Gonjang Monastery Gangtok Entry Fee
- No Entry Fee
Gonjang Monastery Gangtok Phone
03592 209 090
Rating: 
| 4/5 stars
Based on total 36 reviews
Gonjang Monastery Gangtok Address: N Sikkim Hwy, Gangtok, Sikkim, 737103, India
Perched on a hillside overlooking Gangtok, Gonjang Monastery (or Gonjang Gompa) is a lesser-known tourist spot in Sikkim. It’s a gem of a tourist attraction nonetheless.
Gonjang Monastery Gangtok offers an immersive glimpse into the fascinating Tibetan culture and Buddhism. The monastery belongs to the Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism. It has been blessed by the Dalai Lama himself.
The place serves as a hub of Tibetan cultural heritage. It houses a community of over 100 devoted monks. The serenity and vibrant facade of the monastery attract tourists looking for places to relax without a crowd. Its shrine houses a monumental Buddha statue within.
It’s not only a serene place of learning but a viewpoint for Gangtok as well. You get to enjoy a cool breeze carrying the essence of the Himalayan forests and the melody of birds.
Where is Gonjang Monastery in Gangtok?
Gangtok Gonjang Monastery is situated at Fatak Bojhogari, near Tashi Viewpoint. It’s 7 km away from the Gangtok city centre, and it’s an integral part of Gangtok's attractions. From the monastery, you can also get a panoramic bird’s-eye view of the town.
History of Gonjang Monastery
Gonjang Monastery was founded by H. E. Tingkye Gonjang Rinpoche in 1981. It adheres to the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism.
Rinpoche is said to be the reincarnation of Yolmo Ngakchang Shakya Zangpo, a 15th-century Nyingma terton (saint). He opened the hidden land of Yolmo and discovered the teachings (also referred to as spiritual treasures).
The monastery started as a small center for learning Buddhism. The Dalai Lama laid the foundation stone. And today, it’s one of the most important learning centers in the region.
Buddhist philosophy is taught in the monastery alongside spiritual and religious teaching. Lessons in English and Tibetan language are also imparted.
Architecture of Gonjang Monastery
Gonjang Monastery Sikkim followed the practices of classical Tibetan architecture, fusing it with modern norms. The architecture isn’t as magnificent as other monasteries in the region. Still, it’s vibrant. It’s crowned by a pagoda-like structure.
A tall Tibetan-style colourful entrance gate takes you to the monastery courtyard. A short flight of steps in the courtyard takes you to the shrine. It’s 3-storey-high, with terraces and balconies from where you can get a good view of the surrounding mountains.
The exterior of Gonjang Monastery is rather plain. Colourful designs in blue, green and yellow are made along the top of each storey and protruding slopes.
Beyond its main shrine, the monastery complex has an institute for monks and a community healthcare center. The serene ambiance of the place offers respite from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Things to do at Gonjang Monastery Gangtok
1. Taking blessings from Buddha – The monastery shrine has a tall statue of Buddha. It houses idols of Khen-Lop Chos-Sum, too, the three founding fathers of Tibetan Buddhism from the 8th century. You can also see the engraved statues of the 25 prominent disciples of Padmasambhava (also called Guru Rinpoche). These disciples are collectively known as Je-Bang Nyer-Nga.
2. Admiring monastery architecture – Stepping into Gonjang Monastery Gangtok is like walking into a world full of peace. While the architecture is plain, the designs and murals are intricate. Bright colours have been used throughout the inner sanctum and other places in the complex. The traditional prayer wheels are on the side of the monastery building. While touring the premises, you might also get a chance to interact with a monk and click pictures.
3. Soaking in spirituality – The monastery imparts knowledge about the philosophies of Tibetan Buddhism. Attend a prayer session if your time permits. The mantras, along with the sound of Tibetan instruments, have a mesmerizing effect. It creates a sacred connection with the soul. You can feel calm as soon as you visit the complex. You can feel the music healing the inner chaos and connecting you with your deeper self.
4. Enjoying the panoramic views – Gonjang Monastery is located a bit high above Gangtok. You can take in gorgeous, scenic views of the valley and mountains in the distance. On a clear day, you might even get to see the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas.
5. Taking part in the festivals – One of the main attractions of Gonjang Monastery Gangtok is the annual Chaam dance. The monks perform elaborate masked dances during the festival. It takes place during the 10th month of the Tibetan calendar, falling around December-January. And it signifies the triumph of good over evil.
Gonjang Monastery Timings and Entry Fee
Gonjang Monastery opens at 7 AM, and you can explore it until 5 PM. It’s open every day, throughout the year. You have to pay no entry fee to visit the place.
Best time to visit Gonjang Monastery Gangtok
The weather in Gangtok is most comfortable in the early months of winter or late winter. So, plan your visit either in October/November or February/March. The summer season (from March to June) is also suitable.
Time to explore Gonjang Monastery
It takes less than an hour to explore the monastery. Although it’s not as vast as other popular monasteries, it’s peaceful here. You can attend the prayers, rotate the prayer wheels, and ask for good luck and blessings.
Things to keep in mind when visiting Gonjang Monastery
- Wear comfortable walking shoes.
- Dress respectably, covering your knees and shoulders.
- Don’t click photographs inside the shrine.
- Don’t touch the idols in the shrine.
- Maintain silence in and around the temple.
How to reach Gonjang Monastery in Gangtok?
Gonjang Monastery is 7 km from the city center, near Tashi Viewpoint. It’s 10 km from Deorali bus stop in Gangtok, 125 km from the nearest railway station in New Jalpaiguri, and 130 km from the nearest Bagdogra airport.
And here’s how to reach the monastery from Gangtok –
By bike – Rental bikes are easily available in Gangtok. You can take one for the day and explore Gonjang Monastery and other nearby tourist places.
By cab/taxi – The best way to visit Gonjang Monastery is by taking a shared taxi or private cab. You can hire an SUV from the top car rental companies in Gangtok and explore the tourist places around, along with the monastery.
Make the most of your Gangtok trip by booking a Gangtok tour package with us. At Gangtok Tourism, a division of Holidays DNA, we have in-depth knowledge of the city and can offer insights into its culture. We can also assist you in customizing the packages depending on your holiday duration and budget. Please fill out the Contact Us form to know more about our services.
