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The Pemayangtse Monastery is a monastery of the Buddhist order of monks which is located in the town of Pemayangtse, in the northeastern state of India, Sikkim. The monastery was conceived, planned and designed by Lama Lhatsun Chempo back in the year 1647, and was also founded by this Lama. The Pemayangtse Gompa Pelling is amongst the oldest monasteries in the state of Sikkim, and also counts as the most famous of all of Sikkim’s monasteries. The monastery was consecrated by Lhatsun Chenop Dzogchen Jigme Pawo the third in the year 1710 CE. The order of Tibetan Buddhism followed here is Nyingma, and this monastery controls all the other monasteries that follow this Order in the state of Sikkim.
Location
Photo: walter callens / Wikimedia Commons
The Pemayangtse Gompa is located in the village town of Pemayangtse, which in turn is located 6 km from the city of Gyashling in the Gyashling district of the Indian state of Sikkim. The monastery is about 110 km west of Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim.
Suggested Read: Top Offbeat Places In Sikkim For Your Next Surreal Trip
How To Reach
Photo: Kothanda Srinivasan / Wikimedia Commons
By Air: The closest airport to the Monastery is the Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri. Siliguri, which is in West Bengal, is a small four hour drive away from Pelling. You can easily catch a bus or a taxi from Siliguri to make your way to Pelling and then subsequently, the Pemayangtse monastery.
Railways: The closest railway station to Pelling is West Bengal’s Jalpaiguri Railway Station. The railway head is located about 170 km from Pelling.
By Road: There are many taxis available in Pelling which will take you to the Monastery. There are taxis available from Jalpaiguri and Gangtok as well. Bus services available with the State Government Bus Transport Corporation (SSRTC) as well as private bus services.
Places to Visit Around Pemayangtse Monastery
The monastery is situated in West-Sikkim and there are many different places that you can visit that are nearby to the Monastery.
1. Rabdentse Ruins
Photo: Ankur P / Wikimedia Commons
The Rabdentse Ruins are the ruins of the old Rabdentse Palace, which are located on the lower hillock, which is on the south east of the Pemayangtse Gompa. Up until about the early 19th century, Rabdentse was the second capital of the Indian State of Sikkim. The palace is in complete ruins currently, with the Archaeological Survey of India undertaking restoration of the building. This is a wonderful place to visit for history enthusiasts, who will likely enjoy taking a close look at the ruins of the palace.
Location: Geyzing, Sikkim, India
Entry Fee: Free
Suggested Read: Cascading Waterfalls In Sikkim That Are Not To Be Missed
2. Kanchenjunga Falls
Photo: Sujay25 / Wikimedia Commons
The Kanchenjunga Falls are a wonderful natural wonder which is situated amidst lush greenery, typical to the Himalayan Foothills, in which it is located. The waterfalls are named after the Kanchenjunga mountain range, which has the third-highest peak in the world, Mt.Kanchenjunga. The source of the waterfalls is the Rathong Chu River, which in turn is a tributary of the Teesta river. The river flows from the mountain regions high above and descends into a cascade over the gorge located below.
Location: Thingle I, Sikkim, India
Entry Fee: Free
3. Khecheopalri Lake
Photo: Sujay25 / Wikimedia Commons
The Khecheopalri lake is located at an altitude of about 1700 m above sea level and is a holy site for both Hindus as well as Buddhists. The lake forms a part of one of the famous Buddhist pilgrimage circuits in Sikkim. The lake is located in a tiny village called Khecheopalri Village in the West Sikkim district. The name of the lake means, The heaven of Lord Padmasambhava. The lake is known amongst locals to be a wish fulfilling lake, One of the spectacles associated with legend about this lake goes on to state that the birds do not allow any leaves to stay afloat on the surface of this lake.
Location: 34 km North West of Pelling town
Entry Fees: Free
Suggested Read: The Best Adventure Sports In Sikkim To Try On Your Next Vacation
4. Glass Skywalk, Pelling
Photo: Mandira Bhoumik / Wikimedia Commons
The Pelling Glass Skywalk is a fibre glass transparent, foot-over bridge which is suspended 100s of feet in the air. It was inaugurated in the year 2018, and is the first ever skywalk in India. The view through the glass floors of the skywalk can be intimidating. You can view a number of attractions near Pelling from atop the skywalk, such as deep forests, waterfalls as well as monasteries. The Skywalk is located near the towering statue of Chenrezig, located at another popular Buddhist pilgrimage site.
Location: Pelling City, Sikkim, India
Cost/Person: Indians ₹20, Foreigners ₹50
5. Rimbi Waterfalls
Photo: Dominik Gawlik / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
This is a smaller waterfall than the Kanchenjunga falls and is located on the way to the Kanchenjunga waterfalls from Pelling. The water flow is slightly less during the summers when compared to the Kanchenjunga falls, and increases a lot more during and after the monsoons. The source of the Rimbi waterfalls is the Rimbi river. The falls is located exactly about 5 km away from Darap village. One can spend hours listening to the flow of water crashing down upon the rocks and take a lot of interesting pictures and selfies with the backdrop of the waterfalls. The waterfalls allow for many recreational activities like fishing as well as swimming.
Location: Pelling-Rimbi Rd, Sikkim, India
Entry Fees: Free
Suggested Read: Top Places To Visit In East Sikkim For An Incredible Experience
Where To Stay
Photo: Jan Caluwé / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
There are a variety of hotels to stay near the Pemayangtse Monastery. Many of the accommodation options are located in Pelling, which is very close to Pemayangtse village. Udaan Olive Hotel and Spa, Elgin Mount Pandim, Sumitel Pelling, Chumbi Mountain Resort and Spa, Udaan Hotel Pine Crest, Summit Newa Regency and Spa, Rufina Palm Bliss are some of the top rated hotels which are located quite close to the Monastery.
Where To Eat
Photo: Sharada Prasad CS / Wikimedia Commons
There are a number of dining options that one can find both near the monastery in the Pemayangtse village as well as on Pelling road. Some vegetarian restaurants include Grains Pure Veg By Udaan Pine Crest in Pelling, Grains Pure Veg by Udaan Olive, also in Pelling. Teenpani Pub and Cafe, Lotus Bakery, Melting Point restaurant, Kunphan, Big Bowl are some of the other top rated restaurants in and around Pemagyantse village.
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Sikkim In December For Your Next Winter Holiday
Best Time To Visit
Photo: Joydeep / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The best time to visit Pemayangtse are the summer months, which extend from March to the end of June. The weather is very pleasant during this time and the nature surrounding the monastery is in full bloom. The monastery itself is open between 7 AM – 5 PM.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Kothanda Srinivasan / Wikimedia Commons
- The entry fee for the monastery is ₹20.
- Pelling experiences varying weather conditions throughout the year. Winter can be quite cold, and monsoon season may bring heavy rains, which could affect travel plans.
- Ensure you are prepared for the altitude, stay hydrated, and acclimatise if you are coming from lower elevations.
- Carry basic medications for altitude sickness, as well as any personal medications you might need.
- Foreigners might need an Inner Line Permit (ILP), which can be obtained from the Sikkim Tourism Office in Gangtok.
Suggested Read: Wildlife Sanctuaries In Sikkim
Pemayangtse Monastery is a monastery that will offer you a complete insight into the Nyingma tradition of the Buddhists in Sikkim. There are many other places of natural and historic interest that are located closeby to fulfil your traveller’s itch. Plan your trip to Pemayangtse Gompa with a package from TripXL for a memorable experience in the West of Sikkim.
Cover Photo: Amitabh Gupta / Wikimedia Commons
