On the auspicious day of Buddha Purnima 2024, I wanted to share a list of monasteries in Gangtok that you can visit on your trip to Sikkim. The capital city has notable specimens that take us a little closer to Buddhist culture, and their monasteries serve most.
From young children playing at the Dharma Chakra Centre at Rumtek to a small puppy leading me towards Ranka Monastery, the experience was an absolute bliss. The constant change of backdrop, especially outside of Enchey and Gonjang monasteries, made the trip more thrilling.
Monasteries in Gangtok
Depending on your time in Gangtok, you can explore as many monasteries as possible. I was here for two days and spent one day exploring Rumtek and another day exploring Gangtok monasteries. I could cover only four, but I am going to add details about three more so you can choose which ones to visit:
Rumtek Monastery
Located one hour away from Gangtok is Rumtek Monastery, which attracts visitors from all over, especially during the Losar festival. I also came here to experience Losar, but I landed on the day of the festival and the celebrations here happen two days prior. I wish someone had put this up on the internet before me to go at the right time!
Visiting the monastery was worthwhile as Rumtek is on a hilltop and requires a 1 km trek. While the trek got me slightly breathless, it was more because of my lack of fitness than the complexity of the route. Vehicles are prohibited so trekking up is the only way to go.
It was built in the 16th century by the 9th Karmapa Lama. A lot of Buddhist monks live, study, and grow up at the Dharma Chakra Centre. I greeted many of them while they were playing football and Pokemon cards.
Ranka Monastery
Ranka Monastery has ample car parking space and doesn’t need you to trek up. While it does have lots of stairs, there is a big courtyard that welcomes you before you walk up to the monastery.
It is a reasonably new monastery established in 1999 and follows the Zurmang Kagyud lineage of Buddhism. It is located in Rumtek and around 20 km away from Gangtok.
Ranka is one of the most beautiful monasteries in Gangtok and has attracted many filmmakers. With forests in the backdrop, this picturesque place will let you click the most Instagram-worthy shots.
Enchey Monastery
Before entering Enchey monastery in Gangtok, you will be mesmerized by the view. This monastery was built 200 years ago and homes one of the largest Buddhist prayer wheels.
The monastery follows the Nyingma order of Vajrayana Buddhism. The holy land where the monastery was established was blessed by Lama Drupthob Karpo. He is known to have had the power to fly and came to that spot by flying from Maenam Hill in South Sikkim. The mystical place also has a shrine dedicated to him within the premises.
Gonjang Monastery
It was raining, and the fog was everything we could see from the 1,848 meter elevation viewpoint. It was my second last place of visit during the 2 day Gangtok Sikkim tour via a local guide.
The place is close to the Tashi Viewpoint, and most taxi drivers will bring you here after you’ve experienced the views from Hanuman Tok and Ganesh Tok.
Gojang Monastery has one of the tallest Buddha statues. We could only catch a glimpse because it was closed as we reached post 5pm. Most monasteries in Sikkim is open between 7 am and 5 pm.
Built-in the 15th century, this monastery follows the Nyingmapa school of Buddhism. Gonjang has large Buddhist prayer flags that add to the beauty of the premises.
Phodong Monastery
The Phodong Monastery is located 39 km away from Gangtok. If you want to explore secluded towns in Sikkim, add this beautiful place to your itinerary.
Many people stop by while traveling to Mangan. If you do so too, the monastery is worth adding to your list. If you spend a day at Phodong, you can also visit Labrang Monastery and Tumlong Palace Ruins as well.
Phodong is considered one of the six primary monasteries in Sikkim. It follows the Karma Kagyu sect established by Chogyal Gyurmed Namgyal in 1740. The best time to visit Phodong Monastery is during the annual Thanksgiving festival. The locals get together to celebrate the harvest during the onset of winters.
Dodrupchen Monastery
Dodrupchen Monastery houses one of the largest chortens, making it quite a highlight. It is located 2.5 km away from the city center.
The monastery was built by the second Dodrupchen in 1862. The scenic beauty welcomes you with greenery all around, so nature lovers never miss this place. Dodrupchen Rinchope passed in 2022 at the age of 95. He spent several years of his life in this monastery and used to personally bless devotees during their visits.
Tsuk La Khang Monastery
While I am super bummed that I didn’t visit this place, the pictures prove that it is one of the most beautiful monasteries in Gangtok. Located 2.5 km from the city center, this palace monastery is quite sought-after by tourists.
The monastery dates back to 1898 AD and was built during the rule of 9th King Thutob Namgyal. The royal chapel was primarily used by the erstwhile Sikkim royals. This is also where weddings, coronations, and other familial rituals were hosted.
Your local guide might miss out on taking you to this place. Since you’ve read this, you know what to add to your Sikkim itinerary!
How to visit Monasteries in Gangtok?
If you take a day to visit all the monasteries in Gangtok, you will be able to cover the following places:
- Enchey Monastery
- Gonjang Monastery
- Dodrupchen Monastery
- Tsuk La Khang Monastery
These four are located near the city center. Rumtek and Ranka monasteries are in Rumtek, and Phodong Monastery is in Phodong, so they are comparatively far from Gangtok.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which is the largest monastery in Gangtok?
Rumtek Monastery is the largest monastery in Gangtok. The Dharma Chakra center is a part of Rumtek Monastery and is dedicated to educating young monks.
2. What are the two famous monasteries of Sikkim?
Rumtek Monastery and Pemayangtse Monastery near Gyalshing city are two prominent monasteries in Sikkim.
3. Which monastery is known as the Heart of Sikkim?
Tashiding Monastery is located in the heart of Sikkim. It is four hours away from Gangtok city and nestled in Gyalshing district in West Sikkim.
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