Monasteries are inherent character of Sikkim landscape. Plethora of monasteries are dotted the landscape, there are about 200 monasteries belonging to different Buddhist Sect such as Nyingma, Kagyu, Gelugpa, Sakyapa and Bon. The monasteries have huge cultural influence to Sikkimese people and also affects their lifestyle. Devoted monks attired in red, chant ancient mantras to the rhythm of drums and trumpet is common scenario in every monastery. The monasteries or Gompas are embellished with beautiful frescoes of Buddhist legends and ubiquitous thangkas. Monasteries are also storehouse of many Tibetan manuscripts, which are beautifully carved wood work and icons of silver and gold.

The most common and popular ‘Monastic Trek’ is from Pelling to Tashiding via Khecheopalri Lake. Consider catching a ride to wonderful Yuksom via Khecheopalri Lake on jeeps and then hiking from there to Tashiding where there is no need of permit. Even many travelers do not opt for further trek and unwind at Yuksom.

Travel Plan

Pelling To Yuksom
From Pelling to Yuksom there are many places where you can stop see the waterfalls and hear the wind in the trees. There are Rimbi and Kanchenjunga Falls but the most impressive one is Phamrong Falls. Khecheopalri Lake is must drop spot for all Yuksom bound tours. Pronounced as ‘catch-a-perry’, this lake is highly revered by Buddhist. A famous mela or fair is held in March/April when butter lamps floated on the lake. The setting, ringed with forested hills is dramatic. You can stay at Khecheopalri Trekkers Hut, a nice place to stay overnight. Overnight stay can let you time to visit Khecheopalri Gompa above the lake. Around the park there is nunnery, a small shop and cafeteria.

Yuksom
Set on an elevation of 1780m, Yuksom is best place for trekking start off point to high altitude trekking to Mt Kanchenjunga. It was the first capital of Sikkim and consecrated by three Lamas. It is a holy town wrapped in sublime natural beauty. The site is now Norbugang Park that is home to a prayer house, chorten and the supposedly original Coronation Throne. Kathok Lake is also a good place to hangout for some time. But the most visited place is Tashi Tenka, a royal palace complex from where you can have a superb 360-degree views. You can also walk to a lone hamlet Gupha Dara where not more than dozen traditional houses are placed. There are monasteries adorned the landscape, Dubdi Gompa is set on high above Yuksom. Other recognisable gompas are Kathok Wodsallin Gomap and Ngadhak Changchub Choling.

Yuksom To Tashiding Trek
Yuksom to Tashiding is one day trek and more importantly require no permit. The most longest route leads around behind the Phamrong Falls. The trail is further divided into two paths. The upper route leads up fairly steeply to lonely Hongri Gompa, a small, unusually unpainted ancient monastery building with a superlative ridge top location. The place notoriously famed for mystical creature yeti. From Hongri to Nessa, a small hamlet, the path is slippery with lurking leeches. After reaching Tashiding, you can head for ancient Tashiding Gompa founded by one of three Yuksom lamas. The prayer hall is beautifully proportioned, the four storey main prayer hall has a delicate filigree top knot and looks great from a distance. Beyond the last monastic building, a curious compound contains over a dozen white chortens, including the Thong-Wa-Rang-Dol,believed to wash away the sins of anyone who gazes upon it. In January or sometimes February, the monastery celebrates the Bumchu festival when mystical box is opened by lamas and judging from the level of holy water within, they make all important predictions about the coming year.