About Gonjang Monastery
Gonjang Monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery located at Gonjang near Fatshila, about 8 km north of Gangtok in Sikkim. Established in 1981 by Tingkye Gonjang Rinpoche, it belongs to the Nyingma tradition. Set on a hilltop near Tashi View Point, the monastery features traditional Tibetan architecture, prayer halls, murals and statues, and offers panoramic views of Kanchenjunga and the surrounding Himalayan ranges. It functions as a residence and study centre for monks.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a hilltop monastery complex with a main prayer hall, colourful murals, thangkas and Buddhist statues, surrounded by forested slopes and mountain views. The site includes courtyards and monk quarters. The atmosphere is quiet and used for prayer and study. On clear days, views of Kanchenjunga are visible from the monastery grounds and nearby viewpoint area. Access is via a short uphill road and steps within the complex.
Key highlights
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Hilltop Tibetan Buddhist monastery of the Nyingma tradition established in 1981
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Traditional architecture with prayer hall, murals and Buddhist statues
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Panoramic views of Kanchenjunga and Gangtok valley on clear days
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Located near Tashi View Point, about 8 km from central Gangtok
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Active monastic residence and centre for Buddhist study and prayer
History of Gonjang Monastery
Gonjang Monastery was established in 1981 by Tingkye Gonjang Rinpoche, a revered Nyingma master. It was built to serve as a centre for Buddhist teachings and monastic education near Gangtok and has since functioned as a residence for monks and a place of worship.
Culture & Context
The monastery is an important centre of Tibetan Buddhism in Sikkim, affiliated with the Nyingma school, the oldest tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. It hosts daily prayers, religious ceremonies and festivals and preserves traditional art, murals and scriptures for the local Buddhist community and visitors.
Route
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