Explore the Ethereal Beauty of Sikkim Buddhist Sites

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Explore the Ethereal Beauty of Sikkim Buddhist
Sites
The Ethereal Beauty of Sikkim, it is Indias
second smallest state, surrounded by
international borders of Tibet, Bhutan and Nepal
is home to the highest Himalayan peak in India
the Kanchenjunga. Surrounded by nations that
follow Buddhism as their predominant religion
Tibet has about 91 population following Tibetan
Buddhism about 75 Drukpa and Tibetan Buddhist
followers in Bhutan, the state itself has about
27.3 of its population belonging to the
Vajrayana Buddhist sect. The state is considered
a religious place by Buddhist monks and followers
because of the presence of more than 200 Buddhist
monasteries and Buddhist pilgrimage places in
Sikkim.   The traditional Buddhist tour
packages from different travel agents in India
consists of places like Bodhgaya, Nalanda,
Lumbini, Sravasti, Patna, Kushinagar places
where the Great Gautam Buddha is supposed to have
taught about enlightenment and Buddhahood. Some
travel industry experts have also now created
special Sikkim Buddhist tour package that
encompass different Buddhist monasteries in
Sikkim and Buddhist pilgrimage places in
Sikkim.   Few top Sikkim Buddhist Sites that have
become a must visit for Buddhist pilgrims over
the years are-
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North Sikkim
Phensang Monastery
Phensang Monastery built in 1751 this place
belongs to the Nyingmapa sect. Located at a
distance of 9 kilometers from Gangtok, the annual
festival here takes place here two days before
the start of Sikkims New Year.
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Tholung Monastery
Believed to one of the holiest places in Sikkim,
the Tholung monastery was established in the 18th
century. The monastery is home the sacred ashes
of the revered Lama LatsunChembo which is put up
for public homage once in every three years by
the Government of Sikkim.
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East Sikkim
Rumtek Monastery
Rumtek Monastery re-built in 1960 by Gyalwa
Karmapa, this is one from most popular Buddhist
monasteries in Sikkim, the place is also famously
known as Dharmachakra Centre. It is an important
site for the Karma Kagyu sect under Tibetan
Buddhism and is the largest monastery in the
state.
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West Sikkim 
Dubdi Monastery
A Nyingma sect monastery located in the Yuksom
region of Sikkim, it was built in the 17th
century. To reach this monastery, pilgrims and
tourists need to walk from Yuksom to the top of a
hill where it is located. This is believed to the
first monastery built in the state and is closely
associated with the foundation of Sikkim. At 7000
ft above sea level, the stone structure has a
bell on the top of the roof and is believed to
house Buddhist ancient manuscripts and texts.
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The Sanga Choeling Monastery
Built in 1697, it is the second oldest monastery
in the state. To reach the place, one needs to
walk through steep hills and forests to cover a
distance of 7 kilometers from the Pemayangtse
Monastery. Belonging to the Nyingma sect of
Buddhism, the monastery can be entered only by
men.
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Tashiding Monastery
Revered as one of the most pious Buddhist
pilgrimage site in Sikkim, it belongs to the
Nyingma sect. It forms an essential part of
a Buddhist pilgrimage tour India to the western
part of the state and is visited by religious
followers during the famous Bhumchu festival.
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Pemayangtse Monastery
Located near Pelling, this is an important
pilgrimage and tourist site belonging to the
Nyingma order. Built in the 17th century at an
altitude of 2085 meters, the monastery is
surrounded by snow-capped mountains and has the
distinction of being the most significant
religious institution in the state.
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South Sikkim
Ralong Palchen Choling Monastery
Ralong Palchen Choling Monastery belongs to the
Kagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism and is known of
its collection of Buddhist paintings. From
September till December every year, the Pang
Lhabsol festival is organized here that is
witness to celebrations and participation of
local dance forms and folklore.
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