While noted for being a place full of Himalayan splendor and all nature essence, Sikkim’s spiritual ardour also outshines. From ancient hilltop monasteries to sacred lakes, Sikkim boasts religious and spiritual significance, ideal for tourists seeking solace, spiritual progress, and divine connection.
With affordable Sikkim holiday packages, be on a well-planned trip to Sikkim’s iconic monasteries, temples, and revered lakes. Sacred spaces of Sikkim are more than just exploring religious and cultural heritage, take in a transformative journey of self-discovery and enlightenment amidst the Himalayas.
Sikkim's sacred spaces offer a unique brew of spiritual bliss and awe-inspiring scenery. Let’s discover the best iconic sacred sites located in Sikkim with Paradise Unexplored:
Rumtek Monastery
Rumtek Monastery, at a distance of about 23 km from the heart of Gangtok City, is the largest monastery in Gangtok and Sikkim, a center for Kagyu teachings. A golden stupa in the Buddhist monastery involves the relics of the 16th Karmapa.
This important Buddhist monastery was built by Gyalwa Karmapa, in the 1960s, a dwelling place for about 300 community monks. Nestled on a hill overlooking Gangtok, this monastery exhibits the fineness of Tibetan architecture and rare collections of Buddhist art pieces, surrounded by lush greenery.
Enchey Monastery
Encompassed by a picturesque surrounding, Enchey Monastery features an absolute sacred ambiance, and Chaam dance, and was established in the year of 1909 on the lovely hilltop of Gangtok. The name denotes “Solitary Monastery”, Enchey Monastery is a 200-year-old monastery, associated with a belief that protecting deities, Khangchendzonga and Yabden, dwell in the monastery. From Gangtok northeast, it takes nearly 3 km.
Hanuman Tok
A well-known Hindu temple Hanuman Tok is dedicated to Lord Hanuman, one of the most remarkable sacred sites in East Sikkim Gangtok. The temple is situated in the upper reaches of Gangtok, established in 1951, at an altitude of 7200 feet.
Hanuman Tok sits at a distance of about 11 km from Sikkim’s capital Gangtok, and believed that all wishes come true at Hanuman Temple. A division of the Army Department of India looks after the Temple. This holy site offers a spectacular view of surrounding hills and neighboring valleys.
Do Drul Chorten
Built by Trulshik Rinpoche in 1945, Do Drul Chorten is in a Stupa form in East Sikkim, Gangtok, the head of the Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism. This sacred site features 108 prayer wheels/Mani Lhakor engraved with holy mantras.
The temple is bounded by Chorten Lakahnag and Guru Lakhang - two statues of Guru Rinpoche. Inside the temple, there are Kangyur/Holy Books, a complete set of Dorjee Phurba, and many religious objects. Gangtok and Do Drul Chorten are nearly 12 min apart, situated in the scenic valleys of Gangtok.
Ranka Monastery
Ranka Monastery or Lingdum Monastery is an iconic Buddhist Temple in East Sikkim, which follows the Zurmang Kagyud Lineage of Buddhism. The monastery is about 20 km apart from Gangtok and 8 km from Ban Jhakri Falls.
In the prayer hall, there’s a golden statue of Lord Buddha, and the walls are painted with intricate hand paintings and thangkas hanging. Banjhakri Waterfall sits near the site which means you can cover both these locations in one go.
Encircled by forested hilly terrains, Ranka Monastery is a wonderful sacred site you must visit on your Sikkim Gangtok holiday. Its surrounding two-story building along the outskirts of the courtyard involves several classrooms.
Ganesh Tok
Ganesh Tok or temple is an incredible and must-visit sacred site in Sikkim, dedicated to Lord Ganesh built between 1952 and 1953 by Shri Appa B Pant, the former Political Officer of Sikkim.
It is believed that wishes come true upon worshiping at this temple. Explore the temple’s peaceful surroundings and a great view of lush greenery, located on a hilltop of Gangtok. It takes some 15 min to reach Ganesh Tok from Gangtok city. Choose from a wide range of Sikkim tour packages for your sacred venture.
Lachen Monastery
A Nyingma Buddhist Monastery near Lachen, Lachen Monastery is home to the Lachen Monastic School, built in 1858. The monastery houses the statue of Guru Rinpoche, situated in a stunning Lachen Valley. Take in a perfect religious tour with one of the best affordable Sikkim holiday packages.
Be on a spiritual retreat amidst Himalayan splendor in Sikkim. Also known as Ngodub Choling, the monastery is adorned with colourful prayer wheels and flags. Besides the spiritual charm, you can explore several historical artifacts there. Visit between 7 am-5 pm, about 10 min away from Lachen to Gurudongmar Road.
Lachung Monastery
Lachung Monastery is an exclusively beautiful Nyingma Buddhist Gompa in the valley of Lachung, established in 1880. Aligned at a height of 2750 m, Lachung monastery forms the base of Green Lake Trek.
The monastery has a statue of Guru Padmasambhava, featuring a two-storey prayer hall. The walls are embellished with murals and ancient statues, and at this site, religious dance festivals are held in December. From Lachung town center, it is about 20 km away, surrounded by beautiful apple orchards.
Tashiding Monastery
Perched atop a hill, overlooking the confluence of the Rathong Chu and Rangeet rivers, Tashiding Monastery follows the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Noted for its picturesque location and spiritual significance, Tashiding Monastery is adorned with prayer flags that flutter in the mountain breeze, and the soul-satisfying views of nature.
Located in western Sikkim near Pelling, the monastery features an alluring architecture and snow-capped mountainous backdrop, one of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim. Tashiding Monastery, built in the 17th century is also famous for its Bhumchhu Festival – a sacred water ceremony. It takes around 40 km to reach Tashiding Monastery from Gyalshing and about 30 km from Ravanlga.
Pemayangtse Monastery
Perched in Pemayangtse Pelling, Pemayangtse Monastery was founded by Lam Lhatsun Chempo in 1647, one of the premier monasteries in Sikkim – a 300-year-old monastery, located about 30 min from Pelling.
This Buddhist monastery displays the finesse of rich architecture and the unwavering faith of Buddhist followers. A three-storey building embellished with statues of Rinpoches and saints and Padmasambhava, scriptures, and antique idols. Visiting this sacred space takes you amidst serenity.
Dubdi Monastery
Professed to be the oldest monastery in Sikkim, Dubdi Monastery or Yuksum Monastery belongs to the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism. This two-storey structure was established in 1701 by Chogyal Namgyal at an altitude of 2100 m.
There are images of saints, divinities, and a collection of manuscripts inside the monastery. Explore the iconic bird’s eye view of surrounding landscapes. Be on a fun-filled trek to reach this sacred site located on a hilltop of Yuksom, about 3 km from Yuksom.
Siddheswar Dham
This spectacular imitation of Charmdham in Sikkim makes it possible for tourists to cover twelve Jyotirlingas along with four Dhams in one go. Siddheswar Dham is relatively a newly developed pilgrimage-cum cultural centre built on the Solophok Hill in South Sikkim.
Some 5 km from Namchi, Siddheswar Dham features a 108-foot enormous statue of Lord Shiva in sitting posture. Jagannath, Rameshwar Dham, Dwarka, and Badrinath have been incredibly replicated in the iconic complex.
Sangachoeling Monastery
Situated near Pelling, Sangachoeling Monastery is one of the oldest and most remarkable monasteries in Pelling West Sikkim. It caters to stunning views of the Himalayas and provides a serene environment for meditation and spiritual practices. Built in the 17th century by Lama Lhatsu Chempo, Sangochoeling Monastery nestles on a ridged opp the Pemayangtse Monastery.
Khecheopalri
Regarded as the "Wish Fulfilling Lake," Khecheopalri is revered by Buddhists and Hindus, meaning the heaven of Padmasambhava. Surrounded by lush forests with a surface elevation of 1700 m, the lake was once worshipped by animistic Lepchas as a location of spiritual powers, some 34 km northwest of Pelling.
Gurudongmar Lake
Located at an altitude of over 17,000 feet in Lachen North Sikkim, Gurudongmar Lake is considered sacred by Buddhists, Sikhs, and Hindus, the highest lake in India. This breathtaking lake is named after Guru Padmasambhava, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism, who blessed the lake, and its water is believed to possess healing properties.
These sacred destinations in Sikkim not only showcase the region's rich religious and spiritual grandeur but also offer visitors an opportunity to witness and experience peace, composure, and spiritual awakening amidst the majestic Himalayan surroundings.
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