Spiritual · Pelling, Sikkim
Pemayangtse and its wooden heaven
Visit Pemayangtse, founded in 1705 by Lhatsun Chempo and one of Sikkim's most important monasteries. Climb to the top floor to see the seven-tiered painted wooden model of Zangdok Palri, the heavenly palace of Guru Rinpoche.
Photo: Amitabha Gupta · CC BY 4.0 · CommonsPemayangtse sits on a ridge at about 2,085 m, a short drive or walk from Pelling. It was founded in 1705 by Lhatsun Chempo, one of the three lamas of Yuksom, and belongs to the Nyingma school. For centuries it was the leading monastery of the kingdom, and its head lama anointed the Chogyals. Its monks were traditionally drawn from established Bhutia families.
The three-storey main building has painted walls, statues and religious objects on each floor. The highlight is on the top floor: a seven-tiered painted wooden model of Zangdok Palri, the celestial palace of Guru Rinpoche, filled with figures of deities, saints and guardians. It is one of the most detailed works of religious art in Sikkim.
The monastery holds an annual cham dance festival in the Tibetan twelfth month, usually in February, before Losar. Photography is not allowed inside. Dress modestly and walk clockwise. The ruins of Rabdentse are a short walk below, so you can combine the two in a single morning.
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Questions
Before you book
What are Pemayangtse monastery's opening hours?
It is usually open from early morning to late afternoon, roughly 7 am to 4 pm, though hours can vary on prayer and festival days. Go in the morning for the quietest visit.
Is photography allowed inside Pemayangtse?
No, photography is not allowed inside the main building. You can photograph the exterior and the views, and ask before photographing monks.
When is the cham dance at Pemayangtse?
It is held in the twelfth month of the Tibetan calendar, usually in February, in the days before Losar. Dates follow the lunar calendar; check current status before you travel.