Kartok Monastery: A Significant Buddhist Monastery For Every Devotee To Explore

A mesmerising view of a beautifully structured Monastery in Sikkim during the day.

Kartok Monastery Sikkim, also known as Kathog Gonpa, is a significant Buddhist monastery located in Yuksom, a historic town in West Sikkim, India. The monastery is known for its serene ambience and the aesthetic red, white and yellow colours decorating its architecture. It is located in the small but picturesque village of Yuksom and offers spectacular views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. This remarkable structure makes for a beautiful backdrop for shoots of photographs/films. Following is a comprehensive guideline to help explore one of the oldest monasteries in Yuksom.

Kartok Monastery Location

A mesmerising view of a Monastery in Sikkim with idols and photos of gods inside it.

Photo: Amitabha Gupta / Wikimedia Commons

Kartok Monastery is located near Pelling in the West Sikkim district of the Indian state of Sikkim. It is one of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim, founded in the 17th century by Lama Lhatsun Chempo. To reach Sanga Choeling Monastery, visitors typically travel to Pelling, from where it is a short hike of about 40 minutes through a forested area.

Suggested Read: Sanghak Choeling Monastery

How To Reach Kartok Monastery

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By Air: Bagdogra Airport (IXB) in West Bengal is the closest airport, approximately 170 km from Yuksom. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a shared cab to reach Yuksom.

By Train: New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) is the nearest major railway station, about 150 km from Yuksom. Taxis and shared cabs are available from NJP to Yuksom.

By Road: Yuksom is about 125 km from Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, and about 40 km from Pelling. You can hire a taxi or take a shared jeep from either, but there are greater options available in Gangtok.

11 Places To Visit Around Kartok Monastery

Whether you seek spiritual solace, adventure in the mountains, or a deep dive into the rich traditions of Sikkim, a visit to Kartok Monastery and Yuksom promises a memorable and enriching journey.

1. Dubdi Monastery

Dubdi Monastery is one of the best places to visit around Kartok Monastery for all.

Photo: Rangan Datta Wiki / Wikimedia Commons

Dubdi Monastery is one of the first monasteries established after the coronation of the first Chogyal (king) of Sikkim. It is part of the “Ngadak Sempa Chempo” sect of Buddhism and is one of the oldest monastery of sikkim . The monastery features traditional Tibetan architecture with exquisite murals along the walls. The main hall houses statues of three of the most important lamas. The monastery is perched on a hill, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Visitors can trek to this monuments in sikkim through lush forests, adding to the charm of the visit.

Location: Yuksom, West Sikkim, India
Timings: 7 AM – 4 PM

Suggested Read: Top Offbeat Places In Sikkim For Your Next Surreal Trip

2. Rimbi Waterfalls and Rock Garden

Rimbi Waterfalls and Rock Gardens are the top attractions near Kartok Monastery.

Photo: Sujay25 / Wikimedia Commons

Situated 12 km from Pelling is another beautiful attraction scene, the Rimbi Waterfalls. The Rimbi River has formed the falls, enveloped by stunning rock formations and green vegetation. The Rimbi Rock Garden surrounds it, a very calm place for picnics, walks, or just strolling around. This serene atmosphere makes this location ideal for sitting back, relaxing, and relishing Sikkim’s beauty.

Location: Near Pelling, West Sikkim, India
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM

3. Norbugang Coronation Throne

Norbugang Coronation Throne is one of the best historical places around Kartok Monastery.

Photo: Anjan Kumar Kundu / Wikimedia Commons

This stone platform, decorated with old carvings, is significant in history. In 1642, three important religious leaders came together to crown the first king, Phuntsog Namgyal, starting a new period in Sikkim’s history. The Norbugang Coronation Throne is more than just a physical structure; it links the present with the past. The nearby park, filled with prayer flags and a traditional Buddhist monument, shows the strong Buddhist traditions that have influenced Sikkim’s culture. Visiting the Norbugang Coronation Throne allows you to explore the heart of Sikkim and learn about its cultural and historical importance.

Location: Yuksom, West Sikkim, India
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM

Suggested Read: Lachung Monastery

4. Tashiding Monastery

Tashiding Monastery is one of the most serene places around Kartok Monastery for all.

Photo: Prof Ranga Sai / Wikimedia Commons

The Tashiding Monastery in Gangtok is a peaceful and spiritual retreat that offers views of the Himalayas. This path to Tashiding feels like a pilgrimage with bright prayer flags and colourful paintings depicting tales of Buddha and other Buddhist gods. It is filled with detailed carvings and topped with multi-coloured prayer flags, which usually attracts visitors for a spiritual experience in this classic monastery. Thongwa Rangdol Chorten is a golden monument placed inside the monastery, and it is believed to purify all the sins of human beings. it is also one of the most famous monuments of Sikkim to Explore.

Location: Tashiding, West Sikkim, India
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM

5. Rumtek Monastery

Rumtek Monastery is one of the most significant places to visit around Kartok Monastery.

Photo: Vikramjit Kakati / Wikimedia Commons

The Rumtek Monastery, also known as the Dharma Chakra Centre, is a significant Buddhist monastery located in Rumtek. It is considered one of the largest buddhist monastery in Sikkim and belongs to the Kagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism. It was founded in 1959 by the 16th Karmapa, Ranjung Rigpe Dorje, and features serene architecture, blending traditional Tibetan and modern styles. The beautiful and calm atmosphere creates a perfect place for meditation and contemplation.

Location: Rumtek, East Sikkim, India
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM

Suggested Read: Sikkim Monasteries

6. Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple

Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple is one of the best places to visit around Kartok Monastery.

Photo: Ambuj Saxena / Wikimedia Commons

Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple is a historic shrine dedicated to the memory of a soldier who presumably sacrificed his life for the country in the 1962 Sino-Indian War. At 3,000 metres, it’s close to Nathula Pass, offering fantastic views of the mountain ranges. The Indian Army maintains this shrine, revered with great respect and devotion. There have been claims that his spirit protects the region, and stories of his acts are deeply rooted in local folklore. Tourists and locals visit the temple to pay respects and get the entity’s blessings.

Location: Between Nathula Pass and Jelep La, East Sikkim, India
Timings: 4 AM – 10 PM

7. Namgyal Institute of Tibetology

Namgyal Institute of Tibetology is one of the best institutes around Kartok Monastery.

Photo: Subhrajyoti07 / Wikimedia Commons

Namgyal Institute of Tibetology is located in Gangtok. The institute is one of the most renowned centres for research into studying Tibetan culture, language, and Buddhism. The building was founded in 1958. It houses a vast accumulation of Tibetan artefacts, manuscripts, thangkas, and traditional Tibetan paintings. It exhibits very systematically arranged displays that reflect Tibetan history and art. The serenity in the environment and the scholarship setting make the visit very worthy for research scholars interested in Tibetan culture and Buddhist studies.

Location: Deorali, Gangtok, East Sikkim, India
Timings: 10 AM – 4 PM

Suggested Read: Pemayangtse Monastery

8. Flower Exhibition Centre

Visit the Flower Exhibition Centre to witness vibrant flowers around Kartok Monastery.

Photo: ArindamRoy1993 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

This Flower Exhibition Centre in Gangtok is one of the best places to see exquisite displays of flowers and plants. It offers an annual flower show with a wide variety of local flowers and some of the rarest species of orchids and rhododendrons. The view provides ample opportunities for good photography and relaxation amidst a luxuriant landscape, and it allows you to learn so much more about the rich heritage of horticulture that Sikkim boasts.

Location: Ridge Park, Gangtok, East Sikkim, India
Timings: 8:30 AM – 5 PM

9. Pemayangtse Monastery

Front view of Pemayangtse Monastery, Pelling, West Sikkim, showcasing its traditional architecture

Photo: dhillan chandramowli / Wikimedia Commons

Pemayangtse Monastery is a serene and spiritual retreat located near Kartok Monastery, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayan ranges. Founded in the 17th century, it is one of Sikkim’s oldest and most revered monasteries, known for its intricate woodwork, ancient murals, and peaceful ambiance. Surrounded by lush greenery, it’s a must-visit for those seeking tranquility and cultural depth. Its peaceful setting makes it one of the best offbeat places in Sikkim to explore beyond mainstream routes.

Location: Pelling, West Sikkim, around 9 km from Kartok Monastery
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM

Suggested Read: Lachen Monastery

10. Rabdentse Ruins

Three chortens atop stone steps at the ruins of Rabdentse overlooking a forested ridge–kartok monastery

Photo: Amitabha Gupta / Wikimedia Commons

Rabdentse Ruins, located close to Kartok Monastery, are the remnants of Sikkim’s former capital and offer a fascinating glimpse into the region’s royal past. Surrounded by dense forests and overlooking the majestic Kanchenjunga range, the site is ideal for history buffs and nature lovers alike. A short hike leads you to moss-covered stone structures and chortens, making it a perfect escape into the past. Exploring these ruins is one of the most enriching things to do in Sikkim.

Location: Near Pelling, West Sikkim, around 10 km from Kartok Monastery
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM

11. Rimbi Waterfalls And Rock Garden

Water cascading down Rimbi Waterfall, framed by lush vegetation in Pelling, West Sikkim

Photo: Dinesh Valke / Wikimedia Commons

Rimbi Waterfalls and Rock Garden, located near Kartok Monastery, are perfect for a refreshing nature escape in West Sikkim. The gushing waterfall flows gracefully into the Rimbi River, creating a peaceful atmosphere ideal for relaxation, photography, and picnics. Just a short walk away, the beautifully landscaped Rock Garden offers scenic walking paths, flowering plants, and riverside views. Together, they make for two of the most tranquil places to visit in Sikkim, especially for those who love nature and serenity.

Location: Near Darap Village, West Sikkim, approx. 12 km from Kartok Monastery
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM

Suggested Read: Waterfalls In Sikkim

Where To Stay

A stunning view of hotels in Sikkim surrounded by lush green trees during the daytime.

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Most accommodation options in Yuksom include homestays and residencies, providing the true Sikkemese experience to the traveller. Yuksom Residency is a cosy hotel known for its hospitality and comfortable rooms. Limboo Homestay offers a local experience with home-cooked meals, guided tours, and cultural experiences. The Red Palace Hotel is located some distance from Yuksom but is a top-class facility with premium rooms, wifi facilities, and picturesque views.

Where To Eat

A tempting view of a container kept on a table with dumplings in it with plates beside it.

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Yuksom is a small village, so most options here include local, authentic food served at small establishments. However, there are several options available at a small distance, such as Lotus Bakery, which is a popular bakery offering delicious baked goods, sandwiches, and hot beverages, ideal for breakfast or a quick snack. Guptas Restaurant serves both north Indian and local dishes, like thukpa, momos, and Indian thali. Norling Restaurant is known for its delicious Tibetan and Sikkimese cuisine. Thenthuk, chowmein, and Tibetan bread are specialities.

Suggested Read: The Best Food In Gangtok

Best Time To Visit

A view of colourful houses in Sikkim encircled by lush green meadows during the day.

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The best time to visit Yuksom and Kartok Monastery is from March to June and September to November. However, one must take precautions in cases of extreme winter/snowfall or any other activity like landslides. During these periods, the weather is pleasant, and the views are spectacular, making it ideal for sightseeing, trekking, and enjoying the natural beauty of the region.

Other Factors To Consider

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Average Cost Of The Trip

Considering all the expenses for the trip, the average cost would be ₹1500, including travel, food, and accommodation. This can vary depending on the options chosen by the traveller.

Tips For Travellers

  • Visitors from lower altitudes should allow some time for acclimatisation to avoid altitude sickness and carry necessary medication.
  • Stay hydrated and avoid strenuous activities on the first day.
  • Yuksom is the starting point for the famous Goechala trek. If you are interested in trekking, ensure you are well-prepared and acclimatised.

Suggested Read: The Best Adventure Sports In Sikkim To Try On Your Next Vacation

Kartok Monastery is an ideal place for travellers who like offbeat adventures and wish to interact with warm-hearted locals. Yuksom itself is a treasure trove of attractions, from the historic Dubdi Monastery and the sacred Norbugang Coronation Throne to the breathtaking landscapes of Khangchendzonga National Park. Visiting Kartok Monastery and exploring Yuksom offers a blend of spiritual enrichment, cultural experiences, and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination in Sikkim.

Cover Photo: Anjan Kumar Kundu

Frequently Asked Questions

No, there are no entry fees for visiting Kartok Monastery. It is open to the public and welcomes visitors.
Wear modest and comfortable clothing. Since it is a religious site, it is advisable to cover your shoulders and knees. Also, remember to remove your shoes before entering the monastery.
Kartok Monastery timings are generally from early morning to late afternoon. It is recommended to visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the surroundings.
It is advisable to ask for permission before taking photographs inside the monastery. Generally, outdoor photography is allowed, but indoor photography may have restrictions.
Guided tours are not typically available at Kartok Monastery itself. However, local guides can be hired in Yuksom to provide insights into the history and significance of the monastery and other nearby attractions.
Expect moss-covered ruins, stone chortens, and panoramic Himalayan views—perfect for history lovers and those seeking a peaceful hike.
The Rock Garden features a variety of flowering plants, native shrubs, and landscaped gardens that bloom beautifully in spring and summer.
Yes, it’s one of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim and played a vital role in preserving Tibetan Buddhism in the region.

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