North East India is a treasure trove of beauty, adventure, amazing experiences, and the ancient roots of Buddhism. Monasteries in North East India not only portray the current situation of religion in the North-Eastern part but also cast light on its ancient rituals and traditions. After being unexplored for a long time, these sacred multi-hued temples are now open to the outer world.
Check out the best Monasteries in North East India mentioned below
1. Rumtek Monastery
2. Phodong Monastery
3. Pemayangtse Monastery
4. Tawang Monastery
5. Lachen Monastery
6. Enchey Monastery
7. Tashiding Monastery
8. Ghoom Monastery
9. Samdruptse Monastery
10. Dubdi Monastery
1. Rumtek Monastery, Sikkim
Noted as an important spiritual and educational center for learners, Rumtek Monastery is also known as the Dharmachakra Centre. The largest monastery in Sikkim serves as the blueprint for other Indian Viharas for its architecture and design. Dating back to the 9th century, the place features ancient and rare artifacts.
A golden stupa is the center of attraction that preserves the relics of 16th Karmapa. Vibrant and panoramic landscapes, undulated river and gushing waterfalls leave you spellbound. Do not forget to attend the masked dances during Drupchen in May and June. The Rumtek Monastery is one of the best places to visit in the months of September and October.
2. Phodong Monastery, Sikkim
Coming under the Kagyupa Sect, Phodong Monastery is positioned at a height of 4500 ft. One of the famous Buddhist Monasteries in India, this holy place is home to 260 monks of the Kagyu lineage. The colorful murals, frescos, and paintings adorning the walls are very overwhelming. 9th Karmapa upon visiting Sikkim founded this 18th century abbey.
An earthquake caused much harm to the Monastery and it has to undergo modification. In 1977, a revamped vihara much bigger than the previous one was open to the public. The pleasant weather conditions in the month of March-May and October – December prove to be the best to visit Phodong Monastery. The Loosang Festival is celebrated here around December.
3. Pemayangtse Monastery, Sikkim
Featuring awe-inspiring views of Mount Kanchenjunga, Pemayangtse Monastery is counted as the oldest monastery in Sikkim. The three centuries year old abbey is still the dwelling place of the monks of the Bhutia family. All the other Monasteries of the Nyingma Order of Tibetan Buddhism in Sikkim are controlled by this monastery.
Lhatsun Chempo, one of the three Lamas in Yuksom founded the lamasery in the 17th century. Historic paintings and sculptures of the eighth incarnation of Lord Padamasambhava’s are elegantly placed within the premises.
Attend the very popular Cham Dance Festival which is held every year on the 28th and 29th day of the 12th lunar month of the Tibetan Calendar. Plan a trip to Pemayangtse Monastery in the month of March and May.
Must Read 8 Thrilling Adventure Sports to Experience in Sikkim
4. Tawang Monastery, Arunachal Pradesh
Representing the Mahayana Buddhism sect, Tawang Monastery holds the epithet Galden Namgey Lhaste. Monks dancing in the wee hours present a visual retreat and thus this priory ranks amongst the best places to visit in Northeast India.
Also Read: Tawang Travel Guide
The second-largest monastery in the world is three storeys high and houses 65 residential buildings. The festival of Torgya is celebrated with great zeal every year to eliminate any kind of external expropriation. The 19th century monastery has a main assembly hall which is known as Dukhang, a library, and a court for conducting religious ceremonies and fests.
For more info: Things to do in Tawang
Pay special attention to the thangkas painted with the blood extracted from the nose of the fifth Dalai Lama. The summer season and onset of the monsoon season is the best time to visit Tawang Monastery.
5. Lachen Monastery, Sikkim
Housing the idol of Guru Padmasambhava, Lachen Monastery is nestled in a serene backdrop and offers splendid views. Constructed in 1858 by the Nyingma Sect of Tibetan Buddhism, the vihara is one of the popular pilgrimage destinations in Northeast India. Colorful flags and prayer wheels add to the charm of this small sacred place. Dress up in the traditional attire of Sikkim and click photos at this picture-perfect destination.
Launching Gompa or Ngodub Choling are the other names to address this pilgrim site. The salubrious weather from March to June is apt for exploring the Lachen Monastery. Losoong and Saga Dawa are the fiestas that bring Lachen to life.
Check Out Top Things to do in North East India
6. Enchey Monastery, Sikkim
Ready for a spiritual journey in Northeast India? Enchey Monastery is another significant and ancient Buddhist abbey. Resembling a typical Chinese pagoda, the exteriors of the monastery are as appealing as their interiors. Lama Druptob Karpo, a pro in the art of flying and a Buddhist tantric master is the name behind this religious place.
Apart from rendering the scenic views of the Kanchenjunga Range, the most beautiful vihara is festooned with frescoes and thangkas of various hues. Built-in 1901, the ‘solitary temple’ is a paradise for solitude seekers.
Try and learn lessons of meditation by observing the meditating monks in and around the lamasery. Make it a point to partake in Losoong and Losar festivals to cheer the merry-making Gangtok valley. The gala is hosted annually in the months of September and October.
If you are planning for a Darjeeling and Gangtok Honeymoon tour, check out these 10 Reasons to visit Darjeeling and Gangtok for honeymoon
7. Tashiding Monastery, Sikkim
Tashiding Monastery lies beautifully atop a hill tucked up between the Rathong and Ranjit Rivers. Dedicated to the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism, the Gompa is the holiest and most sacred monastery in Sikkim. The 17th century Vihara showcases stone plates or Manis with sacred Buddhist mantras inscribed on them. Bhumchu Festival, a revered ceremony falling on the 14th and 15th day of 1st month of Tibetan Calder lures numerous tourist from far and near.
This is the reason that makes Tashiding Monastery a popular winter destination in India and a must visit in the month of February. According to a common belief, bowing down here cleanses all the sins of a person who is willing to repent. Nearly 60 to 70 lamas dwell at this lamasery.
8. Ghoom Monastery, Darjeeling
With an alternate name as Yiga Choeling Monastery, Ghoom Monastery was established by a Mongolian astrologer in 1850. The religious site remains on the wish list of almost everybody who is planning a holiday in Darjeeling.
People from distant places visit here to learn about the scriptures. However, a 15 feet high Buddha statue grabs the attention. Precious gems and gold ornate the statue.
Two huge oil lamps are lit up continuously in the front of this idol. Find some peace of mind while looking at the superb arts and paintings of Tibetan Buddhism. Belonging to the Yellow Hat sect or Gelukpa, the celebrated Gompa becomes active during the Tibetan New year, Saka Dawa, H.H The Dalai Lama’s Birth Anniversary, Lhabhab Dhuchen and Ganden Ngamchol.
Check Out Top 20 Things to Do in Darjeeling
9. Samdruptse Monastery, Sikkim
A grand statue of Guru Padmasambhava grabs the attention at the Samdruptse Monastery. Golden rays falling on the gilded face of the patron saint cause a glittering effect. Going around the platform, one can soak in the beauty of the mighty Mountains and thick forests. A legend is associated with the Samdruptse hill which implies to ‘Wish-fulfilling hill’.
However, the natives believe that the hill is a sleeping volcano. Thus, Buddhist lamas pray here so that the volcano never becomes active which has stayed dormant so far. The foundation of the iconic monastery was laid in the 20th century. Mask dance is an important festival celebrated at Samdruptse Monastery. June is the perfect months to visit this most popular Buddhist Monastery.
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10. Dubdi Monastery, Sikkim
Positioned 7000 ft. above Sea level, the Dubdi Monastery is often known as the Yuksom Monastery. The two-storied structure houses painted images of saints, divinities, and other symbols. There is a collection of manuscripts as well in the abbey. A walk through the 18th-century monastery takes you close to nature. The snow-covered mountains, emerald green gorge, and prolific foliage are a treat to the eyes.
Dubdi is a holy place holding a sobriquet ‘Hermit’s Cell’ after the crowning of the first king, Phuntsog Namgyal. March to May is believed to be the best time to visit Dubdi Monastery due to the fine weather. Take a tour of these famous monasteries in Northeast India and get spiritually enlightened.
Conclusion
Now, you have a list of the best monasteries in North East India that you can visit during your North East tour. We offer a wide range of meticulously crafted North East India tour packages with which you can explore the breathtaking beauty of these scenic tourist places. Soak in the serene aura of these spiritual destinations and make the trip memorable with us!
Diksha Khiatani
A writer by day and a tsundoku at night. Emerging from an Engineering background, Diksha is a travel freak and anxious to explore different cultures and religions. Inclined towards the off-beat places, she wishes to uncover the secrets on her Scooty (if possible). She always grabs some time to take a quick nap, listen to music, skating and eat a brownie.
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