| highest number of monasteries in India
belonging to different sects and the major one is the Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre, the seat of the Kagyu Order,
which was built in 1960 after the arrival of his Holiness
the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa. |
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YUKSOM
 This was the first capital of Sikkim, where according to
the historical records, the first Chogyal of the kingdom
of Sikkim was consecrated in 1641 A.D. by three learned
lamas. The evidence of the consecration ceremony is still
intact at Norbugang Chorten in the form of stone seats and
a foot - print of the Head lama on a stone. Since the
history of the state began from this place, these areas
are now considered sacred by the people of Sikkim. Yuksom
is served by all weather road from Pemayangtse, which is
at a distance of 32 kms. From Yuksom, the trek to Dzongri
and to the base came of the famous Mount Khangchendzonga
begins.
Several categories of accommodations are available in
Yuksom for those desiring to spend a few days there
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DUBDI MONASTERY
This was the first monastery established soon after the
consecration ceremony of the first Chogyal. The monastery
is located on a hill top above Yuksom surround by verdant
forest. It can be approached by trekking only, negotiating
steep slope for something like 32 to 35 minutes. It is an
ideal place for lamas seeking meditational recluse...back
KHECHEOPALRI LAKE
Khecheopalri lake is considered as one of the sacred lakes
of this state both by the Buddhist and the Hindus. The
lake remains hidden in the rich forest cover. It is
believed that birds do not permit even a single leaf to
float on the lake surface. There is a motor able road from
Pemayangtse right up to the lake area...back
PEMAYANGTSE MONASTERY
Pemayangtse monastery is one of th e oldest monasteries in
the state, originally established by Lhatsun chempo, one
of the reverend lamas to have performed the consecration
ceremony of the first Chogyal [ religious monarch ] of
Sikkim. This ancient monastery belongs to the Nyingmapa
sect of Tibetan Buddhism and has been considered as one of
the premier monasteries in the state, having been
entrusted with the task to perform all religious functions
of the erstwhile monarch.
Originally, it was established as a high class monastery
for "Pure Monka" [Ta- sang]. Inside the monastery there is
a wooden structure deputing the maha guru's heavenly
palace (Sang-tok-palri), which is considered a masterpiece
created by Late Dungzin Rimpoche.
The monastery, located
on a hill top at an altitude of 6840 ft. commands a
magnificent panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges and the
surrounding hills and countryside.
A well-furnished Tourist Lodge is
located just across the Monastery on a smaller hill top
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RABDENTSE RUINS
This was the second capital of the erstwhile Kingdom of
Sikkim after Yuksom and till the year 1814 A.D., the king
of Sikkim had ruled the State from this place. Toddy, the
ruins lies hidden from the main road at a walking distance
from the Tourist Lodge and the Pemayangtse Monastery. It
can be approached by following a footpath
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SANGACHOLING MONASTERY
This Monastery is situated on a ridge above Pelling and
the famous Pemayangtse Monastery. Built in 1697 A.D., it
is considered to be one of the oldest monasteries in the
State. In order to reach this Monastery one has to be
prepared to spend at least 40 minutes walking up the steep
hilly slope which leads through rich forest covers
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TASHIDING MONASTERY
This Monastery is constructed on top of a heart-shaped
 hill with the backdrop of the sacred Mt. Khangchendzonga.
According to Buddhist scriptures, Guru Padma Sambhave
(Guru Rimpoche) blessed the sacred land of Sikkim in 8th
Century A.D. from the spot. The Monastery, however, was
built in 18th Century A.D. by one Nadak Sempa
Chempo, one of the three lamas who had performed the
consecration ceremony of the first Chogyal.
Tashiding is also famous for the most holy Chorten
known as "Thong-Wa-Rang- To" which literally means "Saviours
by mere sight" It is believed that the mere act beholding
it is supposed to wash away all the sins of the devotee.
Another important feature of Tashiding is the sacred water
festival popularly known as "Bhumchu". It is a religious
tradition unique to Tashiding Monastery only. Every year,
on the 15th day of the first Tibetan month, the
Bhumchu Ceremony is celebrated with devotees coming from
far and near to get the blessing of the holy water. The
sacred holy water is officially sealed for safety by the
Government and the lamas of the Monastery and it is taken
out once a year on the auspicious occasion, only to be put
back with some fresh additions. The sacred water which is
taken out partly is mixed with normal water to be
distributed among thousands of devotees
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LACHUNG
A Bhutia village with a unique local self governing body
called the Zamsa which substitutes the Panchyat. Lachung
has emerged as a tourist destination with the soaring
popularity of Yumthang valley which is just 25 km away
from Lachung. The village, spread out on either side of
Lachung Chu, has managed on retain its unique culture and
tradition. The Lachung Monastery on the slope opposite to
the highway is a focal point of all religious functions of
the local inhabitants. To get a glimpse of the religious
functions performed on auspicious occasion a visit to the
monastery should form part of the tour itinerary
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YUMTHANG
Yumthang, at an elevation of 11,800 ft, and 140 kms from
Gangtok, is a paradise for nature lovers with a
fascinating blend of flora and fauna and breathtaking
scenic grandeur. The valley is also the home for Shingbha
Rhododendron Sanctuary with 24 species of Rhododendrons. Yumthang "Tsa-Chu" or the hot spring on the left bank of
Lachung Chu is immensely popular for its curative
properties and healing power
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PHODONG MONASTERY
 One of the six major monasteries in Sikkim, Phodong
monastery is located in the North approximately 38 km
from Gangtok. 4 km beyond Phodong is the
recently-renovated Labrang Monastery. Unique in its
architectural design
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RAVANGLA
At the base of Menam Hill is Ravangla, a small township
and transit to various tourist destinations in South and
West Sikkim. It is also an up-coming tourist spot, and
transit point for trekkers to Menam Hill and Borong. There
are accommodation on facilities and numerous short nature
trials. A trek down to the sacred cave " Shar Chok Bephu",
one of the four holiest caves in Sikkim, would be a
memorable experience...back
TEMI TEA GARDEN
The one and the only Tea Estate existing in the
 State
produces one of the top quality teas in the International Markedt. The Tea Garden is spread out on a gentle hill
slope originating from the Tendong Hill and provides a
magnificent view for the sounding villages. The visit to
the factory could be eye opener for those wanting to know
more about the tea processing methods
A night spent in an old British-built bungalow located
just below the tea garden could be an enthralling
experience of linking the past to the present. A visit to
the garden, enroute to the Tendong Hill, could be a
rewarding experience for those who want to combine nature
and culture as they keep trekking...back
LINGDUM MONASTERY
 Lingdum Monastery is recently established spectacular work
of act and culture. It is the seat of Zurmang Charwang
Rimpoche. The present Gharwang Rimpoche is the XII
successive incarnation in this lineage
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RUMTEK DHARMA CHAKRA CENTRE
About 45 minutes
 drive from Gangtok, 24 km away, is the Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre, the seat of the Kagyu order,
one of the 4 major Tibetan Buddhist sects. Since the late
1960's, after the arrival of His Holiness the 16th
Gyalwa Karmapa, the Center houses some of the world's most
unique religious scriptures and religious are objects.
Traditional in design, it is almost a replica of the
original Kagyu headquarters in Tibet
Behind the main monastery is the lavishly decorated Karma
Nalanda Institute of Buddhist studies which attracts
students from world over. Opposite the enlvance the
institute is a small hall featuring a beautiful jewel
studded Chorten the Golden Stupa, which contains the ashes
and remains of this Holiness the XVI Gyalwa Karmapa
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ENCHEY MONASTERY
An important seat of the Nyingma order, the Enchey
Monastery is built on the site blessed by Lama Druptob
Karpo, a tantric master known for his power of flying.
This 200 year old monastery has in its premises images of
gods, goddesses and other religious objects. Every year
around January 'Chaam' or religious masked dance is
performed with great fanfare for two days. It is situated
adjoining the siniolhu Tourist Lodge, 3 km from Gangtok
town
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DO-DRUL CHORTEN [STUPA]
 The Do-drul Chorten or stupa was built by the venerable
Trulshi Rimpoche,
head of the Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism, in 1945.
Inside this stupa,
there are complete mandala sets of Dorjee Phurba [Bajra
Kilaya], a set of kan-gyur
relics [Holy Books], complete' Zung'[mantras] and other
religious objects. Around
this chorten, which is one of the most important stupas in
Sikkim, are 108 Mani-Lhakor [prayer wheels]. These prayer wheels are turned by
the devout Buddhist
while chanting "Hail to the jewel in the Lotus", to invoke
the Bodhisattva. The
chorten is surrounded by chorten Lakhang and Guru Padmasambhava
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NAMGYAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF TIBETOLOGY [NRIT]
The most prestigious of its king in India-this Buddhist
Institute is a treasure trove of vast collection of rare
Lepcha, Tibetan and Sanskrit manuscripts, statues and rare
Thangkas [Tapestries used in Buddhist liturgy] and has
over 200 Buddhist icons and other prized objects of art.
Today, it is a renowned worldwide centre for study of
Buddhist Philosophy and religion
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KABI LUNGCHUNK
This historical place is 17 km from Gangtok on the north
Sikkim highway. This is where the historic treaty of
blood brotherhood between the Lepcha Chief Te-Kung-Tek and
the Bhutia chief Khey-Bum-sar was signed ritually. The
spot where the ceremony took place is marked by a memorial
stone pillar amidst the cover of dense forest
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PHENSONG MONASTERY
The place is situated on the gentle slope stretching from
Kabi to Phodong with perhaps one of the best landscapes in
the region. The Pensong Monastery , under the Nyingmapa
Buddhist Order, was built in 1721 during the time of Jigme
Pawo. It was gutted by fire in 1947 and rebuilt in 1948
through the efforts of the lamas. The annual festival of
chaam is performed on the 28th
and 29th days of
the tenth month of Lunar calendar [Tibetan calendar]
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