Phodong Monastery

Phodong Monastery is one of the six most important Buddhist temples in Sikkim. It is in Phodong, close to Gangtok. This temple is a holy site for Buddhist visitors and is also a popular tourist spot. The Monastery has well-designed buildings. The outside walls are painted in bright colors, and the inside walls are beautifully designed with amazing drawings and panels. Right now, it houses about 260 monks.

The Phodong Monastery is at an elevation of 4500 meters, with lovely visions of the evergreen hill and a quieter valley below. Just sit here, think, or relax since it is quiet and calm in this nice place. The place is a popular place to visit in Gangtok.

Historical Background of Phodong Monastery

Sikkim's fourth king, Gyurmed Namgyal, established Phodong Monastery in 1740. It belongs to the Karma Kagyu group of Tibetan Buddhism and is one of the three main Kagyu temples in Sikkim. An earthquake destroyed the Monastery, and the Lamas rebuilt it in 1977.

Festival at Phodong Monastery

The Monastery holds a major holiday every year on the 28th and 29th days of the 10th month of the Tibetan calendar, generally in December and January. As part of this holiday, one of the biggest events is the Chaam Dance, along with other traditions that the monks observe. If you want to join in on the celebration of this culture, check out some Gangtok tour packages.

The Architecture and Design of the Monastery

The typical Tibetan Buddhist design with intricate paintings, carvings, and figures of Phodong Monastery stands tall. The place boasts a large prayer hall and several small churches set against beautiful mountain views. It is a lovely blend of spiritual art and cultural history that makes this a unique sight in Sikkim.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Phodong Monastery is during the Phodong Festival in December or January. You can join the celebration of lights and streamers across the Monastery. It is ideal because the place, filled with parties, makes the visit a memorable one.