Sikkim is one of the most beautiful north-eastern states of India for a lot of reasons. It gives you a variety of delicious foods, different climatic conditions and adventurous activities to do. In addition, this state also has monasteries to talk about its cultural heritage. There are more than 200 monasteries in Sikkim. One will lose themselves in every bit of its spirituality and in search of eternal peace. While these places are mainly for worship and peace, some of the monasteries in Sikkim speak a lot about Buddhist art and architecture too.

Also read: Magical places in Sikkim you must visit at least once in your lifetime

A night view of Sikkim — Photo by Pulak Bhagawati on Unsplash

Top 5 monasteries in Sikkim

Monasteries are one of the sacred places in Sikkim. It has the ancient existence and amazing architecture coexisting with spectacular surroundings hence making it well known. What adds beauty to these monasteries, is the amazing state of Sikkim placing itself on the lap of magical Himalayas.

Also read: Incredible things to do in Sikkim for the adventure of a lifetime

With such abundance, though it is difficult to handpick the best from the lot, this article takes you through some of the worth-visiting monasteries in Sikkim.

Rumtek Monastery
Enchey Monastery
Phodong Monastery
Ralang Monastery
Tashiding Monastery

1. Rumtek Monastery

Rumtek Monastery is one of the famous and largest monasteries in Sikkim which exemplifies the best of the Tibetan architecture. Situated 23 km from Gangtok, it has beautiful greeneries surrounding the monastery which never fails to leave you in awe besides offering spiritual solace. It has the rarest and unique Buddhist religious art hence making it a storehouse of cultural heritage. Also, one interesting thing to note is that you cannot find these arts elsewhere in the world. Undoubtedly, Rumtek is a must-visit which could astonish anyone.

Also read: Rumtek Monastery – A Place to refresh your Mind, Body, and Gnosis!

The amazing sight of Rumtek Monastery — Image credits: Wikimedia Commons

2. Enchey Monastery

Enchey Monastery stands for “The Solitary Temple”. This iconic monastery is 200 years old and has never failed to retain its original structure till date. In addition to its surreal beauty, Enchey is considered to be one of the most powerful monasteries in Sikkim as it is believed that the presiding deities of the monastery grant wish to all the devotees who come here. The beautiful Chaam dance – a special prayer offered by masked monks in the lunar month of the Tibetan calendar makes the monastery so famous. Moreover, this monastery is something that shouldn’t be missed if you are visiting Sikkim.

A view of Enchey Monastery, Sikkim — Image credits: Wikimedia commons

3. Phodong Monastery

Phodong Monastery makes itself one of the major tourist attractions in Sikkim and is home to almost 260 monks of the Kagyu lineage. Taking its history, Phodong monastery was constructed in the early 18th century by the King Gyurmed Namgyal. Because it stands at an altitude of 4500 ft, it offers some fascinating views of the mountains. The walls of the monastery hold beautiful murals, age-old artefacts and paintings which will make you fall short of words to describe its beauty.

4. Ralang Monastery

One of the biggest monasteries of Sikkim is Ralang Monastery which is beyond comparison to any other monasteries. To start off with, the monastery gives you a welcoming feel just by its allurement. It is being home to an extensive collection of paintings that speak a lot about Buddhist art. It is one attraction that every traveller who wishes to explore Ravangla should visit as Ravangla is just about 13 kilometres away. One special thing to not forget about this place is the annual festival of Pang Lhabsol. With this, you can witness the Mahakala dance and Chaam masked dances too.

A view of the Ralang Monastery, Sikkim — Image credits: Wikimedia Commons

5. Tashiding Monastery

Tashiding Monastery is one of the oldest Buddhist Monasteries in Sikkim. It attracts its visitors with amazing architecture and a serene ambience. It sits right between the two beautiful rivers, the Rangit and Rathong. One amazing belief that the monastery holds is, it cleanses every sin of those seeking forgiveness. Bhumchhu is a sacred water ceremony that people celebrate on the 15th of the first month of the Tibetian calendar thus making it a must-visit attraction. Never miss visiting this magical monastery because it is perfect with a host of fluttering holy chants and hovering prayer flags.