Monasteries Of Sikkim

About the Best Monasteries In Sikkim

1. Ralang Monastery

Ralang Monastery is located in the area of Ravangla, Sikkim. This Monastery stands with its own climate giving it a unique form from other monasteries which attract the tourist far across. The composition and the symmetry of the monastery is a major element.

The order of paintings and thangkas reflects the cultural diversity of Buddhism extensively which gives colorful and vibrant images of it.

This monastery is also famous for its Mahakala Dance that takes place every year in the month of November.

Ralang Monastery Timings

8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Ralang Monastery Entry Fee:

Free Entry

Ralang Monastery Festival

Pang Lhabsol

This festival starts on the 15th day of the 7th month of the Buddhist calendar (August-September) and ends on the 29th day of the 10th month of the Buddhist Calendar (December).

Ralang Monastery Address

Ralang New Monastery, Sikkim 737139.

How to Reach Ralang Monastery

Pakyong Airport to Monastery – 85 KM.

Gangtok Bus Station to Monastery – 82 KM.

Gangtok Railway Station to Monastery – 82 KM.

2. Phodong Monastery Sikkim

Phodong Monastery is a Buddhist monastery in Sikkim, India. It was built in the early 18^th century but an older monastery had pre-existed the current one and is one of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim. It is located 28 Km from Gangtok. This is one of the six most important Buddhist Monasteries in Sikkim.

Phodong Monastery lies at an altitude of 4500 Ft. This monastery is rated as one of the most beautiful monasteries of the State. At present, it houses around 260 monks who live in the surrounding area and perform rituals and payers as part of their daily routine.

Phodong Monastery Timings:

8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Phodong Monastery Entry Fee:

Free Entry.

Photography

Allowed

Festivals:

Chaam Dance

Time To Be Spent:

1-2 Hours.

Dress Code:

No Strict dress code is followed.

Phodong Monastery Address:

Phodong Monastery, Sikkim 737119.

How to Reach Phodong Monastery:

Gangtok Bus Station to Monastery – 39KM.

Gangtok Railway Station to Monastery – 39KM.

Pakyong Airport to Monastery – 66KM.

3. Sanga Choeling Monastery

Sanga Choeling Monastery means the place of secret, was built in 1697 CE by Lama Lhatsun Chempo. The monastery is only houses for male monks and belongs to the Nyingma sector. In ancient times, secret mantras were taught here. Entry into the inner sanctum of the monastery is strictly restricted to the Bhutia and Lepcha communities. This is built in the Tibetan style of architecture, the monastery is in the form of holy relics. An old crematorium is also located near this Monastery, which has seen use for the last three centuries.

This monastery provides a beautiful view of the great Himalayan Ranges and Pemayangtse Monastery. Access by walking the steep hilly track of 1.5KM, which traverses through rich forest cover. Although this monastery is open only to the Bhutia and Lepcha communities, one can still admire its beautiful architecture from outside.

Timing: 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Entry Fee: Free

Time to be spent: 1 – 2 Hours

Dress Code: No Strict dress code to be followed.

Address: Sanghak Choeling Monastery, Sikkim 737113

How to Reach:

Pakyong Airport to Monastery – 110 KM

Gangtok Railway station to Monastery – 132 KM

Gangtok Bus Station to Monastery – 132 KM.

4. Ranka Monastery Sikkim

Ranka Monastery is also known as Lingdum Monastery. This is built in 1999, and an hour journey from Gangtok. It is a Buddhist Monastery near Ranka in Sikkim. It’s a training center for young lamas with a serene but somber ambiance. This situated at an altitude of 1300m.

The monastery is located in the outskirts of the city of Gangtok and is spread over a large block of land giving ample space for the sculptors & engineers to build a grand two storey establishment. It is not as old and historically important as the Rumtek monastery of Gangtok, still, it is one of the best sightseeing spots around Gangtok.

The Ranka Monastery is a much disciplined and devotionally established. There are classrooms, balconies and living quarters in the building and the long & broad courtyard for educational and devotional purposes. The holy chamber of the monastery is made of wooden floors and walls that houses the statue of Buddha.

Ranka Monastery Timings: 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Time To Be Spent: 1 – 2 Hours.

Entry Fee: Free Entry

Address: Ranka Monastery, Gangtok, Sikkim 737135.

How to Reach Ranka Monastery:

Pakyong Airport to Ranka Monastery – 31 KM.

Gangtok Bus Stand to Monastery – 16 KM.

Gangtok Railway Station to Monastery – 16 KM.