Pemayangtse Monastery
Overview
One of the oldest and most important monasteries in Sikkim, founded in the 17th century.
History
Pemayangtse Monastery was founded in 1705 by Lhatsun Namkha Jigme, who is considered the founder of Buddhism in Sikkim. It was built as one of the four plexus monasteries of Sikkim. The monastery follows the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism and houses numerous ancient relics, sculptures, and thangkas.
Location
Region: West Sikkim
Coordinates: 27.3015° N, 88.2609° E
Elevation: 2,085 meters (6,840 ft)
Address: Pemayangtse, West Sikkim District, Sikkim, India
Key Features
- Seven-tiered painted wooden structure representing Guru Rinpoche's Heavenly Palace
- Collection of ancient Buddhist scriptures and manuscripts
- Traditional monastic school (shedra) teaching Buddhist philosophy
- Annual Cham (masked) dance festival held during Losar celebrations
Visiting Information
Hours: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM daily
Entry Fee: Free (donations appreciated)
Nearby Attractions:
- Khecheopalri Lake (sacred lake)
- Rabdentse Ruins (ancient capital of Sikkim)
- Sangachoeling Monastery
Gallery
Plan Your Visit
Guided Tours Available
Experience the monastery with knowledgeable guides
Duration: 45-60 minutes
Tours run multiple times daily