Nestled on a serene ridge above Gangtok, Enchey Monastery is a spiritual haven and a significant religious site in the state of Sikkim. With its mystical origins, captivating architecture, and deep-rooted association with Tibetan Buddhism, the monastery attracts not just devotees but also tourists from all over the world. Surrounded by pine forests and offering panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga range, it is both a peaceful retreat and a cultural treasure. The following guide provides comprehensive information for anyone wishing to visit or learn more about this historic monastery.
Temple About:
Enchey Monastery is a 200-year-old Buddhist monastery located in Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. It belongs to the Nyingma order of Vajrayana Buddhism and holds immense spiritual significance for local devotees.
Temple Description:
Enchey Monastery, meaning "Solitary Monastery", was established in 1909 on a site blessed by the great tantric master Lama Drupton Karpo. The architecture resembles a Chinese pagoda with a golden cupola. It houses around 90 monks and is known for its colorful murals, images of deities like Guru Padmasambhava, and prayer wheels.
Temple Speciality:
Believed to be built on sacred ground blessed by a flying tantric master.
Hosts vibrant festivals like Pang Lhabsol and Cham dance (masked dance).
Offers peaceful meditation space with stunning views of Kanchenjunga.
Houses sacred tantric artifacts and ancient scriptures.
Temple Address:
Enchey Monastery, Gangtok, East Sikkim, Sikkim 737101, India
Temple Location (Longitude & Latitude):
27.3459° N, 88.6166° E
Temple Timings:
Open daily from 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Entry is free
Temple Sevas:
Daily prayer sessions by resident monks
Special rituals during Tibetan festivals like Lhabab Duchen and Losar
Cham Mask Dance during religious ceremonies
Traveling Facilities:
Accessible via taxi, shared jeeps, and local buses from Gangtok town
Well-connected by roads from Siliguri and Darjeeling
Food Facilities:
No canteen inside the monastery
Several local restaurants, Tibetan food joints, and cafes available in nearby Gangtok (within 2–3 km)
Stay Facilities:
Multiple hotels, homestays, and guest houses in Gangtok across all budgets
Luxury and budget accommodations available within 1–2 km
Nearby Railway Station:
New Jalpaiguri (NJP) Railway Station – approx. 120 km from Gangtok
Nearby Airport:
Pakyong Airport (PYG), Sikkim – approx. 30 km
Bagdogra Airport (IXB), West Bengal – approx. 125 km
Nearby Bus Station:
SNT Bus Stand, Gangtok – approx. 2 km from the monastery
Bus Routes to Temple:
From Siliguri: SNT buses or shared taxis to Gangtok
From Darjeeling: Shared jeeps and private taxis to Gangtok
Local taxis from Gangtok town to Enchey Monastery
Train Routes to Temple:
Take a train to New Jalpaiguri (NJP)
Then travel by road (shared taxi or bus) to Gangtok
Local transport to reach monastery
Air Ways to Temple:
Fly to Pakyong Airport, then take a taxi to Gangtok
Alternatively, fly to Bagdogra Airport, then drive 4–5 hours to Gangtok
Nearby Cities to Temple:
Siliguri (West Bengal) – 114 km
Darjeeling – 100 km
Kalimpong – 77 km
Nearby Visiting Temples and Other Places:
Ganesh Tok (1 km)
Hanuman Tok (3 km)
Rumtek Monastery (23 km)
Namgyal Institute of Tibetology
Tashi View Point
MG Marg (main market street)
Preferable Visiting Season:
March to June (spring-summer): Pleasant weather, clear mountain views
September to November (autumn): Ideal for sightseeing and festivals
Avoid monsoon (July–August) due to landslides
Shopping Famous For:
Handicrafts and woolen items
Buddhist artifacts and thangka paintings
Local Sikkimese tea and spices
Traditional Sikkimese and Tibetan jewelry
Carpets, masks, and prayer flags (available at MG Marg Market)
Enchey Monastery stands as a beautiful symbol of Sikkim’s rich Buddhist heritage and spiritual tradition. Whether you're a seeker of inner peace, a lover of art and culture, or an explorer of Himalayan landscapes, this monastery offers something truly enriching. With convenient travel options, nearby attractions, and a blend of spiritual and scenic charm, a visit to Enchey Monastery is an experience not to be missed when in Sikkim.
Nestled on a serene ridge above Gangtok, Enchey Monastery is a spiritual haven and a significant religious site in the state of Sikkim. With its mystical origins, captivating architecture, and deep-rooted association with Tibetan Buddhism, the monastery attracts not just devotees but also tourists from all over the world. Surrounded by pine forests and offering panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga range, it is both a peaceful retreat and a cultural treasure. The following guide provides comprehensive information for anyone wishing to visit or learn more about this historic monastery.
