Sanghak Choeling Monastery — Attraction in Sikkim

Sanghak Choeling Monastery, also known as Pemayangtse Monastery, is a significant Buddhist monastery located in Pelling, a popular tourist destination in the West Sikkim district of Sikkim, India. Here's some information about Sanghak Choeling (Pemayangtse) Monastery:

History: Sanghak Choeling Monastery, or Pemayangtse Monastery, is one of the oldest and most important monasteries in Sikkim. It was established in the late 17th century in 1705 by Lhatsun Namkha Jigme, a revered Tibetan monk. The monastery holds immense religious and cultural significance for the local Buddhist community.

Location: Pemayangtse Monastery is located atop a hill in Pelling, commanding stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. It is situated at an altitude of around 6,840 feet (2,085 meters), offering a serene and picturesque setting.

Architecture: The monastery features traditional Sikkimese architectural style with intricate woodwork, ornate sculptures, and colorful frescoes. The main prayer hall, known as the "Dukhang," houses ancient and sacred Buddhist scriptures, thangkas (religious paintings), and statues of various deities. The monastery's multi-tiered structure, gilded roofs, and decorative elements are visually impressive.

Religious Significance: Sanghak Choeling Monastery is affiliated with the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism and is considered one of the premier monastic institutions in Sikkim. It is the seat of the Pemayangtse Monastic Complex and serves as a center for Buddhist teachings, rituals, and ceremonies. The monastery is dedicated to Guru Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, who is highly revered in Tibetan Buddhism.

Festivals: Pemayangtse Monastery celebrates several festivals throughout the year, with the most significant being the "Cham Dance" festival held during the Losar (Tibetan New Year) and other auspicious occasions. During the festival, monks perform vibrant masked dances representing various deities and spiritual beings, accompanied by traditional music and chants.

Accessibility: Pemayangtse Monastery is located in Pelling, which is well-connected by road to other major cities and towns in Sikkim. Visitors can reach Pelling from Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim, by a scenic drive of around 2-3 hours. The monastery is easily accessible from the main town of Pelling by a short uphill walk.

Sanghak Choeling Monastery, or Pemayangtse Monastery, is a remarkable spiritual and architectural gem in Pelling. Its rich history, religious significance, and stunning location make it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking cultural insights and a serene atmosphere in the beautiful...

I visited Pelling on last February and decided to visit Sangachoeling Monastry on a clear sunny chilly morning. It is located at the top of the Hill and the drive was bit challenging. There are some sharp hair-pin bends and it is not suggested to travel there without an experienced driver. It took me around 15 mins to reach there from Upper Pelling. There is also an option to trek. Due to time constraint, I couldn't opt for that. Sangachoeling Monastry is one of the oldest monastries of Sikkim. Entry to this monastry is strictly restricted to Bhutia and Lepcha Communities. Mens from these two communities are only allowed to enter inside the monastry. However, you can enjoy the fabulous view of the ancient monastry from outside. Although the Sanga Choeling Monastry has some ancient and religious value, however one of the major attraction of this place is the gigantic statue of Chenrezig. Height of the statue is 135ft from the base of the pedestal. One need to climb approx 100 stairs to reach to the top. Parallelly there is a slope from the left side of the statue for wheelchair accessibility. You can hire wheelchair from the main entrance. I got fabulous valley view with Mount Kanchenzangha and other himalayan ranges from top of the statue. Another attraction of this place is the sky-walk made of glass. You can get my review and photos about that under "Sky walk Pelling Sikkim" as I believe that it need to be described separately. There is two-wheelers and four-wheelers parking area near to the entrance. The monastry is open for all visitors from 9am to 6pm throughout the week and entry fee is Rs. 50 per person. I spent around 1.5 hrs to explore the entire place along with the glass sky-walk. I stayed at upper pelling but if you want to stay near to the monastry, then The Pellling Hotel and Norbu Ghang Resort are two good options. Among these two, Norbu ghang is bit expensive. Alternatively you can opt for an accomodation at Upper Pelling and pay a day visit to the Monastry and Pelling Helipad. Both are located on the same road. I found the geographical location and surroundings of the Monastry was much more appealing compared to...

Sanghak Choeling Monastery, also known as Sanga Choeling Monastery, is one of the oldest and most sacred monasteries in Sikkim, dating back to 1697. Located on a ridge near Pelling, it offers a serene and spiritual environment surrounded by lush forests and panoramic views of the Himalayas. The monastery belongs to the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism and houses ancient clay statues and traditional murals, including a symbolic Wheel of Life painting. Reaching the monastery requires a peaceful 4-kilometer uphill trek through dense woods, which adds to the overall meditative experience. Though the inner sanctum is traditionally reserved for male monks and the local Bhutia and Lepcha communities, the exterior and surrounding landscape are accessible to visitors, making it a meaningful stop for both pilgrims and travelers seeking cultural depth and...