{"id":22262,"date":"2024-08-06T13:39:09","date_gmt":"2024-08-06T13:39:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tripxl.com\/blog\/?p=22262"},"modified":"2024-09-12T06:50:30","modified_gmt":"2024-09-12T06:50:30","slug":"chorten-monastery","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tripxl.com\/blog\/chorten-monastery\/","title":{"rendered":"Chorten Monastery : An Ultimate Guide To Explore This Cultural Treasure Of Sikkim"},"content":{"rendered":"

One of Sikkim’s most famous spiritual and cultural attractions is Chorten Monastery. Known and famous for its serene environment and rich heritage, travellers enjoy spending a peaceful getaway learning about Tibetan Buddhism. Unique architecture and intense rituals at the monastery; coupled with its natural beauty on the outside, have been a magnetic attraction toward searching for spirituality and being in tune with nature. <\/em><\/p>\n

Location<\/h2>\n
\"The<\/div>\n

Photo: Anjan Kumar Kundu \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ Image For Representation Only<\/a><\/p>\n

Situated in East Sikkim, the Chorten Monastery lies on the outskirts of Gangtok. It overlooks a commanding site with superb views of the Himalayas and the surrounding green valleys, located about 24 km away from Gangtok; sufficiently away from seclusion but close enough for easy access. Its situation amidst the Himalayas ensures a serene environment perfect for meditation and spiritual reflection.<\/p>\n

Suggested Read:<\/strong> Top Places To Visit In East Sikkim For An Incredible Experience<\/a><\/p>\n

How To Reach Chorten Monastery<\/h2>\n
\"Reaching<\/div>\n

Photo: Amitabha Gupta \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ Image For Representation Only<\/a><\/p>\n

Chorten Monastery is accessible through various modes of travel, such as:<\/p>\n

By Air:<\/strong> The nearest airport to Chorten Monastery is Bagdogra Airport, about 125 kilometres away. One can book a taxi from Bagdogra or take a shared car to reach Gangtok, which will be a four to five hours long journey,<\/p>\n

By Rail:<\/strong> New Jalpaiguri Railway Station is the nearest major railhead, about 120 kilometres from Gangtok. A taxi or shared cab from NJP to Gangtok may take 4-5 hours.<\/p>\n

By Road:<\/strong> Gangtok is well-connected to key cities in Sikkim and neighbouring states. You can reach or book a taxi from cities like Siliguri, Darjeeling, or Kolkata. The drive from Gangtok to Chorten Monastery takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour.<\/p>\n

Places To Visit Around Chorten Monastery<\/h2>\n

1. Khangchendzonga National Park<\/h3>\n
\"Khangchendzonga<\/div>\n

Photo: Sujoy Saha \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ Image For Representation Only<\/a><\/p>\n

About 50 kilometres from Gangtok, this UNESCO World Heritage Site sprawls across more than 850 square kilometres. This is a protected area of tremendous biodiversity and breathtaking natural beauty. Many rare and endangered species are found here, such as the red panda, the snow leopard, and the Himalayan tahr. The park comprises various landscapes; from lush forests to alpine meadows, glacial lakes, rugged mountains. The most prominent one is the Kanchenjunga Mountain itself,constituting the third-highest peak in the world.<\/p>\n

Things To Do:<\/strong> Trek through diverse landscapes, view rare wildlife, and enjoy panoramic views of Mount Kanchenjunga.<\/p>\n

Suggested Read:<\/strong> Places To Visit In West Sikkim<\/a><\/p>\n

2. Pelling<\/h3>\n
\"Pelling<\/div>\n

Photo: Amitabha Gupta \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ Image For Representation Only<\/a><\/p>\n

Pelling, about 115 km from Gangtok, is a lovely town with great views of the Kanchenjunga range. The enchanting village and its surroundings, amidst a lush green ambience and other essential places of interest, make it popular. This was where the famous Pemayangtse monastery<\/a> was situated, enriched with historical values and old murals. Not very far from it is the Khecheopalri Lake, which is considered holy by both Hindus and Buddhists and is famous for the crystal clarity of its waters and calm environs. Rabdentse Ruins, the remains of an ancient Sikkimese capital, go a long way in revealing the region’s historical past.<\/p>\n

Things To Do:<\/strong> Explore Pemayangtse Monastery, visit Khecheopalri Lake, and admire the Rabdentse Ruins.<\/p>\n

3. Tsomgo Lake<\/h3>\n
\"Tsomgo<\/div>\n

Photo: Indrajit Das \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/p>\n

Tsomgo Lake, or Changu Lake, is a glacial lake around 40 km from Gangtok at an altitude of 3,780 metres. This lake is one of the calmest, situated amidst snow-capped peaks and green meadows. Its high altitude contributes to its unique blue-green colour that changes with the seasons. Colourful prayer flags adorn the area, and small temples add to its spiritual charm. One can take yak rides around the lake or enjoy a peaceful walk while soaking in those views. This lake freezes in winter, and it forms a great winter landscape of the lake.<\/p>\n

Things To Do:<\/strong> Take a yak ride around the lake, capture the changing colours of the lake, and enjoy local snacks from nearby stalls.<\/p>\n

Suggested Read:<\/strong> Best Places To Visit In Sikkim In May For A Serene Trip<\/a><\/p>\n

4. Buddha Park of Ravangla<\/h3>\n
\"Buddha<\/div>\n

Photo: Joydeep \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/p>\n

About 70 km from Gangtok, the Buddha Park of Ravangla is a peaceful park with a massive statue of Buddha. Situated within the beautifully landscaped gardens is the 130-foot statue, considered one of the tremendous spiritual sites and a symbol of peace. Being able to view the Himalayas, with Mount Kanchenjunga, from the park provides a great backdrop. The peaceful atmosphere of the park and the Buddha statue set the scene for meditation and quiet reflection. It has colourful flowers and many statues of different Buddhist symbols that embellish the surrounding gardens.<\/p>\n

Things To Do:<\/strong> Admire the 130-foot Buddha statue, stroll through landscaped gardens, and enjoy views of Mount Kanchenjunga.<\/p>\n

5. Sangacholing Monastery<\/h3>\n
\"Sangacholing<\/div>\n

Photo: Joydeep \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ Image For Representation Only<\/a><\/p>\n

Sangacholing Monastery, an ancient monastery, is situated about 5 km from Pelling. The construction dates back to the early 17th century, making it one of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim. It is located atop a hill, making it ideal to present fascinating and panoramic views of the surroundings and the Kanchenjunga range. The monastery is an extended centre of vital Buddhist worship and rituals, witnessing monks visit for their daily prayers or other ceremonies.<\/p>\n

Things To Do:<\/strong> Explore the ancient monastery and its artefacts, enjoy panoramic views from the hilltop, participate in meditation sessions.<\/p>\n

Suggested Read:<\/strong> Best Places To Visit In Sikkim In June For A Fun Trip<\/a><\/p>\n

6. Khecheopalri Lake<\/h3>\n
\"Khecheopalri<\/div>\n

Photo: Amitabha Gupta \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/a><\/p>\n

Locals believe that the Khecheopalri Lake, some 120 km from Gangtok and near Pelling, is sacred to Hindus and Buddhists. It has a dense forest surrounding the lake, interspaced with crystal-clear transparent water and a calm, serene environment. There is a strong belief that this lake fulfils the wishes of the people visiting and offering prayers. Colourful prayer flags and small shrines are situated everywhere around the lake, enhancing its spiritualism. One can walk peacefully around the lake, get soaked in the natural beauty, and indulge in the local rituals.<\/p>\n

Things To Do:<\/strong> Walk around the sacred lake, offer prayers at the shrines, and photograph the serene landscape.<\/p>\n

Where To Stay<\/h2>\n
\"Numerous<\/div>\n

Photo: Amitabha Gupta \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ Image For Representation Only<\/a><\/p>\n

Various accommodations options are available around Chorten Monastery to choose for your trip:<\/p>\n