| Pemayangtse Himalays |
| Pemayangtse is a small town famous for one of the oldest monasteries of Sikkim at an elevation of 2085 meters. Pemayangtse is the center of religious activities of the Buddhists in Sikkim. Due to the origin and religious significance Pemayangtse Monastery gets the major attention. Pemayangtse is not only a religious center, but also offers a panoramic view of the eastern Himalayas to the traveler including the mighty Kanchenjunga peak that overlooks the town. Pemayangtse Monastery is located at a distance of 6 kilometers from Geyzing, the headquarters of West Sikkim District. |
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| Pemayangtse Monastery was built by Lhatsun Chempo one of the Lamas who performed the consecration ceremony of the first Chogyal. Monastery was built for the 'ta-sang' lamas or the purest of the monks in 1705. In all religious activities of the monarchs took place, Pemayangtse monastery had been the leading monasteries. The edifice of the monastery is more divine along with Mt. Kanchenjunga as its surrounding landscape. |
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| The monastery was meant only for 'Pure Monks' initially, as the time passed monks from all classes now permitted to enter the holy place. The walls are decorated with traditional frescoes representing various themes of Tantrik Buddhism inside the monastery. |
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| Famous Buddhist festivals are held in the holy place, Pemayangtse. In the month of February/March every year with great fanfare in the Pemayangtse monastery the festival of Losar marking the Tibetan New Year is grandly celebrated. Every month in the monastery the traditional religious Kagyat Dance festival, involving mask dancing is performed. |
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| The holy place is about 118 kms from Gangtok. To reach Pemayangtse. |
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| To reach Pemayangtse |
By Air
The Bagdogra airport, in West Bengal, is the nearest to Pemayangtse.
By Rail
The nearest railway station is at Siliguri. One can also go to the New Jalpaiguri railway station.
By Road
Pemayangtse is well connected to Pelling by road, which in turn is well linked to Gangtok.
One can easily reach the monastery by taking regular buses or by hiring private taxis from Geyzing.
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