Gonjang Monastery is a popular monastery that is perched at an elevation of 6066 feet above sea level and is renowned for its scenic location. This monastery follows the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism and houses some of the oldest and most unique religious artifacts. In the year 1981, Gonjang Monastery was founded by H.E.
Tingkye Gonjang Rimpoche. In this monastery, the monks are educated with monastic education along with Tibetan and English language. Some of the artifacts that are worth watching consist of idols from the 8th century of Khen-lop-Choe-Sum, the founding fathers of Tibetan Buddhism.
You will also come across Jebang Nyernga, which is the engraved statue of the disciples of Padmasambhava. This monastery offers a 9-year course on close and comparative studies of Indian and Tibetan philosophy on moral values.
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How to Reach
Gonjang Monastery is situated at a distance of 7 km from Gangtok and will take about 22 minutes to reach this destination.
This monastery is open to the public throughout the week between 7 AM to 5 PM. You can visit this monastery either by hiring a private taxi or a shared taxi from Gangtok.
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Gonjang Monastery is situated 7 km from Gangtok. |
| Travel Time | Approximately 22 minutes to reach the monastery from Gangtok. |
| Visiting Hours | Open to the public every day from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. |
| Transportation | Accessible by hiring a private taxi or shared taxi from Gangtok. |
Best Time to Visit
It is time to visit Gonjang Monastery during the summer season when you can attain a clear sight of the panoramic valley and the surrounding lofty mountains.
On the other hand, if you visit Gonjang Monastery during winter, then you will find the surroundings covered in snow and the snow-clad mountains will offer you an unparalleled view.
| Season | Best Time to Visit |
|---|---|
| Summer | Offers clear sight of the panoramic valley and surrounding lofty mountains. |
| Winter | Surroundings covered in snow, providing an unparalleled view of the snow-clad mountains. |
Also Read: Places to Visit in Gangtok
Travel Tips
You will be only allowed to take pictures of the outer sanctum and not the inner sanctum. You must obey and respect the rules followed by the monks present in the monastery.
Keep your distance from religious artifacts and idols as they are very valuable and precious.
| Rules | Guidelines |
|---|---|
| Photography | Allowed only in the outer sanctum; inner sanctum photography prohibited. |
| Respect | Observe and respect the rules followed by the monks present in the monastery. |
| Artifact Preservation | Maintain distance from religious artifacts and idols, as they are valuable and precious. |
Folklore
As per the locals, it is believed that H.E. Tingkye Gonjang Rimpoche was the incarnation of Yelmo Terton Ngakchang Shakya Zangpo, who was a Nyingma terton from the 15th century.
Also Read: Things to do in Pelling
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the largest monastery in Gangtok?
Rumtek Monastery, normally known as the Dharma Chakra Centre, is a gompa located close to Gangtok in the Indian state of Sikkim.
Which is the oldest monastery in Sikkim?
Dubdi Monastery, was built in 1701 by the Chogyar Namgyal in Yuksom, Sikkim. It is a stop on the Buddhist religious pilgrimage circuit, which also includes the Khecheopalri Lake, the Norbugang Chorten, the Pemayangtse Monastery, the Rabdentse ruins, and the Sanga Choeling Monastery.
Which is the most isolated monastery in India?
The Phuktal Monastery, sometimes called Phuktal Gompa (also written Phugtal), is a Buddhist monastery located in the remote Lungnak Valley in the highlands of Ladakh, Northern India’s Himalayan region of southeast Zanskar. 52 kilometers southeast of Padum, on the Nimmu-Padum-Darcha road (NPDR), is where it is located.
What is the highest monastery in the world?
Dzakar Chu valley, at 5,009 meters (16,434 feet) above sea level, is the foot of Mount Everest’s north slope, home to the Rongbuk Monastery. The highest monastery in the world is reportedly Rongbuk.
