Sanga Choeling Monastery
Sanga Choeling Gonpa
Sikkim's second-oldest monastery, founded in 1697 on a hilltop above Pelling and reached by a roughly 40-minute hike.
Sanga Choeling Monastery was built in the late 17th century by Lhatsun Namkha Jigme and is considered the second-oldest monastery in Sikkim. Its name means 'island of secret mantras'. It sits on a ridge-top above Pelling with no road access. From near the Chenrezig statue, you climb a steep forest stairway for about 40 minutes, with prayer flags fluttering along the way. The monastery holds ancient clay Buddha statues and murals, and there are small meditation huts for monks. From the summit you can see Kanchenjunga and the Pelling valley. Women are traditionally not permitted in some shrine halls, so check with the monks before entering. It is best to set out early in the morning and bring water.
Opening hours
About 07:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Chenrezig Statue & Pelling Skywalk
- Pemayangtse Monastery
- Rabdentse Ruins
- Rimbi Waterfall
- Darap Village
- Kanchenjunga Falls
- Khecheopalri Lake
- Dubdi Monastery