 Sikkim
as a whole is a land of tranquillity where the religions inspire
the way of life. Buddhism is the main religion, which propagates
the message of peace, equality and love. Before Buddhism was
introduced in the late seventies the people of Sikkim were
basically animistic. They used to worship the nature like
the mountains, rocks, water, trees, streams and rivers. That
is why most of the lakes, rivers and mountains carry various
legends and are regarded as holy places. There are more than
200 monasteries in Sikkim, and some of them are as old as
300years.
Nestled at the isolated hilltops these monasteries
are the main centres of meditation and institutions for learning
Buddhist philosophy. The priceless ancient Thankas or the
scroll paintings and intricate murals adorning the walls of
the monasteries depict insightful principles of Buddhism.
Enchanting valleys with countless prayer flags, lonely monastery
and Chorten with snow caped mountains in the background, the
prayer chant and simple livings of the Lamas ma ke
the journey in Sikkim a perfect pilgrimage. The relics, antics,
sacred manuscripts and the architectural patterns of the monasteries
of different ages can be valuable instruments for the travellers
interested specially in monastic tour.
A special naturebeyond package combines
some of the most important monasteries in Sikkim giving you
an opportunity to understand and interact with the Buddhist
philosophy, to study the lifestyle of the monks vis-a-vis
the history of Buddhism and its different sects. This package
does not really emphasise on a leisure tour to enjoy the scenic
beauties but promises to help you discover yourself through
Buddhism and monastic culture.
During the course of the travel you will
be taken to various monasteries in North, East and South Sikkim
as well as to research institution on Buddhism and even to
the prominent personalities in Sikkim having vast knowledge
on the subject. Colourful traditional rituals like Chaam or
Mask  dance
can also be organised.
Karma Kagyu Monastery in Phodong:
Built in 1740, the monastery is famous for the century old
murals that adorn its wall. The monastery Situated at a distance
of 32 Kms from Gangtok on the Gangtok Lachung highway.
Enchey Monastery in Gangtok: The
200 years old monastery is an important seat of the Nyigmapa
order was built on the site blessed by Laa Druptob Karpo,
a trantik master known for his power of flying.
Rumtek Monastery: The seat of the
Kagyu order, one of the 4 majore Tibetan Buddhist sects. His
Holiness the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa arrived here in the late
1960s. The centre regarded as the  second
most important monastery after Lasha in Tibet and houses some
of the world's most unique religious scriptures and relics.
Traditional in design, it is almost a replica of the original
Kagyu headquarters in Tibet.
Namgyal Institute of Tibetology:
The most prestigious and renowned centre for studying Buddhist
religion and philosophy and a treasure trove of vast collection
of rare Lepcha, Tibetan and Sanskrit manuscript, antique statues
and Thankas. The institute also has over 200 Buddhist icons
and other prized objects of historical importance.
Pemayangtsy Monastery: One of the
oldest Monasteries in Sikkim, the Pemayangtsy Monastery was
originally established by Lhatsun Chempo, a revered Lama,
who performed the consecration ceremony of the first Chogyal
(the religious Monarch) of Sikkim. The Pemayangtsy Monastery
was initially established as a Monastery for the Ta-sa . The
Monastery is  located
on a hilltop at 6840ft near Pelling and commands a magnificent
panoramic view of the Himalayan Ranges.
Sangacholing Monastery: Built in
1697, it is considered to be one of the oldest monasteries
in the State. Situated on a steep hilltop the monastery needs
a 40minutes trek through rich forest covers.
Tashiding Monastery: The Monastery
is constructed on top of a heart-shaped hill with the backdrop
of the sacred Mt. Khangchendzonga. according to Buddhist scriptures,
Guru Padma Sambhava (Guru Rimpoche) blessed the sacred land
of Sikkim in 8th Century A.D. from the spot. The Monastery,
however, was built in 18th Century A.D. by one Nadak Sempa
Chempo, one of the three lamas who had performed the consecration
ceremony of the first Chogyal.
Dubdi Monastery: This was the first
Monastery established soon after the consecration ceremony
of the first chogyal. The Monastery is located on a hill top
above Yuksom sorrounded by verdant forest. It can be approached
by trekking only, negotiating steep slope for something like
32 to 35 minutes.  It
is an ideal place for lamas seeking meditational recluse.
Khechipalri Lake: Khecheopalri Lake
is considered as one of the sacred lakes of this hidden in
the rich forest cover. The lake remains hidden in the rich
forest cover. It is believed that birds do not permit even
a single leaf to float on the lake surface.
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