Sikkim's near about 200 monasteries or Gompas belonging to the Nyingma and Kagyu order have not only been influencing the cultural heritage and lifestyle of the people, but also demonstrates the ancient rituals in practice.
Devoted Lamas robed in red, chant ancient mantras to the rhythm of drums and trumpets while soft lights flicker from decorative lamps placed before statues of the great Guru Padmasambhava. Feel the peace and quiet of being one with nature and close to the almighty as sacred words mingle with the whirring prayer wheels.

Monasteries

Pemayangtse Monastery
Pemayangtse is situated in West Sikkim at Gyalshing (140 Kms. from Gangtok) and commands an impressive view of Mt. Kanchendzonga. It was originally a small Lhekhang build by Lhatsun Chenpo in the 17th century.
Tashiding Monastery
Tashiding is another important monastery belonging to the Nyingmapa order and is about 40 Kms.
Phodong Monastery
Phodong monastery is in North Sikkim 28 kms. from Gangtok. The original monastery has been rebuilt and is today one of the most beautiful monasteries in Sikkim.
Dubdi Monastery
Dubdi means 'the retreat' and this monastery was built in 1700. It is located near Yuksum on a hill top. One has to travel by foot to reach it.
Khatok Monastery
Khatok monastery is located in East Sikkim near Pakyong. The present structure of the monastery was built during the reign of Chogyal Thutob Namgyal.
Enchey Monastery
An important seat of the Nyingma order, the Enchey Monastery is built on the site blessed by Lama Druptob Karpo, a tantric master known for his power of flying. This 200 year old monastery has in its premises images of Gods, Goddesses and other religious objects.
Sinon Monastery
Sinon means 'the suppressor of intense fear'. The monastery was built in 1716 and is located about 10 kms. from Tashiding on a hill top.
Phensang Monastery
Phensang monastery in North Sikkim was built in 1721 during the time of Jigme Pawo. In 1947 it was completely gutted by a devastating fire. However it was rebuilt in 1948 thangs largely to the devotion of the Lamas and the unstinted spot of the laity.
Yangyang Monastery
Yangyang means 'the ridge of fortune'. This monastery was built in 1840 and is situated at a place called Yangyang 10 kms. downhill from Rabongla.
Namchi Monastery
Namchi monastery is located in Namchi, the district headquarters of south district and was constructed during the reign of Chogyal Gurmed Namgyal.
Rumtek Monastery
About 45 minutes drive from Gangtok, 24 kms. away, is the Rumtek Dharma Chakra Center, the seat of the Kagyu order, one of the 4 major Tibetan Buddhist sects.
Sanga chelling Monastery
Sanga chelling means ' the island of esoteric teaching'. This monastery was built in 1697 and is situated about 7 kms. from Pemayangste. It is said to be the oldest monastery in Sikkim.

Four Holy Caves

These holy caves are some of the lesser known places of interest and lie in four different directions.These caves are:
Laringvigphu (old cave of God's hill) in the north
Kah-dosang-phu (cave of the fairies) in the south
Pephu (secret cave) in the east
Dechhenphu (the cave of happiness) in the west

Laringvigphu is considered as the most holy and can be reached in three days (trek) from Tashiding.
Kah-dosang-phu lies at Reshi hot springs on the Jorethang - Gyalsing highway. To reach the hot spring and the cave one has to walk about ten minutes from the highway across the river Rangit by a pedestrian suspension bridge.
Pephu lies near Sangmoo which is situated five kilometers from Rabongla on the highway between Singtam and Rabongla One has to walk for half an hour downhill from Sangmoo to reach the cave which lies between the Tendong and Maenam mountains. Its cavern is said to extend to both, the Tendong and Maenam hilltops and height varies from five to one hundred feet.
Dechenphu is also equally inaccessible and lies near Dzongri.