Enchey Monastery,Sikkim

Local tradition holds that the site was chosen after a yogi had a vision and performed long retreats here; the monastery is said to be protected by local mountain deities and associated with the spirit of Kanchenjunga, which features in nearby ritual festivals. Many devotees believe the monastery brings spiritual protection to Gangtok.

• Main Gompa (temple) with ornate altars, murals and Tibetan Buddhist iconography
• Courtyard with colourful prayer flags and ritual objects
• Masked dance (Cham) performances during festival days
• Panoramic views over Gangtok valley and distant Himalayan ridges
• Smaller hermitages, prayer wheels and resident monks

• Nyingma-style architecture and traditional timberwork
• Frescoes and statues depicting Buddhas and Bodhisattvas
• Annual ritual dance repertoire (Pang Lhabsol, Kagyed) that attracts locals and visitors
• Quiet spaces for meditation and short retreats

• Attend morning prayers and observe monastic rituals
• Watch Cham (masked) dance performances during festival days
• Photography of architecture, murals and valley views (ask permission inside prayer halls)
• Short guided walks around the monastery and nearby viewpoints
• Meditation or quiet reflection in the courtyard

• Pang Lhabsol (usually mid-September) — rituals and dances honoring Mount Kanchenjunga
• Kagyed (typically early December) — masked dances and community festivities
• Special pujas on major Buddhist dates and local observances (check local schedule)

March–May and September–November for clear skies, pleasant temperatures and festival opportunities.

Gangtok has a cool-temperate climate: warm and mild spring/summer days, monsoon rains (June–August) with heavy showers and reduced visibility, and cold winters with possible frost at higher elevations.

There is normally no formal entry fee; visitors are welcome to make a donation. Typical visiting hours are around 06:00–18:00, but indoor prayer halls may have restricted access; festival days may alter timings—confirm locally.

Enchey Monastery is in upper Gangtok, about 2–3 km from MG Marg (the main town center). It is reachable by short taxi ride or a steep walk. Nearest airport: Bagdogra (IXB) ~125 km by road; nearest major railhead: New Jalpaiguri (NJP) ~130 km. Roads from Siliguri/NJP/Bagdogra connect to Gangtok; the final approach involves winding mountain roads.

Spend 1–2 hours at the monastery; allow a half-day if combining with nearby sights or attending festival events.

Wear modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees for religious respect, bring warm layers (temperatures can drop), comfortable walking shoes, and rain protection in the monsoon season.

Try local Sikkimese/Tibetan dishes such as momos and thukpa in Gangtok. Souvenirs include thangka paintings, prayer flags, Tibetan handicrafts, yak-wool items and locally made incense.