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Tholung Monastery, located in the Himalayas, is a spiritual pilgrimage through ancient forests and wildflowers. Founded in the 17th century, it combines with the tradition of the Nyingmapa school of Tibetan Buddhism. Intricate murals detail stories of deities and mythical creatures. The monastery, not just a place for prayer, is also the heart of the Lepcha people—the indigenous inhabitants of Dzongu. The Khamsel ceremony, organised every three years, uncovers hidden treasures within the monastery, letting ancient relics and vestments be blessed by the sun.
Tholung Monastery Location
Photo: Drmarathe / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Tholung Monastery is located in the upper Dzongu region, part of the Khangchendzonga National Park buffer zone in the North district of Sikkim, India. It is situated on a hill with stunning mountain views. The nearest town is Lingzey, which is approximately 20 kilometres away.
Suggested Read: Sikkim Monasteries
How To Reach Tholung Monastery
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The Tholung monastery can be conveniently reached via road from Pakyong Airport or New Jalpaiguri Railway Station in West Bengal.
By Road: This is the most common way to reach Tholung Monastery. Visitors can either drive their car or hire a taxi from nearby towns like Gangtok or Geyzing.
- From Gangtok, the drive is approximately 69 kilometres and takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes.
- From Geyzing, it’s a longer distance of about 108 kilometres away with a travel time of roughly 3-4 hours.
Places To Visit Around
The Tholung Monastery is serene and peaceful in Gangtok, Sikkim. There are various places to visit in and around Tholung Monastery, such as:
1. Phodong Monastery
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Phodong Monastery serves as a sacred place for the Kagyu tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. Established in the 18th century by the 9th Karmapa Lama, the monastery’s history is tied to the expansion of the Kagyu lineage in Sikkim. The monastery features a golden roof and detailed paintings that illustrate stories from Buddha’s life, the collection of Kagyu gods, and important figures from the lineage. It is a rich source of artistic beauty, with remarkable skill visible in the statues and religious paintings.
Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Suggested Read: Tashiding Monastery
2. Dzongu Cardamom Fields
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Dzongu, one of the secluded paradises of Sikkim, offers an unmatched retreat into modernity—the cardamom fields lying unplucked. These wild, organically grown plantations, set amidst rolling hills, denote a deep regard of the Lepcha people toward tradition and peaceful coexistence with nature. The emerald expanse of the fields surrounded by quaint farmhouses is an experience that ignites all the senses. Kayaks of rich, fertile soil yield cardamom pods for their robust flavour and fragrance.
Best time to Visit: March to May
3. Traditional Lepcha House Museum
Photo: Sumit SuraiI / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Sikkim Traditional Lepcha House Museum embodies the rich heritage and the ingenuity of the Lepchas, who are the indigenous people of the land. This museum is an emulation or a replica of the Lepcha traditional house known as ‘Dokemoo Lee.’ In the museum, the Lepcha people have shown a deep understanding of the environment and their resourcefulness. Items on display include local bamboo baskets, hand-carved implements, old traditional clothing, and musical instruments telling their story of life so strongly bonded to nature.
Timings: 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM (Monday to Friday); Saturday 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Suggested Read: Black Cat Museum
4. Lingzey Village
Photo: Anjan Kumar Kundu / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
This tiny village, Lingzey, is a quiet retreat amidst the great mountains in Sikkim. It is surrounded by green paddy fields and features a tapestry of traditional wooden houses with quite colourful prayer flags. Locals are very warm; the Limboo people are extremely warm. Lingzey is not about any luxury resort or five-star experience; its beauty lies in its authenticity. Guests can walk on the winding streets of this village, chat with locals, and hike up to nearby hills which would provide them with stunning views of the surroundings.
Best Time To Visit: December to February
5. Lachung
Photo: Indrajit Das / Wikimedia Commons
Lachung sits roughly a two-hour drive north of Tholung Monastery, perched at 2,700 metres beside the Lachen and Lachung rivers. Known as the gateway to Yumthang Valley, this quaint mountain village is framed by snow-capped peaks and emerald forests. Stroll through apple orchards dusted with pink rhododendron blooms in spring or visit the 19th-century Lachung Monastery, with its colourful murals and heavy prayer wheels. Local homestays offer warm hospitality and Sikkimese meals, while nearby trails lead to crystal-clear streams and waterfalls. With its high-altitude charm and access to alpine wonders, Lachung makes a memorable day trip.
Major Attractions: Yumthang Valley, waterfalls, and apple orchards
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Lachung For A Wonderful Vacation In Hills
6. Tingvong Village
Photo: Amitabha Gupta / Wikimedia Commons
Tingvong Village lies in Upper Dzongu, roughly a four-kilometre trek from Tholung Monastery across forested slopes and cardamom groves. As part of a protected Lepcha reserve area, it requires a permit obtained at Mangan, lending the village an air of exclusivity. Traditional Lepcha houses dot paddy and cardamom fields, where friendly locals greet visitors keen to learn about local culture and crafts. Birdwatchers will be enthralled by flashes of Himalayan monals and colourful warblers among the towering rhododendron stands. A homestay night offers simple meals and a glimpse of daily life.
Major Attractions: Lepcha culture, traditional homestays, and scenic terraced fields
7. Lachen
Photo: Prabhat114 / Wikimedia Commons
Lachen lies roughly a three-hour drive north-east of Tholung Monastery, perched at 2,750 metres above sea level beside the Lachen River. As one of the offbeat places in Sikkim, this quiet village offers calm away from crowded trails, framed by cedar-clad slopes and distant snow-capped peaks. A stroll along the riverbank leads to Lachen Monastery, its white walls and colourful prayer flags a serene sight against the mountain backdrop. In spring, rhododendrons bloom across the hills, and in autumn the clear air makes it perfect for visits to nearby frozen lakes like Chopta Valley.
Major Attractions: Gateway to Gurudongmar Lake, sacred monasteries, and alpine landscapes
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Lachen
Where To Stay
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Sikkim offers a plethora of accommodation facilities to pilgrims and travellers. Some of the popular ones are Mayfair Spa Resort & Hotel, Summit Namnang Courtyard & Spa, Ramada, Club Mahindra, The Golden Crest Hotel and many more. Accommodations are available in various budgets; parking, Wi-Fi, and dining facilities are also provided in some accommodations.
Where To Eat
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Savour food in Thap Tsang Local Cuisine, Deepal Restaurant Food Wine Bar & Lounge, Kladen Restro, Hotel Khimsa Malling, Tingchim and many more options are available; one is sure to get a good mix of local flavours and dishes familiar to all.
Suggested Read: Top Places To Visit In East Sikkim For An Incredible Experience
Best Time To Visit
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Tholung Monastery in Sikkim is best visited during spring, which features vibrant colours and beautiful wildflowers. The summer months see the most rainfall, with mild temperatures and landslides. Autumn is considered the shoulder season, with fewer crowds and pleasant weather. Winter, from December to February, can be cold and snowy, making the trek difficult to access.
Other Factors To Consider
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Average Cost Of The Trip
There is no entrance fee at the Tholung Monastery. Additional expenses may include transportation, offering items, food, and refreshments. The estimated cost would be from ₹12,000 to ₹24,000.
Tips For Travellers
- Take care as a responsible traveller, and do not litter in the temple complex.
- Dress modestly—covering your shoulders and knees—since you will be entering places of worship.
- Show due respect to the local customs and traditions.
Suggested Read: Best Places To Visit In Sikkim In May For A Serene Trip
The Tholung Monastery is a hidden Buddhist place of worship in the valley of Lingzey that provides a calm and culturally interesting visit. It is very important for the growth of Buddhism in this area, and tourists can visit places for meditation and other nearby attractions. With TripXL’s support, travelling becomes effortless and enriching; each journey to Tholung Monastery becomes a memorable and enriching experience.
Cover Photo: Wingedtree / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
