Explore the Ethereal Beauty of Sikkim

Buddhist Sites
The Ethereal Beauty of Sikkim, it is India’s second smallest state, surrounded by
international borders of Tibet, Bhutan and Nepal is home to the highest Himalayan
peak in India – the Kanchenjunga. Surrounded by nations that follow Buddhism as
their predominant religion – Tibet has about 91% population following Tibetan
Buddhism; about 75% Drukpa and Tibetan Buddhist followers in Bhutan, the state
itself has about 27.3% of its population belonging to the Vajrayana Buddhist sect.
The state is considered a religious place by Buddhist monks and followers because of
the presence of more than 200 Buddhist monasteries and Buddhist pilgrimage
places in Sikkim.

The traditional Buddhist tour packages from different travel agents in India consists

of places like Bodhgaya, Nalanda, Lumbini, Sravasti, Patna, Kushinagar – places
where the Great Gautam Buddha is supposed to have taught about enlightenment
and Buddhahood. Some travel industry experts have also now created
special Sikkim Buddhist tour package that encompass different Buddhist
monasteries in Sikkim and Buddhist pilgrimage places in Sikkim.

Few top Sikkim Buddhist Sites that have become a must visit for Buddhist pilgrims
over the years are:-
North Sikkim
 Phensang Monastery

Phensang Monastery built in 1751 this place belongs to the Nyingmapa sect. Located
at a distance of 9 kilometers from Gangtok, the annual festival here takes place here
two days before the start of Sikkim’s New Year.
 Tholung Monastery

Believed to one of the holiest places in Sikkim, the Tholung monastery was
established in the 18th century. The monastery is home the sacred ashes of the
revered Lama LatsunChembo which is put up for public homage once in every three
years by the Government of Sikkim.
East Sikkim
 Rumtek Monastery

Rumtek Monastery re-built in 1960 by Gyalwa Karmapa, this is one from most
popular Buddhist monasteries in Sikkim, the place is also famously known as
Dharmachakra Centre. It is an important site for the Karma Kagyu sect under Tibetan
Buddhism and is the largest monastery in the state.

Read Also: Most Famous Buddhist Monasteries in India

West Sikkim 
This part of the state has some important Buddhist places like-

 Dubdi Monastery

A Nyingma sect monastery located in the Yuksom region of Sikkim, it was built in the
17th century. To reach this monastery, pilgrims and tourists need to walk from
Yuksom to the top of a hill where it is located. This is believed to the first monastery
built in the state and is closely associated with the foundation of Sikkim. At 7000 ft
above sea level, the stone structure has a bell on the top of the roof and is believed
to house Buddhist ancient manuscripts and texts.
 The Sanga Choeling Monastery

Built in 1697, it is the second oldest monastery in the state. To reach the place, one
needs to walk through steep hills and forests to cover a distance of 7 kilometers from
the Pemayangtse Monastery. Belonging to the Nyingma sect of Buddhism, the
monastery can be entered only by men.

Read Also: Treat Your Mind and Soul with visit to the Buddhist Monasteries of
India
 Tashiding Monastery

Revered as one of the most pious Buddhist pilgrimage site in Sikkim, it belongs to

the Nyingma sect. It forms an essential part of a Buddhist pilgrimage tour India to
the western part of the state and is visited by religious followers during the famous
Bhumchu festival.
 Pemayangtse Monastery

Located near Pelling, this is an important pilgrimage and tourist site belonging to the
Nyingma order. Built in the 17th century at an altitude of 2085 meters, the
monastery is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and has the distinction of being
the most significant religious institution in the state.
South Sikkim
 Ralong Palchen Choling Monastery

Ralong Palchen Choling Monastery belongs to the Kagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism
and is known of its collection of Buddhist paintings. From September till December
every year, the Pang Lhabsol festival is organized here that is witness to celebrations
and participation of local dance forms and folklore.

Read More: 

 10 Best Buddhist Temples in India You Must Visit On Your Buddhist Tour
 A Move Toward Spirituality by Taking an Enchanting Buddhist Tour of India
 Sikkim Adventure Tour – A Great Opportunity to Energetic and Brave Visitors