Introduction

As one of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim and surely the most sacred of them, Pemayangtse Monastery holds a special place in the labyrinth of the state’s cultural history. A moment of reclusive peace, a feeling of mind-whirling introspection, a newfound urge to set off on an unending soul search – Pemayangtse makes you go through all these and more. Of course, when a place means something like “perfect sublime lotus” literally, your mental projection would scarcely head towards some other direction. Pemayangtse Monastery was founded in the year 1705 by Lama Lhatsun Chempo under the Nyingma-pa sect and was initially constructed to provide shelter to the Ta-sang lamas (most profound monks). With the passage of time, the monastery took in others within its magnetic orb.

About 140 kilometers (86.99 miles) towards the west of Gangtok, this truly sublime edifice makes its presence felt commandingly at a height of 2085 meters (6840 feet). Pemayangtse Monastery is a tri-level building filled with some magnificent artifacts of great historical value on each of the floors. The third floor of the monastery contains what would be the most fascinating of the lot – a seven-tiered painted wooden structure of Guru Rinpoche’s abode, Zandog palri, done up with dragons, rainbows and an entire ensemble of all the Bodhisattvas. This magnificent structure was built by the late Dungzin Rinpoche as a solo project over a period of (would you believe?) five years. The first floor of the monastery is adorned with various sculpture and wall paintings that will take you through a spinning historical ride and leave you completely spellbound. Today, the monastery heralds the foremost offer of Sikkim in the name of Buddhism and a real treat for spiritual travel hopefuls.

The sacred dance of Chaam, also known as the “monk dance” is celebrated in Pemayangtse Monastery every year during Losar (Tibetan New Year) on the 28th and 29th day of the 12th month (January/February) of the Tibetan Calendar. During this festival, the lamas of the monastery participate in masked dances, clad in costumes to characterize various deities like Mahakala and Guru Drag-dmar. The third day marks the end of the festival and is represented through the unfolding of the Gho-Ku’ (an enormous embroidered Buddhist scroll). If you wish to sniff a waft of the real flavor of Sikkim, try to synchronize your visit with the festival period and experience first-hand the state’s tryst with spiritualism.

Special Attributes

The seven-tiered painted wooden structure of Guru Rinpoche’s abode, Zandog palri, which took five years to be built in a single-handed project.

Nuisance

The site is very peaceful and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

None, but you should dress decently when you visit monasteries.

Connectivity

Regular buses run from most of the neighboring places. Even shared jeeps/taxis are available at various points.

Enjoyed by

Backpackers, nature lovers.

Exposure

The weather in Pelling remains pleasant throughout the year. If you are visiting during monsoon be prepared with an umbrella.

Avoidable Season

June, July, August (Monsoon period)

Facilities

Hotels, inns, restaurants, cyber cafes

Things Not Allowed

No such restrictions

Tip

Set out after a nice breakfast so you can trek around leisurely and explore the surroundings during your walk to the monastery

Type of site

Monastery