About Sa Ngor Chotshog Centre
Opening Hours: 08:00 am-06:00 pm
Prime Day & Hours: Weekends,
Suggested Duration: 1-2 hours
Tickets: Free entry
Nearest Railway Station: New Jalpaiguri (NJP), about 119 km
Nearest Airport: Pakyong Airport, about 34 km
Nearest Bus Stop: SNT Bus Station, about 6 km
The Sa Ngor Chotshog Centre takes you on a deep journey into Tibetan Buddhist spirituality. His Eminence Luding Khen Rinpoche founded this monastery in 1961, on a peaceful hill in Gangtok's Upper Tathangchen area. It is the only place in Sikkim representing the Sakya sect, making it a special and unique spiritual destination, making it one of the best places to visit in Gangtok.
As you walk up the peaceful paths, the fluttering prayer flags and monks chanting in the distance will take your breath away. Inside the monastery are colourful murals, detailed thangkas, and a huge statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, all of which tell stories of devotion and art. Khenpo Ugen Kyab is also there, and his teachings and interactions give you deep insights into Tibetan Buddhism.
The monastery has stunning views all around it, making it a great place for both spiritual seekers and nature lovers.
Sa Ngor Chotshog Centre Highlights
• Imerse yourself in the divine at the Sa Ngor Chotshog Centre, a revered Buddhist monastery located in Gangtok, Sikkim.
• Learn about the Sakya Sect, an order uniquely found in the Sa Ngor Chotshog monastery in Sikkim.
• Marvel over the monastery's interiors, which are adorned with intricate murals and thangkas, showcasing traditional Tibetan Buddhist art.
How To Reach Sa Ngor Chotshog Centre
By car/taxi: Sa Ngor Chotshog centre is about 6 km from the Gangtok city centre, via Singtam - Chungthang Rd. It will take you around 20 minutes to get there.
Best Time To Visit Sa Ngor Chotshog Centre
Peak Season (March to May):
- Weather Insights: Pleasant weather, moderate temperature, with temperatures ranging from 12°C to 25°C
- Things to Do: Offer prayers, explore the architecture
Moderate Season (September to November):
- Weather Insights: Cool and dry weather, lush greenery post-monsoon, temperatures ranging from 10°C to 22°C
- Things to do: Attend teaching sessions, meditate
Low Season (June to August and December to February):
- Weather Insights: Monsoon season with heavy rainfall, or winters are extremely cold, with temperatures ranging from 2°C to 20°C
- Things to do: Enjoy the full scope of nature, nature photography
Sa Ngor Chotshog Centre Other Essential Information
Know before you go
- Wear modest clothes and respect the decorum of the monastery.
- Do not take pictures or shoot videos inside the monastery without prior permission.
- Check the timings for festivals and special prayers so you don't miss out.
- Stay patient and maintain proper queue etiquette during the festival time rush.
- Do not carry plastic or non-ecofriendly items, as the monastery authorities encourage eco-conscious behaviour.
- Inquire about the timings for teaching and meditation sessions beforehand for a smooth experience.
Experience Sakya Sect Traditions
Learn about the spiritual practices of the Sakya sect of Tibetan Buddhism, which are not very common in Sikkim. Watch monks do their daily chants and rituals, and learn about the unique icons, scriptures, and philosophical teachings that set this lineage apart from other Tibetan Buddhist schools.
Admire the Monastery’s Art and Architecture
Inside the prayer hall, you can see colourful thangkas, detailed murals, and a huge statue of Shakyamuni Buddha. The detailed artwork and sacred symbols have deep spiritual meaning and show great skill, making them interesting to both art lovers and curious travellers.
Attend a Teaching or Meditation Session
If you can, go to a public meditation or teaching session led by Khenpo Ugen Kyab or senior monks. These sessions are a rare chance to learn more about Buddhist philosophy, mindfulness, and living ethically in a calm and real setting.
Tourism Board Alliances
Sa Ngor Chotshog Center FAQs
What is the Sa-Ngor Chotshog Centre?
The Sa-Ngor Chotshog Centre is a Buddhist monastery in Gangtok's Upper Tathangchen area. His Eminence Luding Khen Rinpoche founded it in 1961. It is the only monastery in Sikkim that is part of the Sakya Order of Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery is a place where Tibetan refugees and monks can learn and grow spiritually.
What can visitors see and do at the Sa Ngor Chotshog Centre?
Visitors can see a large statue of Buddha in the Shakyamuni form, intricate murals and thangkas on the walls, and a stupa with fluttering prayer flags on it. They can pray, attend teaching sessions and meditate; the peaceful setting is perfect for thinking and introspection.
Where is Sa Ngor Chotshog Centre located?
The Sa Ngor Chotshog Centre is located in Upper Tathangchen, which is about 5 km from the centre of Gangtok. It is on top of a hill, which gives you a great view of the area around it. The proximity to Gangtok makes it accessible via road, and a pleasant experience for the visitors.
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