spiritual · Pelling, Pelling
Pemayangtse Monastery visit
Pemayangtse stands at about 2,085 m, close to Rabdentse and a short drive or a downhill walk from Upper Pelling. Lhatsun Chenpo founded it in 1647, and it was enlarged under the third Chogyal, Chakdor Namgyal. The name means 'perfect sublime lotus'. It was meant for ta-tshang, monks of pure lineage, and its head lama held the privilege of anointing the Chogyals with holy water. In other words, no king of Sikkim was properly made without this monastery.
Inside, the ground floor prayer hall is lined with statues and paintings. The highlight is upstairs: a seven-tiered wooden model of Zangdok Palri, the heavenly palace of Guru Rinpoche, carved by Dungzin Rinpoche over five years. The building has survived earthquakes in 1913 and 1960 and has been repaired several times. Photography rules inside can be strict, so ask the monk on duty before you lift your phone. Shoes come off at the door of the shrine rooms, so wear socks in winter.
Come in the morning when prayers are on and the light falls into the courtyard. Entry is about ₹20–50, indicative. If you are in Sikkim in February, the Cham dances on the 28th and 29th days of the 12th Tibetan month, just before Losar, are the year's big event here. Rooms in Pelling fill up for those two days, so book early. Sit on the courtyard steps, keep the central space clear and do not use a flash.
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Questions people ask
Good to know
What are the Pemayangtse Monastery timings
The monastery is generally open to visitors from morning until late afternoon, and prayer hall access depends on rituals and the monks on duty. Morning visits are calmest. We have not found formally published hours, and access can change during festivals, so check current status before you travel or ask your hotel the evening before.
Can I walk from Pelling to Pemayangtse
Yes. Pemayangtse is about 2–3 km below Upper Pelling on the Gyalshing side, and the walk downhill takes around 30–40 minutes on the road. Coming back is uphill, so many people walk down, visit Rabdentse too, then take a local taxi back up the hill rather than climbing in the midday sun.
When is the Pemayangtse Cham festival
The Cham dances are held on the 28th and 29th days of the 12th month of the Tibetan calendar, which usually falls in February, just before Losar. Lamas dance as protector deities, and a large embroidered thangka is displayed. Dates move each year with the lunar calendar, so check current status before you travel.
