Perched like a golden crown at 2,085 m on a ridge above Pelling, Pemayangtse Monastery is Sikkim’s second-oldest and most sacred Nyingma sect gompa – founded in 1705 by Lama Lhatsun Chenpo, featuring a breathtaking 7-tier wooden model of Guru Rinpoche’s heavenly palace (Zangtok Palri). Just 1 km from Pelling town, this 300-year-old sanctuary offers intricate murals, ancient scriptures, and panoramic Kanchenjunga views from its prayer hall. Revered as “Perfect Sublime Lotus”, it hosts the dramatic Cham dance during Losoong. A spiritual highland contrast to Tsomgo’s glacial serenity, Pemayangtse radiates peace. For visitors to indiatourisminfo.com, this is Sikkim’s soul. With 2025 AR mural tours and the Pemayangtse Cham Festival, this “Lotus of Perfection” is an unmissable destination for culture seekers, photographers, and spiritual travellers.
Key Attractions
Zangtok Palri Model – 7-floor wooden heaven, 300-year-old
Ancient Murals – life of Guru Rinpoche, 1st floor
Golden Prayer Hall – 108 Buddha statues & butter lamps
Kanchenjunga View – from monastery balcony
Cham Dance Ground – masked monk performances
Sacred Relics – 300-year-old thangkas & texts
Monk Quarters – 108 monks in residence
Things to Do
Witness Cham dance during Losoong (Dec 2025)
Explore 2025 AR tour of Zangtok Palri model
Photography of Kanchenjunga at sunrise
Light butter lamps in the prayer hall
Attend Pemayangtse Cham Festival – masked dance & rituals (Dec 28–30, 2025)
Try thukpa & momo at monastery café
Walk the 108 prayer wheel circuit
Local Culture and History
Built in 1705, Pemayangtse was reserved for “pure monks” (ta-tshang). The Zangtok Palri took 5 years to carve. The 2025 AR experience, promoted by Sikkim Tourism and X posts, animates the heavenly palace.
Best Time to Visit
Open 7 AM–5 PM, with October–December (clear views) and December 28–30 (Cham Festival) best. March–May for rhododendrons.
How to Reach
By Air: Bagdogra (135 km) → Pelling (5 hrs)
By Road: Gangtok → Pelling (110 km, 5 hrs)
Local Transport: Shared jeep (~₹200), taxi (~₹3500)
Walk: 1 km from Pelling town
Travel Tips
Booking: Entry free; AR tour ~₹100
Cost: Food ~₹100–200
Dress: Modest; remove shoes in hall
Safety: Safe; steep stairs to upper floors
Respect Local Culture: Silence during prayers
Connectivity: Good 4G
Environment: No plastic
Accessibility: Stairs to upper levels
Nearby Attractions
Rabdentse Ruins (2 km)
Khecheopalri Lake (25 km)
Sangacholing Monastery (3 km)
Pelling Skywalk (1 km)
Kanchenjunga Falls (20 km)
Explore More
Discover other Sikkim gems like Tsomgo Lake or Dumboor Lake on our Northeast destinations page. Plan your monastery pilgrimage with indiatourisminfo.com today!
