Sikkim’s mountains and lush valleys are home to a rich spiritual heritage. As travel enthusiasts, you will be enchanted by the state’s monasteries in Sikkim, each a blend of history, architecture and serenity. These Sikkim religious places are predominantly Tibetan Buddhist in style, reflecting centuries-old traditions. From the age-old Dubdi Monastery to the royal Tsuklakhang Palace, each site offers unforgettable views and cultural experiences.
The Buddhist monasteries Sikkim boasts are often perched on high ridges or hidden in forests, providing tranquility away from modern bustle. Inside their prayer halls you will find intricate murals, gilded stupas and rows of prayer wheels. Many offer sweeping vistas of snow-capped peaks and prayer flags fluttering in the wind.
In this article, we explore Sikkim’s 10 most beautiful monasteries, sharing their stories and tips to make the most of your visit.
Top 10 Most Beautiful Monasteries in Sikkim
Dubdi Monastery
Dubdi (meaning “Hermit’s Cell”) is Sikkim’s oldest monastery, founded in 1701 by the saint Lhatsun Namkha Jigme. This two-story Tibetan Buddhist temple perches at about 2,100m above Yuksom, surrounded by rhododendron forests. History buffs will appreciate that Dubdi is tied to the coronation of Sikkim’s first Chogyal (king).
Inside, the prayer hall is elaborately decorated: its walls are painted with mandalas and murals, and a gilded stupa (dome) sits on the roof. A gentle climb of a few hundred steps brings you to the monastery’s golden dome, from where you can admire sweeping Himalayan vistas.
The trek to Dubdi itself is a highlight, winding through verdant hills and (on clear days) offering views of Mt. Kangchenjunga in the distance.
- Special attractions at Dubdi Monastery: Kartok Monastery and Tashiding Monastery, Norbugang Chorten, Tashi Tenka, and the stunning Khangchendzonga National Park located nearby.
- How to reach Dubdi Monastery? The monastery is 3 km from Yuksom, which is well-connected by shared jeeps or government buses from Geyzing or Pelling. These towns are around two hours away.
Enchey Monastery
Perched on a hill above Gangtok, Enchey Monastery dates from the 1840s and is one of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim. It was rebuilt around 1909 in a Chinese-style pagoda form, and today its prayer hall is a riot of color. Don’t miss the vibrant murals covering the walls – they depict deities and tantric images of the four guardian kings. Early morning sunlight makes the golden roof gleam over Gangtok’s valley.
Enchey (meaning “Solitary Temple”) has 90 resident monks and a calm atmosphere that draws pilgrims. Every January the monastery comes alive with the masked “Chaam” dance festival, a two-day tantric dance ritual that locals celebrate with music and prayer.
Only about 3 km from the city center, Enchey is easy to reach by taxi or even a scenic walk. Plan to arrive at dawn or dusk to see its silhouette framed against the Himalayas.
- Special attractions at Enchey Monastery: Chaam dance, a masked religious performance held during the lunar month celebrations.
- How to reach Enchey Monastery? It is just a 10-minute taxi ride from Gangtok city.
Kartok Monastery
Nestled in Yuksom (Sikkim’s old capital), Kartok Monastery – also called Kathok Gonpa – is a 17th-century Nyingma monastery founded by Lama Lhatsun Chempo. Its white, red and gold buildings are photogenic, set against lush green hills. Visitors praise Kartok’s serene ambiance and decorative art – walls painted with Buddhist images and wooden carvings.
A walk around Kartok reveals a unique atmosphere: monks in red robes chanting, prayer wheels spinning, and local villagers scattering grain for wildlife as part of ritual tradition. The site is relatively quiet compared to bigger temples, making it ideal for contemplation. Be sure to explore the small nearby Kartok Lake for reflections of the monastery in the water.
With its historic roots and forested backdrop, Kartok is a picturesque example of Buddhist monasteries Sikkim that blends nature and spirituality.
- Special attractions at Kartok Monastery: Kartok Lake, scenic natural beauty, and fossil remains found near the lake.
- How to reach Kartok Monastery? You can easily get to Yuksom, the monastery’s base, from Pelling or Geyzing by road.
Lingdum Monastery (Ranka Gompa)
Often called Ranka Monastery, Lingdum Gompa (completed in 1999) belongs to the Zurmang Kagyu tradition and is about an hour’s drive from Gangtok. Unlike the older temples, Lingdum has a modern feel: broad courtyards, white walls and vibrant mural interiors. It’s spread over a gentle hillside amid pine forests and prayer wheels, offering panoramic valley views.
In clear weather you can enjoy brilliant sunsets shining on the monastery’s golden Buddha statue and colorful prayer flags. Lingdum’s impressive main hall is decorated with Mahayana Buddhist deities and intricate paintings.
For a contemplative half-day trip, Lingdum’s mix of Tibetan architecture and alpine scenery makes it one of the most charming monasteries in Sikkim.
- Special attractions at Lingdum Monastery: It includes beautifully carved prayer wheels near the parking area, the vibrant masked Losar dance, Banjhakri Waterfall, and the nearby Rumtek Monastery.
- How to reach Lingdum Monastery? The site is easily accessible by private vehicle from Gangtok.
Pemayangtse Monastery
Built on a ridge near Pelling, the Pemayangtse Monastery (meaning “Perfect Sublime Lotus”) is considered the second-oldest monastery in Sikkim after Dubdi. Its origins go back to the mid-1600s as a small shrine, later expanded into a three-story gompa by King Chhogyal Chagdor Namgyal in 1705. Perched at 2,150m, Pemayangtse enjoys sweeping views of the Kanchenjunga range on clear days.
Inside the three-tiered chapel you’ll find a spectacular display of Buddhist art – walls covered in murals, gilded doors, and dozens of ancient statues of saints and tantric deities. The main assembly hall houses idols of Padmasambhava, Guru Rinpoche and other important figures. Because of its royal patronage and Mindrolling lineage, Pemayangtse remains a vital hub of Nyingma Buddhism.
The atmosphere is solemn yet welcoming, with monks chanting prayers in the cool mountain air. For history and architecture buffs, exploring its ornate chapels and corridors reveals centuries of artistry – just be sure to move quietly in respect of this Buddhist monastery Sikkim treasure.
- Special attractions at Pemayangtse Monastery: Ancient manuscripts and detailed wooden interiors.
- How to reach Pemayangtse Monastery? You can take a direct bus or taxi from Gangtok, which is about 110 km away. From Pelling, the monastery is just 2 km and can be reached on foot.
Phodong Monastery
Travel 28–38 km north of Gangtok and you will reach Phodong Monastery, a graceful Karma Kagyu gompa founded in the early 18th century. King Gyurmed Namgyal (the fourth Chogyal) founded Phodong in 1740 and later invited the 9th Karmapa to oversee it. Phodong has since been rebuilt and is now home to about 260 monks. Its location (around 4,500 ft altitude) yields breathtaking views of surrounding valleys and snow ranges.
Inside, the walls of the prayer hall are lined with vibrant frescoes, thangkas and images of Buddhas. Visitors note the calm, meditative vibe here; monks practice daily rituals in the morning light.
Phodong also holds an annual Cham dance festival (in the 10th Tibetan month) that enlivens the monastery grounds. Tucked into North Sikkim’s hills, this gem combines historical significance with a serene environment, making it a rewarding stop on any spiritual itinerary.
- Special attractions at Phodong Monastery: Its 260-year-old monastic legacy, Labrang Monastery, and the nearby site of Tumlong.
- How to reach Phodong Monastery? The closest airport is Bagdogra, 164 km away. The nearest rail stations are Siliguri (150 km) and New Jalpaiguri (157 km), both well-connected to major cities.
Ralang Monastery
Just south of Ravangla, Ralang (or Palchen Choling) Monastery sits in the southern hills of Sikkim. Established in 1768 by the 12th Gyaltsab Rinpoche, this Karma Kagyu temple is known for its stunning art. The main gompa’s halls are covered in bright murals and hand-embroidered Thangka paintings depicting Buddhist teachings. Pilgrims visit Ralang during the Pang Lhabsol festival (around September) when locals worship Mt. Kangchenjunga with masked dances and prayers.
The monastery complex includes an older adjacent chapel (Karma Rabtenling), but the newer Ralang Gompa is noted for its Tibetan-style stacked roofs and ornamented doorways. Surrounded by evergreen forests and rice terraces, the view from Ralang is especially beautiful at sunrise.
Many travelers describe Ralang as a peaceful place to experience monasteries in Sikkim far from the crowds. It’s a spiritual highlight of south Sikkim, with panoramic mountain vistas and a deep sense of tradition embodied in its art and daily rituals.
- Special attractions at Ralong Monastery: Temple paintings, the nearby Kewzing Monastery, Tumlong, and the Mangbrue Gompa & Viewpoint.
- How to reach Ralong Monastery? The closest airport is Bagdogra (132 km) and the nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri (127 km). Taxis from Bagdogra and Siliguri are available to Ravangla and Namchi.
Rumtek Monastery
The imposing Rumtek Monastery (aka Dharma Chakra Centre) is arguably Sikkim’s most famous Buddhist site. Originally built in the 1700s, Rumtek was reconstructed by the 16th Karmapa in the 1960s as his seat-in-exile. It sprawls across 30 acres of forested hillside, about 24 km from Gangtok. Rumtek Monastery is the largest monastery in Sikkim, serving as the heart of the Kagyu lineage and containing relics of the 16th Karmapa in its golden stupa.
Visitors are struck by its grandeur: there’s a vast prayer hall, rows of prayer wheels, landscaped gardens and a library of ancient texts. The architecture combines traditional Tibetan ornamentation with large assembly spaces. You may see monks in maroon robes performing pujas or spinning the giant prayer wheel on the grounds.
Rumtek Monastery’s environment is quiet and meditative, perfect for those seeking the full monastery experience. From its hilltop vantage you can gaze across the valley as the sun sets.
- Special attractions at Rumtek Monastery: Botanical Garden and spiritual ambiance.
- How to reach Rumtek Monastery? Private taxis and shared vehicles are readily available from Gangtok. Buses also operate regularly from the city to the monastery.
Tashiding Monastery
Tashiding Monastery, meaning “Devoted Central Glory,” is often called the holiest site in Sikkim. It perches at 1,465m on a hill between the Rangit and Rathong rivers, with a stunning backdrop of Kanchenjunga peaks. Founded in 1641 by the sage Ngadak Sempa Chempo (one of the monks at Sikkim’s first king’s coronation), Tashiding carries deep mythic significance. Legend tells that a divine light and even a shot arrow from Guru Padmasambhava marked its sacred spot.
The temple itself is painted bright white with red-gilded roofs and adorned with fluttering prayer flags and stupas, giving it a fairytale look. Inside, you’ll find 41 “Chortens of Enlightenment” – stone shrines said to hold the relics of Sikkim’s ancient kings and lamas. The most famous, Thong-Wa-Rang-Dol, is said to cleanse a sinner who merely glimpses it. Tashiding’s remoteness (3 km uphill trek from nearby villages) adds to its mystique.
If you visit in spring, you might witness the lively Bhumchu festival: a sacred water ceremony in early Tibetan New Year that draws pilgrims from across the region. This Nyingma monastery offers a unique blend of legend, ritual and mountain beauty.
- Special attractions at Tashiding Monastery: Historic inscription slab outside the site, along with proximity to Ravangla and Yuksom.
- How to reach Tashiding Monastery? It is around 40 km from Gyalshing and 30 km from Ravangla. Private taxis are available from these towns.
Tsuklakhang Palace
In Gangtok’s center stands the Tsuklakhang Palace (Royal Chapel and Monastery), established around 1898 as the main temple of the Sikkimese monarchy. Often simply called the Royal Chapel, this four-story, white-washed Tibetan Buddhist temple once hosted coronations and royal ceremonies. Today its ornate assembly hall (dukhang) still holds large altars with statues of Buddha, Bodhisattvas and tantric deities, and a vast library of Buddhist scriptures.
The walls and ceilings are decorated in traditional Tibetan style, with vivid murals painted by artists sent from Lhasa. During festivals like Pang Lhabsol (honoring Kanchenjunga) and Kagyad, priests perform rituals here and locals gather to pray. From the rooftop of Tsuklakhang you have a bird’s-eye view of Gangtok town.
For a taste of Sikkimese history and living culture, a visit to this royal monastery is a must because it gives you the experience of the blend of Himalayan royal tradition and spiritual life that defines Sikkim religious places.
- Special attractions at Tsuklakhang Monastery: Tibetan architectural style, and festivals like Losar and Pang Lhabsol celebrated in honour of Mount Khangchendzonga.
- How to reach Tsuklakhang Monastery? It can be easily accessed by private vehicle from Gangtok. The nearest major railway station, New Jalpaiguri (NJP), is about 148 km from Gangtok.
Local Travel Tips While Visiting Sikkim’s Monasteries
Visiting monasteries in Sikkim is a soulful experience, but thoughtful planning makes it smoother and more respectful. Here are some essential travel tips to help you enjoy the journey fully:
- All visitors need an Inner Line Permit for Sikkim; carry it along with your ID.
- Spend a day in Gangtok to acclimatize before visiting high-altitude monasteries.
- Pack warm layers like woolens and rain jackets, as nights get cold.
- Dress modestly in monasteries and remove shoes before entering temple areas.
- Always ask permission before taking photos of monks or prayer halls.
- Visit during spring (March–May) or autumn (September–November) for clear views and good trekking.
- Monasteries usually open by 8 AM and close in the late afternoon.
- Plan around festivals like Cham dances for a rich cultural experience.
- Hire local guides or drivers for remote monasteries, as GPS may be unreliable.
- Shared jeeps run between towns, but private cabs are better for far locations.
- Stay in local homestays in Gangtok, Pelling, or Ravangla.
- Try traditional food like thukpa and carry snacks and water.
- Stay hydrated, rest if needed, and respect the peaceful vibe of each monastery.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Which are the must-visit monasteries in Sikkim for first-time travelers?
First-time travelers should visit Rumtek Monastery, Pemayangtse, Tashiding, Enchey, and Lingdum Monastery. These sites offer stunning architecture, serene surroundings, and deep cultural significance, making them perfect introductions to monasteries in Sikkim.
What is the best time to explore Buddhist monasteries in Sikkim?
The best time to visit is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is pleasant and skies are clear, ideal for exploring scenic Buddhist monasteries Sikkim is famous for.
Are permits required to visit these monasteries in Sikkim?
Yes, Indian and foreign travelers need an Inner Line Permit to enter Sikkim. It’s easy to obtain online or in person. Always carry your permit and identification when visiting these Sikkim religious places.
Is it okay to take photos inside monasteries in Sikkim?
Photography rules vary. While exteriors are usually fine, many monasteries in Sikkim restrict indoor photography. Always ask a monk or sign for permission. Never take flash photos during prayer or rituals out of respect.
Can I explore these monasteries without a guide or tour package?
Yes, but some monasteries are remote and hard to reach. Booking a curated trip like the JustWravel Sikkim Tour Package helps with logistics, permits, and makes exploring stress-free.
By visiting these serene sites, you will not only see some of the most monasteries in Sikkim but also feel the depth of Sikkim’s Buddhist heritage. Each monastery offers a different perspective, from the ancient origins of Dubdi to the royal chamber of Tsuklakhang. With proper planning, this spiritual road trip can be a highlight of your travels.
Experience the peaceful chants, vibrant thangkas and Himalayan vistas, and let Sikkim’s holy places leave a lasting impression on your journey. Safe travels!
Planning a visit to these spiritual sites can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. To make your journey seamless and stress-free, consider booking the JustWravel Sikkim Tour Package. This all-inclusive itinerary covers Gangtok, North Sikkim (Lachen, Lachung) and Pelling, connecting you to many of the monasteries in Sikkim.
