Sixty seven monasteries of Sikkim spread the sublime teachings of the Lord Buddha. Apart from being the first to the south of the Kanchenjunga, the Dhubdi monastery or the Hermit's cell is the oldest in Sikkim.
The Paimonachi Monastery
Paimonachi, was once the capital of Sikkim. The ruins of the old palace along with this antique and santified monastery having its ceilings painted with brilliantly hued frescoes of Goda and Demons are prime attraction.
Pemayangtse Monastery
Originally built as a temple by Latsun Chempo in late 17th century, it was rebuilt into a monastery during the reign of third Chogyal Chakdor Namgyal Jigme Pawa. Located at a height of 6,840 ft., the monastery is equipped with 50-bed Tourist Lodge. This is an excellent place to explore the unspoilt charms of neighbouring spots and trek to Dzongri and Yuksom.
Nearby the Gyalsing bazar lies the Rabdanste, the second capital of Sikkim.
Tashiding Monastery
Tashiding is the holiest of holy hills in Sikkim, and in its lap is situated this famous monastery. Built in 1717 by Ngadak Sempa Chempo during the reign of third Chogyal, the saxcred ceremony of Bumchu is performed here at the midnight of the 14th and 15th of the first Tgibetan month. Legends go that pilgrims are cleansed of all their sin, if they only contemplate the great sacred chorten of Tashiding - Thongwa - Rangdot. The monasteries of Phodong and Labrang and the ruins of Tumlong Palace lie in the nearby area.
Rumtek Monastery
Rumtek, the seat of Karmapa Lama, who heads the Kangupa sect of Buddhism, is some 22 km drive through beautiful, bewitching countryside with glimpses of terrace-paddy farming. Founded by this Holiness 11th Gyalwa Karmapa, holder of the sacred treasures of Vajradhara, as his main seat outside Tibet. This renovated monastery is decorated with tenkhas and fescoes. The main Temple of the Dharma Chakra Centre also has a 31 feet high Golden Stupa, intended to serve as reliquary of the most precious relics of the Great Guru of Kogyn lineage.
Tsuk-La-Khang Monastery
This two storied monastery is loacted in the palace premises near the Ridge in Gangtok. Its noted for The Phang Labsol and Lossang festivals celebrations.
Other Monasteries
Bermoi Monastery
Follows the Nyingma sect, built in 1952 above Singtam.
Chawang Ani Monastery
Situated near Phensang, on the Gangtok-Mangan highway.
Dalling Monastery
Loacted near Kwezing in the southern region of Sikkim was constructed in 1840.
Dubdi Monastery
Built in 1700, is located near Yoksun on a hill-top.
Gnathang Monastery
Located near Tibet-Sikkim border, is the only Gelugpa monastery in the Sikkim.
Hee Gyathang Monastery
Belongs to Nyingma sect of Buddhism. It is located in North Sikkim.
Khechopari Monastery
Situated above Khechopari lake ( Yoksum ).
Kwezing Monastery
LOcated near Kwezing in south Sikkim.
Lachen Monastery
Follows the Nyingma sect and was built in 1806.
Lachung Monastery
Another Nyingma sect monastery. This was built in 1880.
Lingtem Monastery
Is in the Zangu region ( north Sikkim )
Melli Monastery
Located near Yoksum.
Namchi Monastery
Located at Namchi ( South District headquarters ).
Nor Monastery
The only Sakyapa monastery in Sikkim, having an idol of Sakya Muni. Situated at Dickchiling, just 4-5 km from Gangtok.
Ralong Monastery
Situated near Rabongla ( south Sikkim ), it is the oldest Karungpa sect monastery in Sikkim.
Rhenock Monastery
In the east Sikkim; about 65km from Gangtok.
Sanga Chelling Monastery
Built in 1697, this is oldest monastery of Sikkim. Lies just 6-7 km from Pemayangste.
Sang Monastery
Near Rumtek constructed in 1912.
Shurishing Yundrung Dungdraking Monastery
Situated at Sosing in south Sikkim, this is only one in the state which follows the Bon sect.
Simik Monastery
Located near Singtam.
Sinon Monastery
Constructed on a hilltop, some 10km from Tashiding in 1716.
Yangyang Monastery
Located some 10km from Rabongla at Yangyang, this monastery was constructed in 1840.
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