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Monasteries of Sikkim

¤ Rumtek Gompa

23km from Gangtok lies a picturesque hill in a beautiful low valley, with quite a history. Back in the 1950’s when the Chinese invaded Tibet, His Holiness, the Gyalwa Karmapa – the 16^th Karmapa and head of the Kagyu-pa (Black Hat) order of Buddhism, came to live in Sikkim. In the 1960’s, he constructed the three-storeyed Rumtek Gompa on this hill, in the image of his monastery in Tibet. It remains the biggest monastery in Sikkim, and is a fine example of Tibetan architecture. The millennium started with quite a bang for the Tibetan’s, the latest Karmapa also fled Tibet in the year 2000, and now resides in the Rumtek Gompa. The large prayer-hall in the monastery is especially noteworthy for its exquisite murals, statues and tangkhas (painted or embroidered scrolls). The living quarters of the Karmapa are on the first floor.


¤ Phodang Gompa

Resting above the pretty Phodang Village, the Phodang Gompa is situated at a distance of 40km from Gangtok. This early 18^th century edifice has been rebuilt in recent years. The monastery belongs to the same order of Buddhism as the Rumtek Gompa, and was the most important monastery of the order before Rumtek came up. Though the monastery is much smaller and less ornate than its better-known counterpart, the Phodang Gompa is a place of unmatched tranquillity. The monks are an amiable lot and are happy to show you around the monastery.

Not many travellers visit the Phodang Monastery, and that is quite a pity, as this is an ideal place to get a whiff of the remote timeless Sikkim that escapes some tourists completely. The panoramic view from the monastery could be classified as spellbinding. A community of nuns who also follow the Kagyu-pa (Black Hat) order of Buddhism live just opposite the monastery.


¤ Labrang Gompa

2km further uphill lies the Labrang Gompa, which belongs to the Nyingmapa (Red Hat) Order of Buddhism. The monastery was built about a 100 years after the Phodang Gompa. From the monastery one can see the ruins of the third capital of Sikkim –Tumlong, which became the capital in the early 19^th century and remained so for about 90 years. Only the chortens (a dome-shaped structure that contains the relics of the Buddha or other Buddhist saints) that surround the palace are still somewhat recognisable.


¤ Pemayanste Gompa

The most powerful monastery of the Nyingmapa Order of Buddhism in Sikkim is the Pemayanste Gompa, also considered by many as the premier house of faith in Sikkim. Situated at a height of 6,841ft and at a distance of 112km from Gangtok, the gompa offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.
Founded in 1705, Pemayanste, or ‘the Perfect Sublime Lotus’ is also one of the oldest monasteries in the state, and has been reconstructed several times. The gompa is a three-storeyed structure decorated with some beautiful murals and sculptures. The religious festivals and dances (or chaam) take place in the month of February. So don’t let the event go by if you happen to be around.


¤ Tashiding Gompa

If you carry on further from Pemayanste, you come to the charming little town of Tashiding. In the past few years, the town has become a favourite hub with travellers, and spending a few days in the laid-back Tashiding is not a bad idea at all. A good walk away from the town lies the Tashiding Gompa, believed to be amongst the most sacred monasteries in Sikkim. Founded in 1717, the gompa crowns the top of a hill that is sandwiched between the Rathong and the Rangeet Rivers. Perhaps its awesome location has something to do with the local belief, according to which the mere sight of the Tashiding Gompa cleanses one of all sins.

The pretty structure with its many colourful flags fluttering in the wind seems straight out of a picture postcard. The monastery’s vivid Bumchu Festival, takes place every year in the month of March.


¤ Sanga Choelling Gompa

If you are in Pelling, in West Sikkim, you could visit the Sanga Choelling Gompa, which is 3km from the town and believed to be the oldest monastery in Sikkim. The uphill stretch from the town to the monastery is a lovely experience in itself, as the steep path passes through a beautiful forested area. The gompa contains some noteworthy murals.