Phensang Monastery is one of the six largest gompas that is located in Sikkim. This monastery follows the Nyingma sect of Buddhism. This monastery was founded back in the year 1721 by the Third Lhatsun Tragthung Jigmed Pawo. In the year 1850, the monastery was expanded to offer rooms to the increasing number of monks seeking shelter in the monastery. In 1947, a fire broke out at the monastery and burnt it down, again in 1983, heavy rain caused heavy damage to the monastery. With the government’s aid, the Lamas managed to restore the structure from 1985 to 1996. You can also obtain unparalleled surrounding views from the monastery that will leave you spellbound.
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How to Reach Phensang Monastery
You can hire a taxi from Gangtok to cover a distance of 29.4 km which will take about 1 hour and 2 minutes to reach this monastery. The monastery remains open to the public on all days throughout the week from 8 AM to 6 PM.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Distance from Gangtok | 29.4 km |
| Travel Time by Taxi | Approximately 1 hour and 2 minutes |
| Monastery Opening Days | All days of the week |
| Monastery Visiting Hours | 8 AM to 6 PM |
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Best Time to Visit Phensang Monastery
The best time to visit Phensang Monastery is between the months of March and June when you can get breathtaking views of the mountains along with clear blue skies, which embrace the beauty of the surroundings. You can also travel to this monastery on the 28th and 29th of December to engage yourself in the annual festival that is being hosted here every year. Sacred dance performances are done by the monks as a part of the celebration.
Travel Tips
While exploring the inner sanctum of Phensang Monastery do not use mobile phones or make loud noises. Ensure to walk in a clockwise manner that will help you follow the tradition. Make sure you do not touch the religious artifacts, paintings, statues, and idols present in the monastery.
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Folklore
It is believed that the novice monks present in the Phensang Monastery are trained on cultivating “bodhicitta”- infusing compassion and empathy for all living beings.
