Pemayangtse Monastery
About Pemayangtse Monastery
Far From City: 2 kms from city center
Cost:
About Pemayangtse Monastery
Weather:
Time Required:1-2 hrs
Open Time:9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Cost:INR 20
History of Pemayangtse Monastery
Initially chalked and planned as a Lhakhang (the main temple hall with a shrine) in the 17th century by Lama Lhatsun Chempo, the building was further added on and enlarged during the reign of the third king of Sikkim - Chakdor Namgyal (1700-1717). The Pemayangtse Monastery is home to 108 monks who here are traditionally chosen from a community of people of Tibetan ancestry called Bhutias. The location has been subject to several earthquakes in 1913 and 1960, which over the course wrecked its foundations. It has been renovated and rebuilt many times since.
Architecture of Pemayangtse Monastery
Sikkim's natural beauty is enough of an incentive to pay a visit here at least once in your lifetime. The Pemayangtse Monastery is situated at an altitude of 6840 feet and provides unmatchable serene views of snowcapped mountains, including the lofty Kanchenjunga peak, the third highest mountain in the world at 8,586 meters (28,169 feet).
The architectural and engineering feats of Pemayangtse Monastery is impressive as it has withstood the brutal test of time enduring natural calamities such as earthquakes. The main prayer hall is spread over an area of approximately 140m2 (1500 square feet) and accommodates several statues, windows and doors adorned with vibrant colours. The main statue of Padmasambhava here portrays his wrathful form with multiple arms and heads. Being the second oldest monastery in Sikkim, it is filled with a rich history and holds great religious importance. The building itself is studded with exquisite works of art.
The first floor of the monastery houses ancient scrolls, excellent paintings, well-crafted idols and sculptures while the stand out attraction is the seven-tiered wooden painting on the top floor of the monastery, depicting Guru Rinpoche's heavenly palace - "Santopalri". A feat that was designed and constructed over a period of 5 years by Dengzin Rinpoche.
Festivals of Pemayangtse Monastery
The dance festival of Cham (a masked traditional Tibetan dance form, considered as meditation and way of offering to the gods) is performed by the lamas of the Pemayangtse monastery. It is held every year on 28th and 29th of Gyal, the 12th month of the Tibetan calendar (coincides with February). To mark the end of Losar, the Tibetan new calendar year, the day is honoured with a large intricately embroidered scroll, and fireworks are set off, symbolizing the chasing away of evil spirits.
Best time to visit Pemayangtse Monastery
The monastery can be visited any time of the year, but it would be advisable to avoid the monsoon months as it can get quite damp. Summers are quite pleasant to enjoy the natural surroundings the area has to offer although winters can get pretty chilly during the months from October To February.
It is a wonderful sight to experience the glory with which the Tibetan festivals are celebrated here. So if you wish to delve yourself into Tibetan culture, plan your trip accordingly!
How to Reach Pemayangtse Monastery
Pemayangtse Monastery is located at a distance of 120-130 km approximately from the state capital, Gangtok. The towns of Pelling and Geyzing are only 10 and 5 km from the monastery, respectively. Darjeeling is a mere 70 km away and offers an incredibly scenic route. There are several routes you can take from Gangtok to reach here, so plan your trip accordingly.
Air:The nearest Airport to Pelling is Bagdogra Airport, Siliguri, which is a four hour drive from Pelling. You can take a taxi or bus from here to reach Pelling. You can find taxis in Pelling to go see the Pemayangtse monastery.
Rail:The nearest Railway Station from Pelling is Jalpaiguri Railway Station, which is at a distance of 170 Kms from Pelling. It is well connected to major cities like Chennai, New Delhi, Howrah, Alipur and Darjeeling through Guwahati Express, Ndls Bgp Express, Mas Njp Express and Dbrt Rajdhani. You can find taxis in Pelling to go see the Pemayangtse monastery.
Road:Pelling is well connected with the other cities of Sikkim via Sikkim State Road Transport Corporation (SSRTC) and some private travel services. Buses are available to get to Pelling. You can find taxis in Pelling to go see the Pemayangtse monastery.
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Getting Around Pemayangtse Monastery
You can either hire a bicycle or motorcycle to travel within the area. You can also simply take a walk to places. Guides are available in Pelling to take you for nature walks and monastic treks.
Where to Stay
Pelling is a small town with about 90 hotels. Home-style accommodations for tourists are being set up by the Darap Eco-Tourism Committee at the homes of committee members. Sikkimese village culture and hospitality are inviting, and they make guests feel as though they are the art of family.
Sightseeing in Pemayangtse Monastery
Apart from the monastery, there is lots at Pelling to keep you engaged. Changey Waterfall and Khangchendzonga waterfalls are two of the most important sightseeing spots in Pelling. The Khanchendzongna waterfall is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Sikkim and is open all year long. Khecheopalri Lake which is considered one of the holiest lakes of Sikkim is a good sightseeing spot. The lake is shielded in the rich forest roof.
When coming back from Pemayangtse Monastery you can take a left turn and take a walk a little to reach the gateway of Rabdanse Ruins. The trek towards Rabdantse is through a forest area which boasts of some rare species of orchids and a few lakes. Rimbi Water Falls & Karchen Power House is another sightseeing spot in the area. Sangachoeling Monastery, Sewaro Rock Garden are some of the other good tourist attractions near Pelling.
Activities in Pemayangtse Monastery
At Pelling, there are several activities on can enjoy. Trekking and village walk let you experience the rural lifestyle from up close with participation in organic farming activities. Traditional house visits, Cultural shows and Limboo story telling sessions, handicraft making are some other interesting activities one can try out here. Bird watching, Fishing at Rimbi, Hot Stone bath, Jungle walk-bird watching are a few other activities that will give you a new experience on your visit to Sikkim.
Shopping in Pemayangtse Monastery
Pelling has all the traditional Buddhist handicrafts you might want to shop for. From colourful threaded scarves to hand woven woollen carpets, shopping in Pelling is a true delight. Everything ranging from Tibetan prayer flags to singing bowls and Lepcha weave shawls is available here. One must buy traditional Tibetan thangkas (paintings) and souvenir items while visiting this place. The Rural Artisan Marketing Centre also sells walnuts and organic tea. Don_Ñét forget to buy the woollen carpets from this place.
The Pemayangtse Monastery Experience
The tribe that dominates Pelling is the Limbu community. Apart from them, Pelling has other sub-castes like Khamdhak, Muringla, Tamling, Lingden and Pegha. The people here mostly earn their living by farming. The crops that are grown here include cardamom, maize, paddy, wheat and buckwheat. The whole place rejoices in a festive mood at the onset of the Kanchenjanga Festival that is celebrated here once a year. The festival has several fun activities like white-water rafting on the Rangit, Kayaking, promotional trekking, and mountain biking and other adventurous. The traditional Limbu dance uding the Chhab-rung (drum) and other cultural arts are also presented during this festive time.
Pemayangtse Monastery's Nightlife
Nightlife in Pelling is filled with energy. You can enjoy a few drinks at bars or clubs in Pelling. Nightlife in Pelling consists of a few small bars. You can go for a drink or two at the bars and have a good snack.ë_
Pemayangtse Monastery's Cuisine
The cuisine in Pelling is not limited to either vegetarian or non-vegetarian as both are easily available here. One can have delicious Indian, Tibetan and Chinese cuisines here. A huge range of local fare is also available in Pelling that is a gourmet's real delight. Traditional Momos and Thukpa are found everywhere and taste amazing.
Best Restaurants Nearby
At Pelling, you can relish appetizing dishes at Hotel Sikkim Tourist Centre and Hotel Norbugang. These are the finest restaurants of Pelling.
Itinerary
The monastery is best seen on a trip to Pelling and combined with a trip to Gangtok and Siliguri. Reach Pelling and check into a hotel of your choice. Hire a guide who will take you to the various tourist attraction spots in Pelling. Start with the two monasteries Pemayangtse Monastery and Sangacholing monastery. After that, have lunch at a nearby good restaurant. After that you can go see the lake and the waterfalls the same day if you have time. Have dinner at a restaurant and return to your hotel. You can visit the other tourist spots in Pelling or you can set out to Siliguri or Gangtok.
Did you know?
It is believed that at the Khecheopalri Lake birds do not allow even a single leaf to float on the lake surface.
Tips
1. It is best to always travel with a guide.2. Since the vegetation is fragile, it is best to walk on designated trails.3. Disposing and littering of unwanted garbage is frowned upon.. Keep all kinds of pollutants away from streams and lakes.4. It has been followed by generations to leave a donation at the temple monastery and to circle shrines in a clockwise direction.5. Avoid smoking, drinking and talking loudly near sacred places.
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