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Phensang Monastery Gangtok Address: Sikkim, 737116, India
The beauty of North east India, Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim, is a true gem of the Himalayas. The city is known for its rich cultural heritage. In 1840, the city gained independence as the capital after British rule ended.
The city was formerly established as a Buddhist Pilgrimage. Today, the city remains a Tibetan Buddhist Center and a base for hikers who organise treks through Himalayan mountain ranges.
The famous tourist places in Gangtok are Enchey Monastery, Rumtek Monastery, Changu Lake, Nathu La Pass, Ganesh Tok, Hanuman Tok, etc. There are several monasteries in the city, and everyone is worth a visit.
One such monastery is the Phensang Monastery.
Nestled amidst the misty Himalayan mountains, Phensang Monastery in Gangtok is a sanctuary of serenity and spirituality. Perched at an elevation that seems to touch the heavens, this centuries-old Buddhist monastery offers travellers a glimpse into the rich cultural tapestry of Sikkim.
All about the Phensang Monastery, Gangtok
Phensang Monastery, also called Phensang Gompa, is one of Sikkim's oldest and most important monasteries. It was founded in 1721 by Lama Jigme Pawo and follows the Nyingmapa tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. This special place has been important in spreading Buddhist teachings and customs for many years.
Phensang Monastery is located 9 km away from Gangtok. It is a peaceful place surrounded by greenery and offers amazing views of the Himalayas. The journey while travelling to the monastery is a scenic delight with winding roads and hills and valleys.
The monastery is home to a community of monks who lead disciplined lives. They are known for their humility, simplicity, and dedication to their religious practices. Visitors can interact with the monks, learn about their daily routines, and even join meditation sessions.
#Trivia: Every year, on the 28th and 29th of the 10th month in the Tibetan Calendar, which usually aligns with December, the monastery holds a special event. During this time, the monks in the monastery performed a traditional ''Chaam'' or Mask dance.
The beautiful monastery is an example of the great skill of Tibetan artisans. The complex has traditional Tibetan designs, like colourful paintings, woodwork, and finely carved pillars.
The main temple, known as the "Zangdok Palri Phodang," has vibrant murals. The monastery is a place to worship, meditate, and study for the resident monks, and you can see the monks performing their rituals and prayers. There are, in total, 300 lamas of Nyingmapa Buddhists residing in the monastery at present.
One spiritual thing to experience during your visit is the monasteries' traditional prayer ceremony. The chords chanted by the monks and the smell of the incense create a very calming atmosphere.
For adventure enthusiasts who love trekking, Phensang Monastery is a great starting point for various trails in the surrounding hills. These trails allow you to visit and experience the natural beauty of Sikkim.
Entry fees and timings of Phensang Monastery, Gangtok
The monastery is open every day of the week from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Entry to the monastery is free for all visitors.
Best time to visit the Phensang Monastery, Gangtok
October to mid-December and April to June are the best time to visit Gangtok. You will experience a whole new different world during your visit.
#Trivia: Witness the Mask dance at the Phensang Monastery in December.
How to reach the Phensang Monastery, Gangtok?
The Phensang Monastery is located 27 km from Gangtok. If you are already in Sikkim and travelling by road, please note that the monastery is 4 km away from the seven sisters' waterfall. You can get a taxi or local bus. If you want to try something new, go for a camel ride.
If you travel by railway, the Rangpo railway station is the nearest junction for outsiders, 67.4 km from the monastery. The junction has many available options for travelling to the monastery.
The nearest airport is Pakyong Airport, which is 56.7 km from the place and usually takes 2.5 hours to travel via NH310A and Singtam, Dikchu road.
Apart from Sikkim's mode of transportation, the nearest airport is the Bagdogra in West Bengal, 124 km from where you can book a flight to any nearby place, including Sikkim.
Besides, the Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri railway stations are 114 km and 125 km distant, respectively. These rail links to Kolkata, Delhi, Lucknow and many other central parts of the country.
The Phensang Monastery is truly a bridge between history and the present. This religious place helps you learn about the Sikkim people's way of life. It takes you through their rituals along with the natural beauty. It is a place where the soul finds solace, and the heart finds harmony, reminding us of faith's enduring power and the natural world's boundless wonders.
Book a Gangtok tour package with Gangtok Tourism and remember to add this timeless sanctuary to your bucket list! It is an experience you will cherish for a lifetime. To get in touch with us, please fill the Contact Us form.
