About 10 Must-Visit Monasteries while in North East India

The seven little sister states of Northeast India are well-known for their distinct cultures and traditions. Monasteries in Sikkim, is one of the most well-known Buddhist pilgrimage destinations, across the country catering to peaceful, and spiritual feelings on every visit. In various monasteries in Sikkim, the culture and ancient traditions allow you to experience the divine trans of Buddhism. These Monasteries in India are perched on hilltops, surrounded by lush foliage and woodlands and offering panoramic views that transport you to another planet. Northeast India is home to a plethora of stunning monasteries.

Here is a list of the 7 most gorgeous monasteries in North-East India that you must see throughout your vacation.

1. Tashiding Monastery, Gangtok

Tashiding monastery in Sikkim is a wonderful old charm nestled on a hilltop between the Rathong and Ranjit Rivers. This modest and lovely monastery in Sikkim is one of Northeast India’s holiest monasteries. There is also a concept that those who are apologetic can be cleansed of their sins here. Every 1st month of the Tibetan calendar, the cloister has a Bhumchu festival, which is well worth attending.

This cloister’s 17th-century Vihara is a fantastic sight to witness. It displays Buddhist writing on stone plates. By the way, the cloister, which is surrounded by beautiful scenery and snow-capped mountains, is a great place to visit.

Best Time to Visit: Winters.

Timings: 7 AM to 7 PM

2. Ghoom Monastery, Darjeeling

The Ghoom monastery in Darjeeling, also known as Yiga Choeling Monastery, is a popular oldest Buddhist monastery to visit. An astrologer from Mongolia founded the cloister around 1850. The cloister’s main attraction is a 15-foot-tall Buddha statue encrusted with gold and valuable stones. The entire cloister, which is filled with paintings, thangkas, drums, bells, Buddhist texts, and scrolls, among other things, provides a wealth of Buddhist wisdom. So it is also one of Monasteries in India.

Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year.

Timings: 12 AM to 12 PM.

3. Rumtek Monastery, Gangtok

Rumtek Monastery, also known as Dharmachakra Center, is Northeast India’s largest and holiest Buddhist monastery. It is located in eastern Sikkim, is a well-known spiritual education facility. The cloister, which dates from the 9th century, is an architectural masterpiece with amazing historical objects and designs that surprised you. In addition, the peaceful environment created by the mixture of nature with stunning landscapes, waterfalls, riverfront, and mighty mountains provides a tranquil place in which to meditate. The Golden Stupa, which houses the relics of the 16th Karmapa, is the monasteries’ main attraction, but masked dances during Drupchen, which take place in May and June, are also worth seeing.

Best Time to Visit: September and October.

Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM

4. Tawang Monastery, Tawang

How eager are you to visit the magnificent 400-year-old monastery that adorns India’s North-Eastern states? The Tawang Monastery is India’s and the world’s largest cloister. It is located in the Tawang Valley of Arunachal Pradesh, is well-known among Buddists all over India. Aside from the monastery, you may also visit the museum, which is located near the three-story-high cloister. The cloister, which consists of 65 residential structures, is known for its library, which houses a large collection of ancient and Buddhist writings. The cloister’s Thangka murals, which were painted with the blood of the fifth Dalai Lama removed from his nose, are also noteworthy. It is surrounded by lush greenery, is a must-see for spectators of the Torgya festival, which is held every year in the cloister and is nothing short of breathtaking and fantastic. This museum will provide you a comprehensive picture of the Buddhist era’s history and magnificence. You’ll be transported back to the time of the Indo-China battle when you see ancient writings, vessels, and deities. So it is also one of Monasteries in India.

Best Time to Visit: Summers and monsoons.

Timings: 5 PM to 12 AM

5. Ralong Monastery, Namchi

When you visit Ralong Monastery in Namchi, you will experience the purest form of joy and contentment. Witness the Pang Lhabsol celebration, which draws everyone’s love and attention to this cloister. Visit this location in November and you might be one of the lucky ones to be able to participate in this celebration. Observe monks doing the legendary Kagyed dance throughout these occasions. On the eve of the festival, they perform this dance to express their joy. Other dance genres, such as Mahakala dance, are also performed here. Visit this lovely monastery, which is encircled by emerald mountains and cradled in the arms of nature.

Best Time to Visit: April to June.

Timings: 8 AM to 5 PM

6. Pemayangtse Monastery, Gangtok

Pemayangtse is a magnificent monastery to visit in Northeast India, with a great backdrop of India’s highest mountain peak, Mount Kanchenjunga. Lhatsum Chenpo established Pemayangtse, Sikkim’s oldest cloister, in the 17th century. It has been the residence of Bhutia monks for generations. All Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in Nyingma will be managed under the instructions of this cloister. Historic paintings, Lord Padamasambhava’s sculptures, ornate decorations, and a stunning golden roofing are among the attractions here. Its Cham Dance Festival is a popular event to visit. So it is also one of Monasteries in India.

Best Time to Visit: March and May.

Timings: 9 AM to 6 PM

7. Samdruptse Monastery, Sikkim

The monastery is known for its huge and strong statue of Guru Padmasambhava, as well as Samdruptse Hill, which translates to “Wish Fulfilling Hill.” It was constructed in the twentieth century. The gold-coated statue of Guru Padmasambhava is 45 metres tall and catches everyone’s attention when light shines on it. Aside from all of this, the lush flora and dense woodlands that surround the cloister are also fantastic sights to see. According to local legend, the hill was once a sleeping volcano that was rendered inactive after Buddhist lamas prayed.

Best Time to Visit: June.

Timings: 9 AM to 5:30 PM

8. Dubdi Monastery, Sikkim

Sikkim’s Dubdi monastery, positioned at 7,000 feet above sea level and surrounded by lush evergreen forests and snow-capped mountains, provides a wonderful opportunity for devotees to appreciate the tranquillity of the location. It has a two-story facility with Buddhist scriptures, saint portraits, and other divine symbols, among other things. A visit to this cloister in Northeast India is a blend of divine and nature blessed experiences. Such a lovely and peaceful to visit in Sikkim, surrounded by nature. So it is also one of Monasteries in India.

Best Time to Visit: March to May.

Timings: 7 AM to 4 PM

9. Sinon Monastery, Sikkim

Sinon monastery, built in 1761 by PediWangmo, is a popular tourist attraction in Western Sikkim. Sinon’s name means “suppressor of acute terror,” implying that it is a recognisable cloister that stands guard. It has a peculiar Buddhist architecture that is adorned with brilliant red and other colours, akin to the Ajanta caves. The Sinon monastery is a spiritually significant Buddhist pilgrimage site in Northeast India.

Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year.

Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM

10. Rinchenpong Monastery, Sikkim

The Rinchenpong monastery in West Sikkim, which is situated between two twin towns at a height of 1700 metres, is a fascinating place to explore. NgadakpaLama established this cloister in 1730, and it is Sikkim’s third oldest cloister. The figure of Buddha known as Ati Buddha or Adi Buddha, which is unusual to see in other monasteries, is the primary attraction here. The Ati Buddha statue will be in the Yab-Yum position, which literally translates to “Primordial Buddha, True Buddha.” The row of multicoloured prayer flags, which drew your attention to them, is another charm of this monastery.

Best Time to Visit: April to June.

Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM

So this was the complete blog about Monasteries in India of Moustache Escapes. We hope you agree with our selection of Northeast India’s most notable monasteries. And, if you’re seeking for a vacation to these holy yet gorgeous Buddist sanctuaries, Moustache Northeast Travel packages are the way to go. When you arrange your vacation to these serene havens of beauty and spirituality, you may take advantage of attractive prices and incentives.

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