Located at an altitude of 5800 feet, Rumtek Monastery is the biggest monastery in Sikkim. This monastery which was constructed in 1740 and later overhauled in 1979 houses a golden stupa that contains the artifacts that trace back to the 16th Karmapa. In addition, there are various other hallowed Buddhist relics. Don’t forget to whip out your camera to capture the moments you spend here with your friends/family.
Gangtok Tourism, India: Places to Visit
Enchey Monastery
Enchey Monastery is nearly 200 years old. The current structure of the monastery was constructed during the regime of Sidkeong Tulku. The monastery today houses over 90 monks that belong to the Nyingma sect. There are many depictions of Gods, Goddesses along with religious objects. The three prominent deities that are worshipped in this monastery are Guru Padmasambhava, Loketeswara, and The Buddha. Special prayers are performed every year on the 18th and 19th day of the 12th lunar month on the Tibetan calendar.
Phodang Monastery
Phodang Monastery was constructed by Chogyal Gyurmed Namgyal in the 18th century. This monastery which is owned by the Kargyupa sect has been reconstructed albeit the frescos and the ancient mural paintings have been preserved. It observes its yearly ‘chaam’ on the 28th and 29th day of the 10th month of the Tibetan calendar.
Namgyal Research Institute of Tibetology is one of the prime institutions in the world that carries out research in the fields of Tibetan culture and language. It also houses a Tibetan library, a museum, and a reference center where you can glean information on the Himalayas and Tibet.
Situated in Deorali and a couple of kilometers away from the town of Gangtok, the institute is located in a small forest of oak, magnolia, and birch trees which makes for a tranquil ambiance. The main building is constructed on Tibetan architecture which is renowned as one of the most elegant traditional designs in the world.
Contact India Holiday Mall to book a holiday package for your tour to Gangtok and prepare to be absorbed for days in the beautiful hill town to enjoy the various attractions and recreational activities. There are fantastic viewpoints, gompas & monasteries with astonishing architecture, gardens, museums, pools, lakes, and waterfalls that will mesmerize you and fill your vacations with an experience you will cherish forever.