Labrang Monastery is a Nyingma monastery about 2 km above Phodong Monastery and 38 km from Gangtok, at roughly 7,000 ft (2,130 m) according to Sikkim Tourism. Wikipedia records it as built from 1826 to 1843 and still holding its original timber structure. It lies below the protected areas, so Indian visitors need no permit.
Tibetan nameLabrang (also Palden Phuntshog Phodrang)Means: Labrang means 'lama's dwelling'; the monastery is also known as Palden Phuntshog PhodrangSource: Wikipedia, Labrang Monastery (Sikkim)
Best months
October to May
Nights we suggest
0 (pair with Phodong)
From Gangtok
≈ 40 km · 1.5–2 h
Altitude
≈ 2,130 m (7,000 ft per Sikkim Tourism)
Known for
Nyingma monastery, museum, original timber structure
Permit
Not needed for Indian visitors; foreigners need the Sikkim restricted area permit
About Labrang
What to know before you go
Labrang Monastery stands on a flat ledge in forest about 2 km above Phodong Monastery, 38 km from Gangtok. Sikkim Tourism gives its altitude as about 7,000 ft, or roughly 2,130 m, which is why the air is cooler than in the town below. The name means lama's dwelling, and the monastery is also called Palden Phuntshog Phodrang.
Wikipedia records that Labrang was built from 1826 to 1843 by Gyalshe Rigzing Chempa, a son of Chogyal Tsugphud Namgyal, in memory of Lhatsun Chempo, the Tibetan lama associated with the Nyingma order in Sikkim. It was renovated with government aid in 1978 and damaged in the 2006 earthquake. The article says that the building keeps its original structure, whereas similar buildings elsewhere in Sikkim have burned down.
Inside are statues, texts and murals, with a museum collection of Buddha figures and sutras and a bronze statue of Karma Guru, a wrathful form of Padmasambhava. Labrang is quieter than Phodong, with fewer visitors and more forest. Indian visitors need no protected area permit, and the road up is short and steep. Check current status before you travel.
Highlights
What to see and do
A Nyingma monastery
Labrang belongs to the Nyingma order, the oldest of the Tibetan Buddhist schools. Unlike Phodong, which is Kagyu, it gives you a second tradition in one outing. Remove shoes and hats before entering, and ask before photographing inside.
The museum collection
Wikipedia records a museum with a large collection of Buddha statues, sutras and murals. Opening hours depend on the monastery, so check current status. If it is closed, the prayer hall and courtyard are still worth a visit.
Karma Guru statue
The bronze statue of Karma Guru, a wrathful form of Padmasambhava, is among the notable objects. Ask a monk or caretaker about the meaning of the form if the opportunity arises, and do not touch statues.
A forest ledge at 2,130 m
The monastery stands on flat ground on a hill in dense forest, around 7,000 ft by Sikkim Tourism's figure. Mist moves through the trees in the afternoon and the air is cool, so carry a jacket even in spring.
An original frame
Wikipedia notes that the building keeps its original structure while similar ones in Sikkim have burned. Look at the wooden pillars, beams and roof from outside and inside, and keep your hands off carved timber.
The story of Labrang
A monastery built in memory of Lhatsun Chempo
Wikipedia's article on Labrang Monastery (Sikkim), citing the Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation and the state's Ecclesiastical Affairs Department, says the monastery was built from 1826 to 1843 by Gyalshe Rigzing Chempa, son of Chogyal Tsugphud Namgyal. It was built in memory of Lhatsun Chempo of Kongpo in Tibet, the Nyingma lama who in Sikkimese tradition took part in the 1642 consecration of the first Chogyal at Yuksom. That connection is told in Sikkimese histories and on Wikipedia's Kabi Lungchok page and is not documented in the Labrang article, so we mark it as tradition. The article also says a major renovation took place in 1978 with government aid, and that the monastery was damaged in the 2006 earthquake. Its structure of wooden pillars and roofing has since been reinforced with steel. Where similar buildings in Sikkim have burned down, Labrang is said to have kept its original frame. We have not found a founding story beyond these written sources.
Source: Wikipedia, Labrang Monastery (Sikkim); Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation
Little known
Things most visitors never hear
Labrang translates as 'lama's dwelling', and the monastery is also known as Palden Phuntshog Phodrang or Palden Phuntsok Monastery.
Source: Wikipedia, Labrang Monastery (Sikkim)
Its wooden pillars and roofing have been reinforced with steel, and the building is described as keeping its original structure while similar buildings in Sikkim have burned down.
Source: Wikipedia, Labrang Monastery (Sikkim)
The monastery holds a bronze statue of Karma Guru, a wrathful form of Padmasambhava, and a museum with Buddha statues, sutras and murals.
Shared jeeps to Mangan pass Phodong, and from there Labrang is about 2 km uphill. A local taxi from Phodong costs a few hundred rupees, indicative, or you can walk up in 45 minutes to an hour. Ask about the return before you go.
Private car
A reserved small car from Gangtok takes 1.5 to 2 hours for about 40 km, with the last 2 km a steep, narrow road above Phodong. A day loop with Kabi Lungchok and Phodong is about ₹3,000 to 4,500, indicative.
From Bagdogra / NJP
Go to Gangtok first, 4.5 to 5 hours on NH10 from either, longer via Kalimpong or Algarah when NH10 is closed by slides. Visit Labrang on a day trip from Gangtok or on your way north.
Permits in North Sikkim
Indian travellers need a protected area permit for Lachung, Yumthang, Zero Point, Lachen, Thangu and Gurudongmar, issued only through Sikkim Tourism-registered agents and tied to a registered tourist vehicle; operators require a minimum two-night stay. Dzongu needs its own permit, usually obtained in Mangan. Children under five are not permitted in North Sikkim protected areas. Foreign nationals need the online Sikkim restricted area permit and may visit Lachung, Yumthang and Zero Point on a group permit, but not Gurudongmar; for Lachen and Thangu, ask us. Check current status before you travel.
We do not plan nights at Labrang. Most visitors see it on a day trip from Gangtok with Phodong and Kabi Lungchok. If you want to stay nearby, ask us about small lodges and homestays in the Phodong area, whose availability varies. Mangan, about 29 km further north, has simple hotels, and Gangtok has the widest choice, with budget rooms around ₹1,500 to 3,000 a night and better hotels above that.
From the Gangtok desk
Tips we give friends
Visit Phodong first and drive or walk up to Labrang afterwards, as the road is short and steep.
Carry a warm layer, because the ledge at about 2,130 m is cool and often misty.
Remove shoes and hats before the hall, and ask before taking photographs.
Wear shoes with grip for the lane, which can be slippery after rain.
Check ahead if you want to see the museum, as opening hours depend on the monastery.
Labrang Monastery is about 2 km above Phodong Monastery, 38 km from Gangtok, in Mangan district (North Sikkim). It sits on flat ground on a forested hill, reached by a short, steep road from Phodong.
How old is Labrang Monastery?
Wikipedia records that Labrang was built from 1826 to 1843 by Gyalshe Rigzing Chempa, a son of Chogyal Tsugphud Namgyal, and renovated in 1978 with government aid. It was damaged in the 2006 earthquake. We give these dates as recorded there.
What school does Labrang belong to?
Labrang is a Nyingma monastery. It is also known as Palden Phuntshog Phodrang. Phodong Monastery, 2 km below it, belongs to the Karma Kagyu school, so visiting both shows two Tibetan Buddhist traditions.
What is the altitude of Labrang?
Sikkim Tourism gives the altitude as about 7,000 ft, or roughly 2,130 m. That is noticeably cooler than Phodong town, which we put at about 1,400 m, so carry a warm layer even in spring.
Do I need a permit for Labrang?
No protected area permit is needed for Indian visitors, as Labrang is below the Toong check post. Foreign nationals need the online Sikkim restricted area permit. Rules change, so check current status before you travel.
What is at Labrang Monastery?
A prayer hall with statues and murals, a museum with a large collection of Buddha statues and sutras, and a bronze statue of Karma Guru, a wrathful form of Padmasambhava. The timber building is reported to retain its original structure. Check current status before you travel.
Is there an entry fee at Labrang?
As far as we know no fixed ticket is charged, but a donation is customary and photography in the hall may be restricted. Arrangements can change, so check current status before you travel and carry small notes.
How far is Labrang from Phodong?
About 2 km uphill by a steep, narrow road, roughly 10 minutes by car or 45 minutes to an hour on foot. Local taxis may run the stretch. Check current status before you travel, and avoid the lane in heavy rain.
How much time should we allow?
About an hour at Labrang, plus the time at Phodong Monastery below, so two to three hours for both. Add an hour if you walk up from Phodong. With Kabi Lungchok on the way, a day loop from Gangtok takes six to eight hours.
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