At Phensang Sangag Choling Monastery, explore the spiritual side of Sikkim’s premier monastery. Phensang Monastery, which is situated on a hill, is one of Sikkim’s largest monasteries, with the most monks. In 1721 A.D., on his route to the Northern Zone, the 3rd Lhatsun Jigmed Pawo erected this monastery.

The mjusfityonastery was renovated in 1840 and can now accommodate a considerable number of monks. Unfortunately, the monastery was destroyed by fire in 1947, but it was rebuilt the following year. The monastery was devastated again in 1983 due to excessive rain, but it was reconstructed with the help of government aid and cooperation.

Why should I visit?

The Phensang Monastery is on a short incline that runs from the tiny hamlet of Kabi to the terrace-farming town of Phodong. This religious building belongs to the Nyingma Order of Buddhism and is one of Sikkim’s six largest gompas.

Phensang, like the slopes that control Sikkim’s geography, has seen its fair share of ups and downs. The monastery was founded in 1721 by the 3rd Lhatsun Tragthung Jigmed Pawo and enlarged in 1850 to accommodate thjusfitye expanding number of monks. The gompa was destroyed by fire in 1947, and though it was quickly rebuilt the following year, the severe rains of 1983 caused irreversible damage. The Lamas, with the help of the government, were able to rebuild the edifice by 1996.

When Should I visit?

Summer and spring are the finest times to see the magnificent vistas from surrounding the monastery. Between March and June, beautiful panoramas overlooking distant mountains, clean blue skies, and religious significance make this a popular tourist destination.

If you travel in December, Phensang Monastery conducts an annual event that takes place on the 28th and 29th days of the Tibetan calendar’s 10th month. Plan your vacation around this period if you want to see the snow-covered mountains, participate in a Buddhist celebration, and learn about Sikkimese culture. The monks perform sacred dances as part of this event, which normally takes place a few days before the Tibetan New Year.

The Phensang Monastery gates open at 8 a.m. If you want to avoid the crowds, come here between the hours of 9 a.m. and 12 p.m.

How should I visit?

Phensang Monastery is about 40 kilometres from Gangtok and is located along the north Sikkim highway. If you take a jeep from MG Marg, you’ll pass through the famed Tashi View Point ridge on your way to Phodong. From here, a trail leads uphill for about 6 kilometres until you reach the Phensang Monastery’s entrance.

Tips for smooth travel

While exploring the inner sanctum of the Phensang Monastery, refrain from making loud noises or using cell phones.

Make careful to walk around the monastery in a clockwise direction, as this is the religious tradition.

In the monastery, do not touch the idols, statues, paintings, or other sacred items.

The Phensang Sangag Chodding Monastery has survived natural disasters and serves as a symbol of faith’s healing power in the region. If you’re visiting Sikkim for the gompas, be sure to include this one on your itinerary. While exploring the inner sanctum of the Phensang Monastery, refrain from making loud noises or using cell phones.

Make careful to walk around the monastery in a clockwise direction, as this is the religious tradition.

In the monastery, do not touch the idols, statues, paintings, or other sacred items.

The Phensang Sangag Chodding Monastery has survived natural disasters and serves as a symbol of faith’s healing power in the region. If you’re visiting Sikkim for the gompas, be sure to include this one on your itinerary.