Famous Monasteries of Sikkim

The Rumtek monastery
This monastery belongs to the Kargyupa sect and was founded in 1740 in the East District, overlooking Gangtok. Its design replicates the Tsurphu monastery of the Kham region of Tibet having a four storied building. It is the biggest monastery of Sikkim. A large number of devotees and tourists visit this monastery throughout the year.Get Holidays to Sikkim in unbeatable price. Behind the main monastery there is the Karma Nalanda Institute of Buddhist Studies. This extremely impressive institute is elaborately decorated.
Dubdi Monastery
This monastery, located on a hilltop above Yuksom, was the first to be established after the consecration ceremony of the first Chogyal. The monastery is surrounded by luxuriant forest and can be approached by trekking only.
Enchey Monastery
This 200 year old monastery is an important seat of the Nyingmapa order. It is built on a place blessed by Lama Druptok Karpo who was a Tantric master famous for having the power of flying. The monastery has images of deities and other religious objects in its premises. Chaam, the religious masked dance is performed here for two days, in January, every year. It is 3 kms from Gangtok Town.
Gonjang Monastery
This monastery was established by H.E. Tingkye Gonjang Rimpoche, believed to be an incarnation of a 15th century Nyingmapa Terton, in 1981. The monastery follows Jangter tradition of Nyingmapa order. It is located near the Tashi View Point.
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Most popular destinations of Sikkim

Sikkim is a place of an unexplored beauty with the skyline dominated by the lofty mountains. It is the land of snow covered peaks, emerald green slopes, rushing streams, tall Rhododendrons and sparkling orchids. There are so many places to see in Sikkim but some are definitely a must visit.

Places relevant to History and Culture

Gangtok, The capital of Sikkim, is a picturesque town. The city displays a blend of traditional customs and modern way of living. This beautiful town has all the modern amenities.Yuksom was the first capital of Sikkim where the first divine ruler of Sikkim was sanctified in 1641. The evidence of the ceremony can be seen in Norbugang Chorten. Due to this fact, the place is considered sacred. It also serves as the base camp for the trek to the Mt. Khangchendzonga.Get Holidays to Sikkim in unbeatable price.Do-Drul Chorten is the stupa built by the head of the Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism in 1945. It is one of the most beautiful Stupas of Sikkim which stores various Mandala sets, a set of relics and some other religious objects. There are 108 prayer wheels and Statues of Gurus are also installed here.Sikkim Research Institute of Tibetology is a nationwide institute. It is known for its huge collection of rare manuscripts, Buddhist books and icons and also houses religious works of art and silk embroidered paintings. The building displays excellent Tibetan architecture.

Places to see for natural beauty

The beautiful Tsomgo Lake is about a kilometre long and oval in shape. It is regarded as holy in Sikkim. From May to August, the lake area becomes immensely beautiful with blooming of primulas, iris and blue and yellow poppies. The lake has many aquatic and aerial species of animals and is inhabited by the red panda also.

Nathula Pass located at an altitude of 14200 ft, connects Sikkim to Tibet Autonomous Region in China. The pass is located on the Indo-China border and a journey to the pass is a thrilling experience.