The heart of Sikkim's holy places

Amidst Sikkim's magnificent Kanchenjunga range is a divine sanctuary that beckons travellers from afar.

Behold the Tashiding Monastery, also known as the 'Devoted Central Glory,' that stands atop a hill between the Rangit and Rathong rivers at a height of 1465m. It is a stunning place that attracts visitors with its beautiful architecture and a backdrop of picturesque, snowy mountains. The shrine is surrounded by fluttering prayer flags and holy stupas built for the spiritual benefit of devotees. It is believed to possess the profound ability to cleanse repentant souls, offering the promise of purification and forgiveness.

A Buddhist Tantrayana master named Guru Padmasambhava visited this hill with his followers in the 8th century AD and recognised it as the heart of holy places in Sikkim. It is the parent monastery of those following the Jhang-Ter lineage of the Nyingmapa Sect in Sikkim and has been revered for over eight centuries.

Inside the monastery, you can see 'manis' (stone plates) engraved with holy Buddhist mantras. Within the monastery, you will find 41 chortens, known as 'Chortens of Enlightenment', which preserve the relics of Sikkim Choygal and lamas. The most famous is the 'Thong-Wa-rang-Dol', which means 'Saviours by mere sight'. Even a slight glimpse of this chorten is believed to cleanse mortals of all sins.

The Tashiding Monastery is a must-visit attraction, especially for its festival, Bhumchhu. This sacred water ceremony is celebrated joyously during the 14th and 15th days of the first month in the Tibetan calendar and is an unmissable experience for all travellers.