -

Located on a beautiful hill top it is a Tibetan refugee monastic institution established in 1961 by his Eminence Luding Khen Rimpoche, Head of Ngorpa, sub-sect of the Sakya Order, with the blessing of H.H. Sakya Trizin and H.H. the Dalai Lama. This is the only monastery of the Sakya Order of Tibetan Buddhism in Sikkim.

Pal Zurmang Kagyud Monastery/ Lingdum Monastery
Distance - km ( from Gangtok )
Sect -

The present Gharwang Rimpoche is the XIIth successive incarnation of Zurmang Gharwang. This monastery is situated on the Rumtek-Ranka-Gangtok road at Lingdum, about 45 minutes drive from Gangtok. The complex is a fine example of Tibetan monastic architecture.

Tsuk-La-Khang Monastery
Distance - km ( from Gangtok )
Sect -

Sanga Choeling Monastery
Distance - 7 km ( from Pemayangtse )
Built in - 1697
Sect - Nyingmapa

Sanga Choeling means 'the island of esoteric teaching'. 45 minutes walk from Pelling will take you to this second oldest monastery of Sikkim. A 4 km trail rises from the playing fields just above Pelling to reach the small monastery of Sanga Choeling is one of the oldest gompas in Sikkim. This gompa is another of Lhatsun Chenpo's creations, and is highly venerated among the Nyingmapa. Gutted by fire, it has been rebuilt and houses some of the original clay statues.

Dubdi Monastery
Built in - 1701
Sect -

Dubdi Monastery, one of the oldest monastery in Sikkim, is located at the top of a hill about an hour's walk from Yuksam. Also known as the Hermit's Cell after its reclusive founder Lhatsun Namkha Jigme, it was built by the followers of the Nyingmapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The trail to Dubdi winds through lush forests high above the village, offering scenic overlooks and impressive mountain views. For bird watchers, an early morning or late afternoon visit is particularly rewarding. Dubdi means 'the retreat' .

Kewzing Monastery
This monastery is located near Kewzing in South Sikkim. It was built during the reign of Chogyal Thutob Namgyal.

Simik Monastery
This monastery is situated in near Singtam town. It was built during the reign of Chogyal Tsudphud Namgyal.

Hee Gyathang Monastery
Sect -
This monastery is located in and follows the Nyingma sect of Buddhism.

Lingthem Monastery
Sect -

Khecheopalri Monastery
Sect -

This monastery is located just above the famous Khecheopalri lake near Yuksom.

Melli Monastery
Sect -

Melli basically means 'a lepcha village'. This monastery is located near Yuksom.

Sinon Monastery
Distance - 10 km ( from Tashiding )
Built in - 1716
Sect -

Sinon means 'the suppressor of intense fear'. The monastery is located on a hill top.

Dalling Monastery
Built in - 1840
Sect -

Dalling means 'the thunderbolt'. This monastery is situated near Kewzing in South Sikkim .

Yangyang Monastery
Distance - 10 km ( from Rabangla )
Built in - 1840
Sect -

Yangyang means 'the ridge of fortune'. This monastery was built in 1840 and is situated at a place called Yangyang.

Namchi Monastery
Sect -

This monastery is located in Namchi, the district headquarters of south district and was constructed during the reign of Chogyal Gurmed Namgyal.

Chawayng Ani Monastery
Sect -

This monastery is located near Phensang which is on the highway between Gangtok and Mangan. It was built during the reign of Chogyal Tshudphud Namgyal .

Taktse Ogyen Choekhorling Monastery
Sect -

The area around the monastery was initially surrounding by huts used for meditation known as Chamkhai. Later on the Chogyal of Sikkim gifted it to the nuns who used to meditate there and it was converted into a monastery. One of the few monasteries in Sikkim exclusively for nuns. It is around 5-6 kms north of Gangtok.

Rhenock Monastery
Distance - 63 km ( from Gangtok )
Sect -

Karthok Monastery
Distance - 32 km ( from Gangtok )
Sect -

This monastery is located in East Sikkim near Pakyong. The present structure of the monastery was built during the reign of Chogyal Thutob Namgyal. Karthok Monastery is the sixth oldest monastery of Sikkim, an important seat of the Nyingma Order. The original monastery was destroyed and a new one is built in its place. The unique architectural design of the original was, however, retained.

Bermoik Monastery
Built in - 1952
Sect -

This monastery follows the Nyingma sect of Buddhism. It is situated in South Sikkim above Singtam.

Lachen Monastery
Built in - 1806
Sect -

This monastery in North Sikkim follows the Nyingma sect of Buddhism.

Lachung Monastery
Built in - 1880
Sect -

This monastery in North Sikkim follows the Nyingma sect of Buddhism.

Sang Monastery
Built in - 1912
Sect -

This monastery is situated in a small village called Sang near Rumtek.

Gnathang Monastery
Sect -
This is the only Gelugpa monastery in Sikkim and is situated near the Tibetan border.

Shurishing Yungdrung Dungdrakling Monastery
Sect -
Being situated in Sosing in South Sikkim, this is the only monastery in Sikkim that follows the Bon faith.

Significance of Buddhism in Sikkim

Along with Hinduism, the thought of Buddhism also occupies a prominent place in the secular land of Sikkim. The school of Buddhism, which is also referred as a 'religion' with its main followers in Sikkim being the Tibetans and the Bhutias, traces its history in the land back to the 15th-16th centuries. It was in this period that a friction took place among the Tibetan Buddhists over the supremacy and the difference in other ideologies based on Tantric rituals. This discord resulted in the arrival of the old sect Nyingmapa(who believed in Tantric rituals) to Sikkim, while the liberal sect, Gelugpa leaded by the Dalai Lama gained ascendency in Tibet.  Today, Sikkim hosts a number of Buddhist temples, monasteries and learning centres which further reflect upon the tradition, culture and values of the Buddhist life in the Himalayan regions.

Climate
The climate of Sikkim varies from place to place depending on the location and altitude of the place. The months of November to February witness minimum temperature falling as low as 2 degree Celsius, resulting in cold weather. The Summer months during the months between April and June are relatively hot though not much with the temperature rising up to 28 degree Celsius. However, the monsoon months between July to September receive heavy rainfall.

The best months to visit the regions of the Indian state of Sikkim are October, November and march. However, whichever month you chose to visit the place, a permit from the government tourism headquarters of Sikkim is a must, especially for the foreigners.

 How to Reach

By Air - Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim is easily accessible by air as the nearest airport is at Bagdogra in Sikkim, 124 kilometers away. One can also opt for a frequent plying helicopter services from Bagdogra to Gangtok and vice-versa.

By Rail - The nearest railheads are at Siliguri(114 km) and New Jalpaiguri(125 km). Both these stations are well linked with other major cities like Kolkata(West Bengal), Guwahati(Assam), Delhi and Luckhnow(Uttar Pradesh).

By Road - Gangtok is well connected by a good road network to other districts of Sikkim, as well as Kolkata, Guwahati and other places of neighbouring states. Gangtok can either be reached by a bus, a private taxi or a jeep via the Siliguri Highway conveniently.

MONASTERIES 

Sikkim's near about 200 monasteries or Gompas belonging to the Nyingma and Kagyu order have not only been influencing the cultural heritage and lifestyle of the people, but also demonstrates the ancient rituals in practice.

Devoted Lamas robed in red, chant ancient mantras to the rhythm of drums and trumpets while soft lights flicker from decorative lamps placed before statues of the great Guru Padmasambhava. Feel the peace and quiet of being one with nature and close to the almighty as sacred words mingle with the whirring prayer wheels.

The Gompas are adorned with life-like frescoes of hoary Buddhist legends, rare silk and brocade Thangkas. Also preserved here, are ancient Tibetan manuscripts, exquisitely carved wood work and icons of silver and gold.

PEMAYANGTSE MONASTERY

Pemayangtse Monastery is situated in West Sikkim at Gyalshing (140 kms. from Gangtok) and commands an impressive view of Mount khanchendzonga. This monastery belongs to the Nyingma order and all other Nyingma monasteries in Sikkim are subordinate to it.

RUMTEK MONASTERY

24 Kms. from Gangtok, a drive through beautiful countryside takes one to Rumtek Dharma Chakra centre built in 1960'S by his holiness the late 16th GYALWA KARMAPAwhen he took refuge in Sikkim after the Chinese attack. It houses some of the worlds most unique art objects, ancient manuscripts and icons.

ENCHEY MONASTERY

This monastery is situated in Gangtok on a hill top. It was built during the reign of Thutob Namgyal .

PHENSANG MONASTERY

This monastery was built in 1721 during the time of Jigme Pawo. In 1947 it was completely gutted by a devastating fire. However it was rebuilt in 1948. It is present in North Sikkim.

PHODANG MONASTERY

This monastery is in North Sikkim 28 kms. from Gangtok. The original monastery is rebuilt and is today one of the most beautiful monasteries in Sikkim.

TASHIDING MONASTERY

This is another important monastery belonging to the Nyingmapa order and is about 40 Kms. from Gyalshing by road via Legship (West Sikkim). It lies nestled on the top of a hill that looms up between the Rathong river and the Rangit river and is surrounded by a profusion of Prayer flags that flutter in the air.

SANGA CHELLING MONASTERY

Sanga chelling means ' the island of esoteric teaching'. This monastery was built in 1697 and is situated about 7 kms. from Pemayangste. It is said to be the oldest monastery in Sikkim.

DUBDI MONASTERY

Dubdi means 'the retreat' and this monastery was built in 1700. It is located near Yuksum on a hill top. One has to travel by foot to reach it.

KHECHOPARI MONASTEREY

This monastery is located just above the famous near Yukusm.

MELLI MONASTERY

Melli basically means 'a lepcha village'. This monastery is also located near Yuksum.

SINON MONASTERY

Sinon means 'the suppressor of intense fear'. The monastery was built in 1716 and is located about 10 kms. from Tashiding on a hill top.

DALLING MONASTERY

Dalling means 'the thunderbolt'. This monastery was built in 1840 and is situated near kwezing in .

YANGYANG MONASTERY

Yangyang means 'the ridge of fortune'. This monastery was built in 1840 and is situated at a place called Yangyang 10 kms. downhill from Rabongla.

NAMCHI MONASTERY

This monastery is located in Namchi, the district headquarters of south district and was constructed during the reign of Chogyal Gurmed Namgyal.

KWEZING MONASTERY

This monastery is located near Kwezing in South Sikkim. It was built during the reign of Chogyal Thutob Namgyal.

SIMIK MONASTERY

This monastery is situated in near Singtam town. It was built during the reign of Chogyal Tsudphud Namgyal.

HEE GYATHANG MONASTERY

This monastery is located in and follows the Nyingma sect of Buddhism.

LINGTEM MONASTERY

This monastery is located in the Zongu area of North Sikkim.

CHAWANG ANI MONASTERY

This monastery is located near Phensang which is on the highway between Gangtok amd Mangan. It was built during the reign of Chogyal Tshudphud Namgyal .

RHENOCK MONASTERY

This monastery is located in bout 63 kms. from Gangtok.

KHATOK MONASTERY

This monastery is located in East Sikkim near Pakyong. The present structure of the monastery was built during the reign of Chogyal Thutob Namgyal.

BERMOIK MONASTERY

This monastery was constructed in 1952 and follows the Nyingma sect of Buddhism. It is situated in South Sikkim above Singtam.

LACHEN MONASTERY

This monastery in North Sikkim was built in 1806 and follows the Nyingma sec of Buddhism.

LACHUNG MONASTERY

This monastery in North Sikkim was built in Sikkim 1880 and also follows the Nyingma sect of Buddhism.

SANG MONASTERY

This monastery is situated near Rumtek and was built in 1912.

RALONG MONASTERY

This monastery is situated near Rabongla in South Sikkim. 

Monasteries in Sikkim are of three types :

1. Tak-phu 2. Gompa 3. Mani Lakhangs

1. Tak-phu
Literally meaning "rock-cave" or cave hermitage. Although there are many such hermitages in Sikkim, there are four which are of special importance, one in each direction. The four are hallowed as caves where Guru Rinpoche and Lhatsun Chhembo are said to have halted and meditated. These are:

Lha-ri nying phu:  The north face of the four, Lha-ri nying phu is situated at a 3-day trek precarious trek from Tashiding, west Sikkim. Not only is this the most difficult to reach, it is also the holiest. Its name means "the Old Cave on God’s Hill".

Kah-do Sang phu: "The Cave of the Occult Fairies" is on the south gate and one of the easiest to reach. A five-minute walk across a pedestrian bamboo bridge from the Jorethang-Gyalshing highway just beyond Reshi hot-springs takes one to Kah-do Sang Phu where one can find footprints ascribed to fairies.

Pe-phu: Placed between Tendong and Maenam hills in south Sikkim, Pe-phu lies near Sangmoo Gumpa about 5 kms from Ravangla, south Sikkim, en route to Singtam. A huge cavern, believed to extend by a bifurcation to both Tendong and Maenam hill, visitors can still walk in about a quarter of a mile. As low as five feet at places, the cave opens up to a towering 100 feet at some sections.

De-chhen phu: "The Cave of Happiness" is accessible only in autumn when the snow that hides it, melts. Distanced from Rimbi, west Sikkim, by a 3-day trek, it lies in the snows above Dzongri.

2. Gompa: 
Monasteries are almost always translated as "Gompas". This is, however, a misinterpretation. Gompa literally means "a place of solitude", a religious escape where monks are trained in the finer aspects of Tibetan Buddhism practised here. Most gompas in Sikkim are found in solitary places since isolation from the world has always been a important for Buddhist learning; not as an act of self-punishment, but merely as an escape from mundane temptations.

Monasteries usually occupy commanding and frequently picturesque sites. A choice made easy by the two conditions laid in a guiding couplet on where a monastery should be built; "Back to the hill-rock, And front to the tarn". A monastery, wherever possible, should be built on a ridge and have a lake in front.

The door of the assembly room and temple should preferably face eastwards. South-east is the second choice and then south. A stream draining the site is considered inauspicious as monks believe that this would drain away all the virtue of the place. If such a location is unavoidable, then the main door is made to face another direction. A waterfall, is, however, considered a good omen and if one is visible from the monastery, then the door is made to face that direction.

The monastic buildings cluster around the main building which is also used as the Assembly Hall or du-khang. Lining the approaches to the monastery are rows of prayer flags and chortens.

Ralang Monastery
Distance - 6 km ( from Ravangla, South Sikkim )
Sect -

This monastery belong to the Karma Kagyu order and was built after the return of the fourth Chogyal form his pilgrimage to Tibet. The Karmapa performed the 'Rabney' (blessing) on its completion from Tsurphu itself, and grains from this ceremony fell on the ground at Ralong and were witnessed by the devotees. A few of the grains are still in the possession of some of the monks. Between 1975-81 the government reconstructed the monastery. The monastery has around 100 monks. The main ceremony falls on the 28th and 29th day of the tenth month of the Tibetan calendar, when the 'chaams' are performed. It is situated near Ravangla in South Sikkim.

Old Ralang monastery: is situated 13 kms away from Ravangla with the spectacular peaks of Narsing, Jopuno and Kabur in the background. The monastery was built in 1730 on a site blessed by an earlier incarnation of Karmapa where the grains of rice thrown by him from Tibet had landed. The monastery is one of the most sacred and important monasteries following the Kagyupa tradition.“Pang Lhabsol" the worship of Mt Khangchendzonga & " Kagyad " Chaam masked dances are held every year on the 15th day of the seventh month of the Buddhist calendar coinciding with August / September and on the 29th day of the tenth month just before Losoong - the Sikkimese New Year in December.

New Ralang monastery: also known as the “Palchen Choeling Monastic Institute”, was built by the XIIth Gyaltsab Rimpoche, one of the four regents of the Kagyupa sect and completed in 1995. This is the biggest monastery in Sikkim and its architecture and paintings have been painstakingly undertaken to maintain the authenticity of the Kagyupa monasteries from Tibet. The sacred “Mahakala Dance” is held here every year in November.

Major Buddhist Places in Sikkim

Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre : Located 24 kilometers away from the capital city of Sikkim, Gangtok, the Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre is the largest monastery of Sikkim. The centre, which follows the Kagyu order of the Tibetan Buddhism, also homes some of the world's most rare religious scriptures and other sacred objects.

Do-Drul Chorten : The Do-Drul Chorten(Stupa) is the most sacred object in Sikkim venerated by all the Buddhists. It was constructed in the year 1945 by the Trulshi Rimpoche, the head of the Nyingma order of the Tibetan Mahayana Buddhism. The stupa, located in the campus of the Rumtek monastery, comprises a complete 'mandala' set of Dorjee Phurba(Bajra Kilaya), a set of holy books or the Kan-Gyur relics, mantras or Zung and other sacred items. The Chorten is also surrounded by 10 Mani-Lhakor or prayer wheels and two huge ststues of the Guru Padmasambhava(Guru Rimpoche).

Deer Park : Located in Sikkim, the Deer Park commemorates the first sermon of the Lord Gautam Buddha at the Deer Park in Sarnath. The park, also known as the Rustamjee park(named after one of the Deewans of the Chogyals of Sikkim, Rustamjee who also wrote 'Enchanted Frontiers'), consist of a huge statue of the Lord Buddha with a butter lamp burning in front of it. At the bottom of the statue are compiled a few lines in golden letters by a renowned Buddhist scholar Shantiveda :

"Shower forth, Ye Heavens sweet rains in season due,
That Earth's rich harvest swell in ample stream,
Holdfast, O' king, the path of righteousness,
That world on world may rise to bliss supreme."Established in the late 1950s, the park is a home to Himalayan Bears, Red Pandas and species of Deer.

Khecheopalri Lake : A sacred site, the Khecheopalri lake, hidden in the dense forests of the serene land of Sikkin, is revered by the people of both the sects : Buddhism and Hinduism.

Namgyal Research Institute of Tibetology : A famous centre of learning for the Buddhists, the Namgyal Reasearch Institute of Tibetology presents the largest collection of the books and manuscripts of the Mahayana Buddhism in the world. The institute presents around 30 thousand volumes and translations of the original teachings of the Lord Buddha Buddha along with that of the other Buddhist scholars of the world. Located in Gangtok, the place is also a home to a museum, and numerous crafted thangkas.

Other Major Attractions of Sikkim

Yumthang Valley : Also known as the 'valley of flowers', the beautiful Yumthang valley lies at an altitude of 1180 feet above the sea level in the beautiful land of Sikkim amidst the majestic Himalayas. The picturesque valley is a home to the fast flowing tributary of the Teesta river, numerous hot springs of medicinal value and species of colourful flowers. However, the foreigners are allowed to visit the valley only if they have acquired a permit from the Sikkim Tourism department.

Government Cottage Industries Institute : Located in Sikkim, the Hanloom and Handicraft Centre, which is also known as the Government Cottage Industries Institute, protects and promotes the artisans of Sikkim and their fantastic artistic skills. The institute exhibits and sells different products like handwoven carpets, blankets, shawls, wall paintings, furniture and handloom products.

Orchid Sanctuary : A home to some of the rarest Orchid species in the world, the Orchid sanctuary in Gangtok attracts the tourists with its extensive collection of Orchids. The sanctuary, with its 454 species of Orchid collection, is a boon for the nature lovers.

Changu Lake : The Changu lake, which means 'the source of lake' in Bhutia language, is located 35 kilometers away from Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim. The lake, considered 'sacred' by the locales, is about one kilometer long, 15 meters deep and oval in shape. The Alpine forest, which surrounds the calm lake, shelters animals like Red Panda and Brahminy Ducks, along with other birds, who are an add-on the beauty of the lake mesmerising the visitors. However, the foreigners are not allowed to visit the lake, whereas the Indian tourists need an inner permit to visit this restricted area.

3. Mani Lakhangs: 
These are only temples and not also schools like gompas. Normally situated near villages, these normally have only a few monks ministering to the religious needs of the villagers.

Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre
Distance - 24 km ( from Gangtok ) 
Built in - 1960
Sect -

A short drive from Gangtok through the beautiful countryside one finds themselves in Rumtek Dharma Charma Chakra Centre. It was constructed by His Holiness the late 16th Gyalwa Karmapa in 1960. It is believed that the monastery is an excellent replica of the original Kagyurpa Monastery in Tsurphu, Tibet. The centre houses some of the world's most unique religious scriptures, manuscripts and religious art objects.

A fifteen minute walk downhill from Dharma Chakra Center takes one to the old  Rumtek monastery which was originally built in 1730 by the ninth Karmapa but was destroyed by fire and had to be reconstructed to the present state. His Holiness late Gyalwa Karmapa lived in this monastery till the completion of the Rumtek Dharma Chakra Center. 

The annual dances also called the Tse-Chu Chaams are held on the 10thday of the 5th month of the Tibetan calendar around June. Dances called the Kagyat are also held here on the 28th & 29th day of the tenth month of the lunar calendar.

Pemayangtse Monastery
Distance -  140 km ( from Gangtok ) 
Built in - 17th Century
Sect -

Pemayangtse is situated in Pelling, West Sikkim and commands an impressive view of Mount Khangchendzonga. It was originally a small Lhakhang built by Lhatsun Chempo in the 17th Century.  Later during the rule of the third Chogyal Chakdor Namgyal, Jigme Pawo, Lhatsun Chenpo's third reincarnation extended it and rebuilt the structure. It is perched at a height of 2085 mts and is the second oldest and perhaps the most important monastery in Sikkim. This monastery belongs to the Nyigma order and all other Nyigma order monasteries in Sikkim are subordinate to it. 

The monastery houses numerous religious idols and other objects of worship, most of which are precious because of their antiquity. On the top floor of the monastery there is a wooden sculpture depicting the Maha Gurus Heavenly Palace "Sanghthokpalri". This master piece was completed by the late Dungzin Rimpoche, who took five years to craft it single handed. 

The main festival of the monastery is on the 28th & 29th day of the 12thmonth of the Tibetan calendar, normally corresponding to the month of February. During these two days religious dances are performed and pilgrims come from all over Sikkim to watch them. Dressed in costumes of rare magnificence, the Lamas represent Mahakala and Guru Drag-dmar. The dance ends on the third day with the unfurling of the `Ghyo- ku' - a gigantic embroidered Buddhist scroll as the devotees bend down in homage.

Pemayangtse Monastery and Rabdanste Palace in Ruins:

Around 6 km from Gyalsing town, this monastery originally built as an small temple in the last of 17th century by Latsun Chempo, later during the reign of third Chogyl Chakdor Namgyal, Jigme Pawa, the third reincarnate of Latsun Chempo extended and rebuilt the temple structure into a monastery.

The second oldest monastery, it is situated at a height of 6,840 ft is the head of all others and belonging to the Nyingma-pasect. Presenting a gorgeous view of the mountain ranges, it is now equipped with 50-bed Tourist Lodge catering to travellers who want to visit this ancient and holy place which is an ideal base for those who would like to explore the unspoiled charms of the neighbouring spots and trek to Yuksom and Dzongri.

The main hall has an area of 1500 sq.ft. The monastery houses religious idols and priceless antiques. On the top floor of monastery there is a wooden sculpture portraying the Mahaguri's Heavenly Palace Sangthokpalri. The main festival is on the 28th and 29th day of the 12thmonth of the Tibetan calendar, normally corresponding to the month of February.

Rabdanste, which is couple of kilometers from Gyalshing bazaar and near the Pemayangtse monastery, was the second capital of Sikkim and was established in the late seventeenth century by the second Chogyal of Sikkim. It was abandoned towards the end of the eighteenth century because of the threat posed by the Nepalese and the capital was shifted to Tumlong. The Rabdanste Palace is in ruins and one has to trek about two kilometres from the main road near Pemayangtse monastery through a thick forest to reach it. The chortens around the palace have however withstood the elements of nature. The ruins are now being preserved by the Archaelogical Surnvey of India and have been declared as a monument.

Enchey Monastery 
Distance -  km ( from Gangtok ) 
Built in - 1909 - 1910
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An important seat of the Nyingma order, the Enchey Monastery meaning the Solitary temple, was originally built with the solace that no other construction would be allowed near it is built on the site blessed by Lama Druptob Karpo, a tantric master known for his  flying powers. Lama Drupthob Karpo is supposed to have built a small hermitage at the spot he reached after he flew from Maenam Hill in South Sikkim. Later during the reign of Sidyong Tulku 1909 - 1910 the present monastery was built.

This 200 year old Monastery has in its premises images of god, goddesses and other religious objects. The present monastery was built in the shape of a Chinese Pagoda. The monastery follows the Nyingma Order and has around 90 monks.

The annual ritual is celebrated with 'Chaam' or religious masked dance on the 18th & 19th days of the twelfth month of the lunar calendar around January