Introduction

Shaped in the form of a Chinese Pagoda, Enchey Monastery worships Buddha, Loki Sharia and Guru Padmasambhava. This 200 year old monastery can be reached by taking regular buses, jeeps or by hiring taxis from Gangtok. The drive to the monastery is dotted with colorful blooms, intermittent waterfalls, beautifully stacked shops of green leafy vegetables and local produce. The green of the forest and the hazy blue of the sky merge with the spiritual flavor of monastery area and the effect is transcendental.

Emchey means ‘a solitary temple’. True to its name the monastery is surrounded with tall pines and glistening mountain ranges, instilling one with a typical quiet and calm, so intrinsic to any spiritual exercise. The beautiful landscape adds to this spiritual content.

The monastery houses hundred monks belonging to the Nyingma order.

As per the legend, Lama Druptab Karpo built a small hut at the spot, which underwent a change in 1909 during the era of Sikyong Tulkua and got the shape of a Chinese pagoda. This monastery has a beckoning display of antique images of Gods, Goddesses and other religious objects like the prayer beads, the temple bells and Holy Scriptures. Every year around January ‘Chaam’ or religious masked dance is performed. For these two days, monks engage themselves in the masked dance portraying different mythological stories with full pomp and pageantry. Visitors from far and wide gather here to watch the performances of the lamas.

Another festival which is celebrated at the monastery is Pang Lhabsol, symbolizing love between the Bhutias and Lepchas.

Special Attributes

Enchey Monastery is an ancient religious site of the Buddhists in Sikkim

Nuisance

The site is very peaceful and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

None. Just dress in whatever you find comfortable but be discreet when you visit monasteries.

Connectivity

One can reach Enchey Monastery by taking regular buses, jeeps or by hiring taxis from Gangtok.

Enjoyed by

History and architecture enthusiasts, and the spiritually inclined

Exposure

None, you'll be indoors for the most part

Avoidable Season

January, February, July, August

Facilities

Basic, plan accordingly

Things Not Allowed

No such restrictions

Tip

Enjoy the masked dances organized during annual Cham festival in December/ January.

Type of site

A monastery