Places of Interest

It is to be noted that on this crested land i.e. Sikkim there are 67 monasteries oldest being the Dhubdi Monastery or The hermits cell. Some important & well-known monasteries of Sikkim are-

This monastery was originally built as a small temple in last 17th century by Latsun Chempo. It was later rebuilt & this temple was restructured into a monastery. This monastery is around 6 km from Gyalsing town.

Rabdanste was the second capital of Sikkim and was established in the 17th century by the "Chogyal" of Sikkim. The Rabdanste Palace is in ruins and one has to trek about 2 km from main road near Pemayangtse monastery through a thick forest to reach it.

This majestic monastery lies in the very heart of Sikkim. Tashiding is the holiest of holy hills of Sikkim. It is an important place of pilgrimage of the Buddhist world. This monastery was built in 1717 by Nagadak Sempa Chempo during the region of the third "Chogyal" Chakdor Namgyal . The festival of Bumchu is performed here.

This monastery is located about 40 km from Gangtok on the Northern Sikkim highway. The main annual Puja is performed on the 28th and 29th day of the 10th month of Tibetan calendar, when the religious cheaams or dances are also performed.

A short walk of another 1km uphill from Phodong monastery leads to the Labrang monastery, just between Labrang and Phodong monastery is the third capital of Sikkim i.e. Tumlong.

Rumtek is the seat of the Karmapa Lama who heads the Kagyupa sect of Buddhism. It is about 22km drive from the countryside. It was built in 1717. The present monastery was constructed by His Holiness Gyalwa Karmapa in 1960’s & his monastery is the largest in Sikkim.

The famous Phang Labsol & Lossang festivals are celebrated in the ground adjacent to this monastery which is located in the palace premises near the Ridge of Gangtok.

The oldest monastery of Sikkim was built in 1697. Sanga Cheoling means, "The island of esoteric Teaching". It is 7 km from Pemayangste & is an important centre of learning.

It was built in 1700. Dubdi means " The Retreat". It is near Yoksum on a hill top.

Melli mean "A lepcha village". It is located near Yoksum.

It was built in 1716. Sinon means " The Suppressor of intense Fear". & is located 10 km from Tashinding. It is perched on a hill top which enhances its popularity.

Dalling means "Thunder bolt". It is located near Kewzing in South Sikkim & was built in 1840.

This monastery was built in 1840 and is located at Yangyang. It is 10 km from Rabongla. Here Yangyang means " The Ridge of Fortune".

This monastery was constructed during the reign of Chogya Gurmed Namgyal at Namchi.