Best Monasteries in Sikkim: Complete Guide to Ancient Buddhist Heritage (2025)

Located in the Eastern Himalayas, Sikkim is one of the most beautiful north-eastern states of India. The Buddhist monasteries in Sikkim represent tales of spiritual devotion, artistic perfection and cultural preservation and form a bridge between ancient traditions of Tibetan Buddhism and modern India. Whether it is the golden-crowned rooftops of Rumtek or the prayer flags waving in Tashiding, monasteries in Sikkim present an opportunity to encounter the living Buddhist heritage.

Highlights

• Over 200 monasteries dot Sikkim’s landscape, with the top 5 offering unique architectural styles and spiritual experiences
• The best visiting months are October to May, when the weather is pleasant and major festivals like Losar and Saga Dawa bring monasteries alive.
• Entry is typically free at most monasteries, but donations are welcome; dress modestly and follow photography guidelines.
• Rumtek Monastery stands as the largest and most significant, housing rare Tibetan Buddhist art found nowhere else in the world.
• Each monastery requires 1-2 hours for a complete visit, making a full monastery circuit ideal for a 2-3 day cultural tour.

Checkout: Indian Tourism

Best Monasteries to visit in Sikkim

• Rumtek Monastery
• Enchey Monastery
• Phodong Monastery
• Ralang Monastery
• Tashiding Monastery

Rumtek Monastery: The Crown Jewel

The amazing sight of Rumtek Monastery

The Rumtek Monastery is one of the famous and largest monasteries in Sikkim, which exemplifies the best of Tibetan architecture. The monastery houses an extraordinary collection of Buddhist religious art, and the beautiful greenery surrounding the monastery offers spiritual solace.

• Location: 23 km from Gangtok
• Founded: 1740s (current structure rebuilt in 1960s)
• Highlight: Home to the world’s only complete set of Kangyur texts printed on handmade paper.

Enchey Monastery: The Solitary Temple

A view of Enchey Monastery, Sikkim

Enchey Monastery, whose name translates to “The Solitary Temple”, holds the title of being one of the ancient monasteries in Sikkim. This iconic monastery is 200 years old, but its structure remains remarkably well-preserved, maintaining its original architectural integrity.

• Location: 3 km from Gangtok centre
• Founded: 1840

Highlight: The annual Cham dance festival, which usually takes place in December and January.

Phodong Monastery: Mountain Views and Murals

Phodong Monastery makes it into the list of one of the major Tibetan monasteries in Sikkim and is home to almost 260 monks of the Kagyu lineage. The monastery is located at an altitude of 4,500 feet with a mesmerising scenic view of the surrounding mountain ranges, which makes it an ideal place to meditate and find spiritual comfort.

• Location: 38 km from Gangtok
• Founded: Early 18th century by King Gyurmed Namgyal

Highlight: The morning prayer sessions (5:30-7:00 AM) offer a chance to experience authentic monastic life.

Ralang Monastery: Festival Central

A view of the Ralang Monastery, Sikkim

Ralang Monastery ranks among the biggest monasteries of Sikkim and serves as the venue for one of the state’s most important festivals, the annual Pang Lhabsol festival. The monastery has been a home to an extensive collection of Buddhist paintings and artwork that chronicle the development of Himalayan Buddhist art over centuries.

• Location: 13 km from Ravangla
• Founded: 1768
• Highlight: Annual Pang Lhabsol festival

Tashiding Monastery: The Sacred Cleansing

Tashiding Monastery is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Sikkim. It sits at the confluence of two sacred rivers, the Rangit and Rathong. The local tradition considers that a visit to this monastery cleans all sins and negative karma.

• Location: Between the Rangit and the Rathong rivers
• Founded: 1717
• Highlights: Bhumchu sacred water ceremony

Planning Your Sikkim Monastery Tour

When to Visit

• Best months: December to March, enjoy the most cultural activities with great festivals such as Losar (Tibetan New Year) and Cham dance festivals.
• Festival seasons: December through March see the most cultural activities, with major celebrations like Losar (Tibetan New Year) and various Cham dance festivals.

Transportation and Accessibility

• Most of the major monasteries are accessible via road through Gangtok.
• You can use a local taxi driver who knows the roads in the mountains or participate in organised tours visiting the monasteries, where they usually provide transport and cultural explanations.

Cultural Etiquette and Photography Guidelines

Visiting Buddhist monasteries requires respect for local customs and religious practices:

Dress code:

• Keep knees and shoulders covered
• Before entering the prayer halls, hats and shoes should be removed
• Bright colours should be avoided and wear earth tones instead.

Photography guidelines:

• Outdoor photography is usually permitted
• Permission is often needed for interior photography
• Avoid taking any photographs during prayer times
• Never photograph a monk or a ceremony without their permission

Respectful behaviour:

• Speak in whispers inside prayer halls
• Rotate stupas and prayer wheels in a clockwise direction
• Don’t point feet toward altars or Buddha statues
• Small donations in offering boxes are appreciated

Beyond the Famous Five: Hidden Monastery Gems

Sikkim’s monastery landscape extends far beyond the five major sites. 

• The Dubdi Monastery (1701) is the oldest in the state, providing a historical perspective and a calm environment. 
• The Pemyangtse Monastery offers magnificent views of Kanchenjunga and contains a rare seven-storied wooden sculpture.
• Not a monastery technically, Do-drul Chorten in Gangtok is a central stupa surrounded by 108 prayer wheels.

Conclusion: Ready to explore the Spiritual Places of Sikkim

Monasteries of Sikkim provide a unique access to experience the living Tibetan Buddhist culture. The sacred spaces offer the visitors a chance to reflect, educate and experience the culture that extends beyond usual sightseeing. Whether you are looking for spiritual relief, architectural wonders or cultural experience, one should add the Buddhist monasteries to their Sikkim itinerary while visiting the place. For the most enriching experience, plan your domestic or International tour packages through PickYourTrail.

FAQS

Q: How many days do I need to visit all the major monasteries in Sikkim?

A: Plan 3-4 days to visit all five major monasteries comfortably. Enchey and Rumtek can be covered in one day from Gangtok, while Phodong, Ralang, and Tashiding each require separate day trips or overnight stays in nearby towns.

Q: Are there entrance fees for visiting monasteries in Sikkim?

A: Most monasteries in Sikkim don’t charge entrance fees, but donations are welcome and appreciated. Some may charge nominal fees for photography inside certain areas.

Q: What is the best time to experience monastery festivals and ceremonies in Sikkim?

A: Major monastery festivals occur during the winter months (December-March). Losar (Tibetan New Year) in February/March is the biggest celebration, while individual monasteries hold their annual Cham dance festivals at different times throughout this period.

Q: Can non-Buddhists visit and participate in monastery activities in Sikkim?

A: Yes, all monasteries welcome respectful visitors regardless of religious background. You can observe prayer sessions, explore the grounds and learn about Buddhist culture. However, active participation in religious ceremonies is typically reserved for practitioners.

Q: What should I wear when visiting Buddhist monasteries in Sikkim?

A: Dress conservatively with covered shoulders and knees. Avoid shorts, tank tops and revealing clothing. Remove shoes before entering prayer halls and wear earth-toned colours.