Pemayangtse is an ancient Buddhist religious sight in the eastern state of Sikkim in India. Situated in West Sikkim at Gyalshing, it belongs to the Nyingma order and all other Nyingma monasteries in Sikkim are subordinate to it. The followers of this order wear red caps rather than the yellow ones worn by monks in other monasteries.
Situated about 140 km form Gangtok, this Monastery commands an impressive view of Mt. Kanchendzonga. Although Dubdi monastery in west Sikkim is considered the oldest monastery having been built in 1705, it is the Pemayangste monastery which is held in highest regard. It is set amongst the Sikkim Himalayas at a height of 6,000 feet above sea level and is near Great Rangit River.
While the monasteries at Tashiding and Sangachoeling were open to all monks, Pemayangtse was special because it was meant only for ' ta-sang ' lamas (pure monks). Believed to have been conceptualized and designed by the pioneer of Buddhism in Sikkim, Lhatsun Chenpo, Pemayangste soon became the nuclei of monasteries in Sikkim. It was basically built as a small Lhekhang in the 17th century AD. Later during the rule of the third Chogyal Chakdor Namgyal, Lhatsun Chenpo's third reincarnate Jigme Pawo extended the monastery and rebuild the structure.
To date, it is referred to as the "premier monastery" of the State. Lhatsun Chhembo is believed to have described "pure monks" as monks of pure Tibetan race, celibate and without any physical deformities. To the present day, it is only monks from Pemayangtse who can enjoy the title "ta-sang". The monastery's importance grew with time and reached its peak when only monks from this monastery could anoint the reigning sovereign of the land with holy water.
The Pemayangtse Monastery draws religious sustenance from the Mindoling Monastery in Central Tibet. There are 108 monks in the Monastery. The monks here are usually from the leading Bhutia families in Sikkim. The Monastery shelters several religious Idols and other objects of worship, most of which are precious due to their antiquity. Magnificent sculptures and gracefully decorated paintings adorn the first floor of the monastery. One of the major attractions is a seven-tiered painted wooden structure, portraying Guru Rimpoche's Heavenly Palace 'Sangthopalri'. This master piece was accomplished by the late Dungzin Rimpoche, who took five years to craft it single-handedly.
The Languages spoken here are Sikkimese and English.
Best For:
Pemayangtse is an excellent base for all trekking expeditions in the western region offering a number of unfrequented trails through some of the most spectacular mountain terrain.
Best time to visit Pemayangtse is March to May. The weather in Pemayangtse is alpine. Summer (April-June) are short and mild, while winters are cold (November-February), monsoons are between July and September.
While Indian tourists require no special permit, it is mandatory for foreign nationals to obtain Inner Line Permit to visit Sikkim. This permit is obtainable for 15 days & known as Restricted Area Permit (RAP). It can be obtained from the Indian mission abroad & also from the Deputy Director, Sikkim Tourist Information Center in Delhi or from the Assistant Director, Sikkim tourist Information Center in Siliguri.
Tashiding Monastery: This is the holiest shrine of Sikkim, also known as Chogyal Lakhang. Tashiding stands on top of a thickly wooded hill and is a day's trek from Pemayangtse. Every spring, thousands of devout Buddhists trek to Tashiding to participate in a festival and sip the sacred water from an ancient stone jar. Miraculously, it never runs dry.
Rabdentse: Now in ruins, it was the second capital of the erstwhile Kingdom of Sikkim after Yuksom and till the year 1814 A.D., the King of Sikkim had ruled the state from this place. The scenic view from the top of the ruins scanning across deep valley to the mystic heights of Kanchenjunga ranges is something to be cherished and etched in memory.
Khecheopalri Lake: This lake is considered as one of the sacred lakes of this state both by Buddhist - Hindus & considered as a wish-fulfilling lake. The lake remains hidden in rich forest cover. It is believed that birds do not permit even a single leaf to float on the lake surface. Leaf lamps are left to float in the lake with special prayers at dusk. The lake can be reached directly by a motorable road.
Yuksam: This was the first capital of Sikkim, where according to the historical records, the first Chogyal of the Kingdom of Sikkim was consecrated in 1641 A.D. by three learned lamas. The evidence of the consecration ceremony is still intact at Norbugang Chorten in the form of stone seats and a foot-print of the Head Lama on a stone. Since the history of the state began from this place, the area is now considered sacred by the people of Sikkim.
Pemayangtse Monastery is easily approachable from Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. Pemayangtse does not have an airport or railway station but it is connected by road with other parts of Sikkim.
The gateway of Pemayangtse is through Pelling. Good motorable roads connect Pelling to Pemayangtse and also to Gangtok, the state capital. The distance of Pemayangtse from Gangtok through Rabongia is nearly 120 km.
Local Transport:
Private Taxis, Jeeps and Landrovers ply regularly on the Gangtok-Siliguri Highway & are available for transfer of passengers between Gangtok/ Siliguri/ New Jalpaiguri Junction/ Bagdogra and also for local sightseeing at fixed rates. They may be reserved through Tourist Bureau, Govt. of West Bengal, Gangtok.
A well-furnished Tourist Lodge, Hotel Mount Pandim is located just across the monastery on a smaller hill top.
Pelling: An important tourist destination of Sikkim, this place offers some great views of mountain ranges. It is fast becoming the centre point of tourist activity in the region. Transportation is easy to other places from Pelling & a good range of accommodation facilities are available here.
If one wants to enjoy the beauty and tranquility of nature, Pemayangtse is the right place. It is generally covered as a stopover destination in the tour of Sikkim. It is recommended as a must visit place when traveling to the North East of India. There are sites of the ancient capital of Sikkim, some of which having been restored with government funding and are really attractive and worth a definite visit while in Sikkim. Even by opening one's hotel room windows, there are views of splendid orchids, butterflies & the cherry trees spread around.
