Enchey Monastery Gangtok is a notable name among the spiritual circles. Surrounded by tall pine trees, the iconic monastery is a two-storeyed building boasting shells regarded as auspicious Buddhist symbols. Moreover, this Buddhist shrine has several murals representing the protective deity and wheel of law on the porch. The impressive monastery is home to around 90 monks. One of the most famous tourist attractions in Gangtok, Enchey Monastery in Sikkim, is an essential seat of the Nyingmapa order of the Vajrayana school of Buddhism. This monastery in Gangtok is one of the prime places to learn about the Buddhist culture.
The land on which the monastery is put up is believed to be blessed by respected tantric master Druptob Karpo. It is said that the master had flying powers – he flew from Maenam Hill to this place and built a small hermitage. Buddha, Loki Sharia, and Guru Padmasambhava are the three gods worshipped in the monastery.
Further, you can also participate in the yearly festival, celebrated on the 18th to 19th day of the 12th month, according to the Tibetan calendar in January. The festival is celebrated enthusiastically, and people here enjoy the monk dance, Thamar Chaam. You can visit this monastery by booking Gangtok tour packages to experience the serenity and absorb spirituality. Contact Indian Holiday for the best travel packages.
The best time to visit Enchey Monastery Gangtok
The months between March to June and September to October are considered the best time to tour Sikkim when you can visit the monastery in Gangtok on your tour.Timings: 9 am to 6 pm.
You can also attend the Detor Cham festival, organized every year in September and October. During the festival, you can enjoy the iconic Monk Cham Dance. An important thing to remember is that since Enchey Monastery is situated at a high altitude, it becomes difficult to reach when there is heavy rainfall.
How to reach Enchey Monastery Gangtok
Situated on the Nathula-Gangtok road, the monastery can quickly arrive via route. You can also hire a cab from Gangtok and reach the monastery in 15 to 20 minutes or even walk there, enjoying the nearby sights.
History of Enchey Monastery
According to the pages of history, this monastery was built under the reign of Sidelong Tulku from 1909-1910. Today, Enchey Monastery is home to around 90 monks from the Nyingma sect. Unfortunately, the Sikkim Earthquake of 14 February 2006 made this structure suffered and left indelible marks of bad memories in the form of wide shear and vertical cracks in the Masonry Wall. But Still, the charm and beauty of architecture still attract visitors and silence lovers.
Festivals Celebrate in Monastery
Several festivals are celebrated with zeal in Enchey Monastery. However, Detor Cham is one of the most vibrant and famous festivals celebrated on the 18th and 19th day of the 12th Lunar Month (Tibetan calendar). But as per the Gregorian Calendar, it is celebrated in January / February. You can witness the Chaam masked dance during this festival and hear special prayers. Pang Lhabsol, Losar and Singhe Chaam.
Enchey Monastery rules & tips.
- Below are some of the tips you should follow before visiting Enchey Monastery.
- Seek permission from monastery officials before taking photographs and
- Avoid any activity that disturbs the monastery’s sanctity, including talking loudly.
- Visitors are asked to refrain from littering or carrying food inside the sanctuary.
Enchey Monastery in Gangtok is one of the must-visit tourist attractions to absorb the spirituality and enjoy the serenity. Moreover, there are many tourist attractions near this monastery that you cover to enrich your travel experience. And our well-curated Gangtok tour packages let you cover all that to get the best of Gangtok tourism. You can contact us and design your itinerary as per your
