Soak in the sacred energy of Phensang Monastery

Located in one of the most incredible landscapes, Phensang Monastery is a Buddhist site of immense significance for spiritual seekers in Sikkim. Belonging to the Nyingmapa sect, the monastery was established in 1721 by the 3rd Lhatsun Jigmed Pawo (1682-1735). 

Built several times during its history, Phensang Monastery was rebuilt in 1840 to accommodate more number of monks. It is one of the six largest monasteries in Sikkim in terms of number of monks residing here.  As things stand today, the monastery plays host to some three hundred monks. 

In 1947 a fire engulfed the Phensang monastery which was rebuilt in the following year.  The monastery also underwent reconstruction in the subsequent decades. 

Festivals

During the 28th & 29th days of the tenth month of the Tibetan Calendar which usually falls in the last week of December, the Phensang monastery comes alive with excitement. Kagyad dance performed by the Buddhist monks two days before the Sikkim’s New Year symbolizes the destruction of evil of the previous year and embrace of the peace and prosperity in the next year.

How to reach Phensang monastery

Air: Bagdogra airport near Siliguri in West Bengal is the nearest airport to Phensang monastery and is some 130 km away from Phensang monastery. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or a private cab that will take you to the Phensang monastery. 

Rail: The nearest railway station to Phensang monastery is about 156 kilometres away in New Jalpaiguri (NJP) in West Bengal. NJP railway station is well-connected to major cities and places in India including New Delhi and Kolkata. From NJP you can take a taxi to reach Phensang 

Road: Good motorable roads connect Phensang monastery with all the major places in Sikkim and India. 

Best Time to visit Phensang monastery 

October to June is the best period to visit Phensang monastery. If you want to see the Kagyad dance performed in the monastery you will have to come in the month of December. 

Tashiding Monastery: Holy water to predict the future

Located on a hilltop the Tashiding monastery was built in 1717 by Ngadak Sempa Chembo during the reign of the third Chogyal of Sikkim, Chakdor Namgyal. One of the holiest and oldest monasteries in Sikkim, Tashiding features beautiful carvings of the sacred texts and Buddhist deities on the stone tablets.

On the premises of the Tashiding monastery are a number of ornately carved shrines and many stupas dedicated to the saints.  The Buddhist mantra ‘Om Mane Padme Hum (hail the jewel in the lotus) is carved almost everywhere. 

Festival

Bhumchu is the most sacred festival associated with the Tashiding Monastery. During the festival the sealed vessels (tings) are opened to predict the prosperity of Sikkim. This is done by measuring the level of the waters which were put into the vessels one year before. The waters are from Rathong river in west Sikkim. Bhumchu is held every year in the month of February.  

How to reach Tashiding monastery

Air: Bagdogra airport near Siliguri in West Bengal is the nearest airport to Tashiding monastery. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or a private cab that will take you to the Tashiding monastery. It is a four hour drive from Siliguri to Tashiding. 

Rail: The nearest railway stations to Tashiding monastery is New Jalpaiguri (NJP) in West Bengal. NJP railway station is well-connected to major cities and places in India including New Delhi and Kolkata. From NJP you can take a taxi to reach Tashiding. 

Road: Good motorable roads connect Tashiding monastery with all the major places in Sikkim and India. 

Best time to visit Tashiding Monastery

Though anytime is good time to visit the Tashiding Monastery, best to visit it is in the month of February when the monastery plays host to the Bhumchu festival. 

Enchey monastery

Located on a beautiful hill top on the northern outskirts of Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, the Enchey monastery commands spectacular views of the town and the Kanchenjunga peak. Established in 1840, it is the seat of the Nyingmapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Tradition has it that the famous tantric and lama Lama Druptob Karpo who had acquired flying power actually flew here from Maenam hill in South Sikkim and built a hermitage here for performing meditation.

Enchey monastery's prayer hall is adorned with beautiful murals and houses a statue of Buddha as well as other Tantric statues. 

You can see the monks performing prayers and traditional rituals. The Enchey monastery is at its exuberant best during its Chaam dance also known as the mask dance usually held in December.  Only lamas can participate in Chaam. 

How to reach Enchey monastery

Air: Bagdogra, 9 km west of Siliguri in West Bengal, is the nearest airport to Enchey monastery and is some 124 km away from Enchey monastery. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or a private cab that will take you to the Enchey monastery in two hours. The drive from Bagdogra to Enchey monastery is a bewitching experience with River Teesta and scenic mountains as the backdrop.  

Rail: The nearest railway station to Enchey monastery is about 150 kilometres away in New Jalpaiguri (NJP) in West Bengal. NJP railway station is well-connected to major cities and places in India including New Delhi and Kolkata. From NJP you can take a taxi to reach Enchey monastery or go to Siliguri Bus Station and board a state-run bus to Gangtok. From Gangtok you can hire a taxi or cab. 

Road: Well-maintained roads connect Enchey monastery with all the major places in Sikkim and India. 

Best Time to visit Enchey monastery 

October to June is the best period to visit Enchey monastery. If you want to see the Chaam dance performed in the monastery you will have to come in the month of December when temperature drops to an average low of about 4°C.