Tashiding Monastery — the holiest hilltop monastery in Sikkim
What it is
Tashiding is a Nyingma monastery in West Sikkim, on a hilltop that rises between two rivers, the Rathong Chu and the Rangeet, and Wikipedia calls it the most sacred and holiest in the state, "the Heart of Denzong". The name means "The Devoted Central Glory". Ngadak Sempa Chempo Phunshok Rigzing founded it in 1641, and it was extended and renovated in 1717 under the third Chogyal. Ngadak was one of the three lamas who crowned the first Chogyal at Yuksom.
Photos: Anjan Kumar Kundu (CC BY 4.0) · Anjan Kumar Kundu (CC BY 4.0) — via Wikimedia Commons, resized.
What stands here
Inside the grounds is a field of chortens, and Wikipedia mentions a giant bronze bell. One legend says the three lamas saw a bright light on Kanchenjunga fall on a spot nearby, with a scent of incense and music, and that the first Chogyal built a small chorten there called Thongwa-Rang-Grol, "self-emancipation on sight".
The Bumchu festival
Each year in the first Tibetan month, around February or March, the Bumchu, or holy-water festival, takes place. Wikipedia says it is believed to predict the year ahead for Sikkim and that people who are not Buddhists also come to learn about the rites. It is tied to a sacred vase of Guru Padmasambhava said to have been hidden here.
Getting there
Tashiding is more than an hour from Pelling on our routing; the time is in the quick facts. Wikipedia's own distances differ from each other, so we trust the measured road time. We have no verified opening hours or entry rule.
Combine it with
The Tashiding and Yuksom day joins it with Dubdi and Norbugang. Read things to do in Pelling and when to visit Pelling.
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Questions people ask
What is Tashiding Monastery?
A Nyingma monastery on a hilltop that rises where the Rathong Chu meets the Rangeet river, which Wikipedia calls the most sacred in Sikkim and the Heart of Denzong. It was founded in 1641 and extended in 1717 under the third Chogyal. Its name means The Devoted Central Glory.
What is the Bumchu festival at Tashiding?
A holy-water ceremony held in the first month of the Tibetan calendar, around February or March. Wikipedia says it is believed to foretell the coming year for Sikkim, and that non-Buddhists also attend. Dates move each year, so confirm them locally before planning a trip around it.
How far is Tashiding from Pelling?
Our routing gives about 32 km and 69 minutes by road from the town centre. Wikipedia's distances differ, giving 27 km and 40 km from Gyalshing and 19 km south-east of Yuksom, so treat the road time as the guide. We have no verified hours or entry rule.