Lepcha, Gurung and Yangang monasteries on foot

Wikipedia's article on Yangang lists a Lepcha Monastery, a Gurung Monastery and Yangang Monastery among the village's sights. Each serves part of the community, and visiting them on one walk shows how varied rural Sikkim is, even within a single village.

The route follows village roads and footpaths between farms and houses, with short climbs. At each monastery, look for differences in murals, prayer flags and the people who gather there. Caretakers are not always present, so a host or local guide who knows who holds the keys makes all the difference.

Remove shoes and hats inside, walk clockwise around shrines and stupas, and ask before photographing interiors or people. A small donation is customary. Timings are informal; mornings are best. Carry water and a rain jacket, and pause for tea if a family invites you in.