Monasteries of Sikkim

Sikkim is a tiny yet beautiful state in the north east of India which houses near about 200 monasteries or Gompas belonging to the Nyingma and Kagyu order. These landmarks have not only been influencing the cultural heritage and lifestyle of the people, but also demonstrate the ancient rituals in practice. The Gompas are adorned with life-like frescoes of hoary Buddhist legends, rare silk and brocade Thangkas. In these monasteries are preserved the ancient Tibetan manuscripts, exquisitely carved wood work and icons of silver and gold. 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 Monasteries:

1. Pemayangtse Monastery
   Pemayangtse Monastery is situated in West Sikkim at Gyalshing 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.
2. Rumtek Monastery
   Rumtek Dharma Chakra centre was built in 1960'S by his holiness the late 16th Gyalwa Karmapa when he took refuge in Sikkim after the Chinese attack. It houses some of the world’s most unique art objects, ancient manuscripts and icons.
3. Enchey Monastery
   This monastery is situated in Gangtok on a hill top. It was built during the reign of Thutob Namgyal. The Enchey Monastery is built on the site blessed by Lama Druptob Karpoa tantric master known for his power of flying. This monastery in North Sikkim was built in 1721 during the time of Jigme Pawo.
4. 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.
5. 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
6. Tashiding Monastery
   This is another Important Monastery belonging to the Nyingmapa order and is about 40 Kms. from Gyalshing by road via Legship. It lies nestled on the top of a hill that looms up between the Rathong River and the Rangit River
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. Khechopari Monasterey
   This monastery is located just above the famous near Yukusm.
10. Melli Monastery
    Melli basically means 'a lepcha village'. This monastery is also located near Yuksum
11. Sinon Monastery
    Sinon monastery was built in 1716 and is located about 10 kms. from Tashiding on a hill top.
12. Dalling Monastery
    Dalling monastery was built in 1840 and is situated near Kwezing.
13. Yangyang Monastery
    Yangyang monastery was built in 1840 and is situated at a place called Yangyang, 10 kms downhill from Rabongla.
14. Namchi monastery
    This monastery is located in Namchi, the district headquarters of south district and was constructed during the reign of Chogyal Gurmed Namgyal.
15. Kwezing Monastery
    This monastery is located near Kwezing in South Sikkim. It was built during the reign of Chogyal Thutob Namgyal.
16. Simik Monastery
    This monastery is situated in near Singtam town. It was built during the reign of Chogyal Tsudphud Namgyal.
17. Hee Gyathang Monastery
    This monastery is located in and follows the Nyingma sect of Buddhism.
18. Lingtem Monastery
    This monastery is located in the Zongu area of North Sikkim. CHAWANG
19. 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.
20. Rhenock Monastery
    This monastery is located in bout 63 kms. from Gangtok
21. 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
22. Bermoik Monastery
    This monastery was constructed in 1952 and follows the Nyingma sect of Buddhism. It is situated in South Sikkim above Singtam
23. Lachen Monastery
    This monastery in North Sikkim was built in 1806 and follows the Nyingma sec of Buddhism
24. Lachung Monastery
    This monastery in North Sikkim was built in Sikkim 1880 and also follows the Nyingma sect of Buddhism
25. Sang Monastery
    This monastery is situated near Rumtek and was built in 1912
26. Ralong Monastery
    This monastery is situated near Rabongla in South Sikkim

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