Pemayangtse Monastery

Pemayangtse Monastery is one of Sikkim's oldest and most revered Buddhist monasteries, located on a hilltop near Pelling in Gyalshing district. Founded in 1705, it belongs to the Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism and was established by Lama Lhatsun Chempo. The three-storied monastery houses ancient murals, sculptures, thangkas and a renowned seven-tiered wooden model of Guru Rinpoche's heavenly abode, offering panoramic views of the Himalayan range.

Visitors can expect a hilltop monastery complex with traditional Tibetan architecture, prayer halls adorned with colourful murals, thangkas and statues, and a museum-like display of ancient artefacts. The upper floor houses the detailed seven-tiered wooden sculpture of Zangdok Palri, the heavenly abode of Guru Padmasambhava. The surroundings offer forested hills and views of the Kanchenjunga range. Visitors can explore courtyards, observe monks in prayer, and experience a calm, spiritual atmosphere.

Founded in 1705 by Lama Lhatsun Chempo, one of the three lamas who consecrated the first Chogyal of Sikkim. It is one of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim and was originally built for pure monks (ta-tshang) meaning only monks of pure Tibetan lineage without physical abnormality were admitted. The monastery has undergone several renovations and expansions over centuries.

Head monastery of the Nyingma order in Sikkim, the oldest school of Tibetan Buddhism. It houses important religious texts, thangkas and statues of Guru Padmasambhava and is a major centre for Buddhist learning and festivals. The annual Cham dance performed during religious festivals is culturally significant.