Sangachoeling Monastery

Sangachoeling Monastery in Pelling (celebrated across Tibetan Buddhist pilgrimage chronicles as 'Sanga Choeling' translating to the 'Island of Guhyamantra / Secret Teachings' and the second oldest Buddhist monastery in Sikkim, established in 1697 AD by the revered Tibetan saint Lama Lhatsun Chempo, perched at a striking elevation of 2,150 meters / 7,050 feet atop a secluded forested mountain ridge high above Upper Pelling, world famous for its ancient 17th century clay statues, hand painted Tantric Buddhist frescoes, sacred chortens / stupas, scenic 45 minute uphill walking pilgrimage trail through dense pine and oak woods, adjacent 137 foot Chenrezig statue and glass skywalk, and unobstructed 360 degree panoramic views of Mount Kanchenjunga and the snow capped Eastern Himalayan peaks), located atop the ridge above Pelling in Sikkim, stands as West Sikkim's premier spiritual sanctuary and high altitude hiking destination.

Belonging to the Nyingmapa order of Tibetan Buddhism, Sangachoeling was founded as an esoteric meditation retreat and tantric training hermitage, deliberately situated on an isolated ridge so monks could meditate without worldly distraction while gazing upon the sacred guardian peak of Kanchenjunga.

It's the home of the sacred central sanctum housing ancient gilt bronze and clay statues of Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) and Buddha Shakyamuni, the ornate inner wooden walls decorated with century old mineral pigment thangka frescoes depicting wrathful protector deities and mandalas, the atmospheric stone paved ridge trail lined with fluttering multicolored prayer flags sending blessings across the valley, the adjoining glass floored Pelling Skywalk where visitors walk above open air, and an intensely peaceful, meditative Himalayan mountain atmosphere where butter lamp aromas mingle with the chanting of sacred sutras.

It represents a rich Sikkim Buddhist spiritual heritage, Nyingma tantric lineage, and mountain pilgrimage tourism where 17th century gompas, Kanchenjunga vistas, ridge hiking trails, and Pelling heritage tourism unite in Sangachoeling Monastery.

Located on the mountain crest directly above Upper Pelling, the monastery base is 3 km from Pelling town center, from where pilgrims embark on a scenic 1.5 km uphill walk (or take the vehicular road to the Skywalk base), 12 km from Geyzing, 45 km from Ravangla, and 125 km from Gangtok, easily accessible by taxi or foot.

The 17th Century Sanctum & Tantric Frescoes

The monastery building was reconstructed following a fire in the 18th century while preserving its original 1697 foundation layout and sacred artifacts.

Inside the dimly lit two story prayer hall, visitors discover rare clay sculptures created by master Tibetan artisans and thangkas representing the Dzogchen lineage of Lama Lhatsun Chempo.

Truth is, sitting in the quiet prayer hall while butter lamps flicker in the mountain silence leaves you feeling completely centered and at peace.

The 137 Foot Chenrezig Statue & Glass Skywalk

Golden Chenrezig Complex: Located directly adjacent to Sangachoeling, the monumental 137 foot statue of Avalokiteshvara (Chenrezig) towers over the ridge.

India's First Glass Skywalk: The elevated glass bridge allows visitors to walk 7,200 feet above sea level with a transparent glass floor looking down into the deep valley below.

Pelling Sacred Monastic Circuit

The Historic Spiritual Triangle: Morning hike to Sangachoeling Monastery and Chenrezig Skywalk (7:00 AM to 10:00 AM) -> Pemayangtse Monastery (11:00 AM to 1:00 PM) -> Rabdentse Royal Ruins (2:00 PM to 4:00 PM).

Scenic Ridge Walking Trail: The 1.5 km walking trail from Upper Pelling winds through quiet pine and rhododendron woods decorated with prayer flags and stone mani walls.

After offering prayers at Sangachoeling Monastery, visit the Chenrezig Skywalk, explore Pemayangtse Monastery, or tour Pelling.