 Sikkim 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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