Pemayangtse Monastery

Perched at the height of 2,100 meters above sea level, overlooking the beautiful sights of Rabdentse ruins, the Pemayangtse Monastery is one of Sikkim's oldest and most important Nyingmapa gompas. There is a statue of Buddha on the ground floor of the monastery, while the upper floors feature fierce-looking, eight incarnations of Padmasambhava.

The monastery is embellished with murals, paintings, and statues against snow-capped mountains. Pemayangtse Gompa underwent many refurbishments over time due to calamities like earthquakes striking it time and again. Nevertheless, it is a great attraction and a must-visit tourist place in Sikkim.

Things you should know before visiting Pemayangtse Monastery in Sikkim

• Location: Pemayangtse, Sikkim‎, ‎India
• Opening Hours: 7 AM - 5 PM
• Ticket Price: 20 INR
• Time Required: 01:30 Hrs 

Best Time to Visit Pemayangtse Monastery

March to June is considered the best time to visit Pemayangtse Gompa. During this time, the weather is cool, making your visit pleasant. One of the highlights of the gompa is the Chaam dance, which celebrates the Losar festival in February and March.

How to Reach Pemayangtse Monastery

Hire a taxi from Gangtok to Pelling, 126 km away. En route, stop at Namchi for rest. Then, stay in Pelling for the night and visit Pemayangtse Monastery, about 8 km from Pelling. For a hassle-free gompa, book Sikkim tour packages by Tourism of India, including private guided tours.

Accommodation near Pemayangtse Monastery

Pelling is the nearest town where you can find hotels. You can choose to stay at any hotel as per your needs and budget. Here’s a list of accommodations near Pemayangtse Gompa with distance for easy access -

• The Aryan Regency (2.7 km)
• The Elgin Mount Pandim, Pelling (0.4 km)
• The Chumbi Mountain Resort & Spa (2.8 km)
• Summit Newa Regency & Spa (2 km)
• Magpie Chestnut Retreat (3 km)

Tips for visiting a monastery

Here are some things you must know before you enter a monastery -

• Always take permission for the officials at the monastery before clicking pictures.
• Avoid talking loudly to maintain the sanctity of the place.
• Never touch, sit, or climb near the Buddha statue or the platform where the statue is kept.
• Wear appropriate clothes.
• If a monk or nun enters the gompa while sitting, ensure to stand up to show respect.
• Remember that monks do not eat in the afternoon. Therefore, do not snack around them.
• Do not litter or carry food items inside the gompa
• Monks are very interactive. In fact, they are the friendliest people you will meet. But make sure, especially women, to not touch them while talking, it makes them uncomfortable.
• While exiting, walk backward and after you have enough distance between the statue and yourself, then you can turn your back.