Sanga Choeling is a Nyingma monastery on the ridge above Pelling, dated to 1697 and linked to Lhatsun Chempo. It is reached by a steep 30–40 minute climb from the 137-foot Chenrezig statue and glass Skywalk opened in 2018. Few visitors make the climb, so it is quiet, with views to Pemayangtse and Kangchenjunga.
Tibetan nameSanga ChoelingMeans: Island of the Guhyamantra (secret mantra) teachingsSource: Wikipedia: Sanga Choeling Monastery
Sanga Choeling sits on a forested ridge west of Pelling at a little over 2,000 m. Wikipedia describes it as one of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim, established in the 17th century by Lhatsun Chempo, the lama from Tibet who took part in the consecration of the first Chogyal; it gives 1697 as the year of construction. It belongs to the Nyingma order, and its name means 'island of the Guhyamantra teachings', the secret mantra tradition of Vajrayana Buddhism.
The monastery has burned several times and been rebuilt, but it keeps clay statues dated to the 17th century. The community is for men only, according to Wikipedia, and special recitations take place on the tenth day of each Tibetan month, the day associated with Guru Padmasambhava.
Since 2018 the approach has changed. A road now reaches the foot of the ridge, where the state built a 137-foot statue of Chenrezig, the bodhisattva of compassion, and a glass-floored Skywalk. Most visitors stop there. From the statue, a steep path of steps and trail climbs to the old monastery in 30–40 minutes, and the reward is silence, prayer flags and a long view over Pelling.
Highlights
What to see and do
The climb through forest
From the Chenrezig statue, a steep path of steps and trail climbs through oak and rhododendron to the monastery in 30–40 minutes. It is short but steep at about 2,200 m; go slowly, carry water and enjoy the prayer flags along the way.
17th-century clay statues
Inside, Sanga Choeling keeps clay images dated to the 17th century, among the oldest religious art in West Sikkim. Ask the caretaker monk politely if the hall is open, and do not photograph without permission.
Chenrezig statue and Skywalk
At the foot of the ridge, the 137-foot statue of Chenrezig and the glass-floored Skywalk opened in 2018. Go soon after opening to avoid queues, then climb to the old monastery for contrast between new and old.
View across to Pemayangtse
From the monastery grounds the ridge looks across Pelling to Pemayangtse and, on clear days, north to Kangchenjunga. It is one of the quietest viewpoints in the Pelling area, as few visitors climb this far.
Tenth-day recitations
On the tenth day of each Tibetan month, linked with Guru Padmasambhava, the lamas hold special recitations. Ask in Pelling which date it falls on during your visit; visitors may listen quietly from the back.
The story of Sanga Choeling Monastery
Lhatsun Chempo's ridge above Pelling
Lhatsun Chempo, also known as Lhatsun Namkha Jigme, is the most important of the three lamas who met at Yuksom and consecrated Phuntsog Namgyal as the first Chogyal of Sikkim in 1642. Sikkimese tradition credits him with founding or inspiring several of the early monasteries of the west: Dubdi above Yuksom, Pemayangtse near Pelling and Sanga Choeling on the ridge facing it. Wikipedia's article on Sanga Choeling names him as founder and gives 1697 for its construction, decades after his own lifetime in the mid-17th century, which shows how dates in early Sikkimese history are often the dates of later buildings on sites he had blessed. What is certain is that the monastery has been rebuilt after fires several times and still keeps clay images believed to date from the 17th century. Its name, 'island of secret mantra teachings', reflects the Vajrayana practice at its heart, and its lamas still keep monthly recitations on the tenth day of the Tibetan month.
From Upper Pelling it is about 2–3 km to the Chenrezig statue by road, then a steep 30–40 minute climb on steps and trail to the monastery. Walking from Pelling, allow 1.5 hours up.
Private car
A taxi drops you at the Skywalk car park, about 10–15 minutes from Upper Pelling, indicatively ₹300–500 one way. It is part of most Pelling half-day tours (₹2,500–3,500 per car), but ask for extra time to climb to the monastery.
From Bagdogra / NJP
Reach Pelling first: about 135–145 km and 5–6 hours via Melli, Jorethang, Legship and Gyalshing. Visit the next morning from Pelling.
Permits in West Sikkim
Indian travellers need no permit for Pelling, Yuksom, Khecheopalri, Tashiding or Uttarey. The Dzongri and Goecha La trek needs a Khangchendzonga National Park permit and fees, arranged at Yuksom through a registered trekking agency with a licensed guide. Foreign nationals need the Restricted Area Permit to enter Sikkim, applied for online via the e-FRRO portal after arriving in India, and a Protected Area Permit in a group of two or more for the Dzongri–Goecha La trek. Sikkim charges a ₹50 per tourist fee at check-in. Check current status before you travel.
Stay in Pelling. Upper Pelling is closest to the Skywalk road and has budget rooms at Hotel Garuda and comfort rooms at Norbu Ghang Retreat and Spa. The Chumbi Mountain Retreat and Spa is a premium base in town, and Summit Newa Regency, on the Pemayangtse side, is a short drive away.
Wikipedia gives 1697 as the year it was built and says it was established in the 17th century by Lhatsun Chempo, one of the lamas who consecrated the first Chogyal in 1642. It has been rebuilt after several fires and is among the oldest monasteries in Sikkim.
How do I reach Sanga Choeling from Pelling?
Drive or walk 2–3 km to the Chenrezig statue and Skywalk, then climb a steep path of steps and trail for 30–40 minutes to the monastery. A taxi from Upper Pelling costs indicatively ₹300–500 one way. Allow about 2 hours in total.
Is there an entry fee for Sanga Choeling?
The monastery normally has no fixed entry fee, though donations are welcome. The Skywalk at the foot of the ridge charges a separate ticket, indicatively ₹50–100. Check current status before you travel, as fees can change.
Can women enter Sanga Choeling Monastery?
Visitors of all genders can visit respectfully. Wikipedia notes the monastic community is for men only. Dress modestly, remove shoes and hats where asked, and follow any signs or instructions from the caretaker.
What does Sanga Choeling mean?
Wikipedia translates the name as 'island of the Guhyamantra teachings', meaning the secret mantra practices of Vajrayana Buddhism. The monastery belongs to the Nyingma order, the oldest school of Tibetan Buddhism, as do Pemayangtse and Dubdi.
Is the Sanga Choeling climb difficult?
It is short but steep: 30–40 minutes up on stone steps and earth path at about 2,200 m. Most reasonably fit adults and older children manage it slowly. People with knee, heart or breathing problems may prefer the Skywalk and statue only.
What is the best time to visit Sanga Choeling?
October to May, in the morning. October to March gives the clearest views; March and April bring rhododendrons on the path. In the monsoon the steps are slippery and leeches are common, so take care or skip the climb.
Is the Chenrezig statue part of the monastery?
No. The 137-foot Chenrezig statue and Skywalk are a state project opened in 2018 at the foot of the ridge. Sanga Choeling is the old monastery on top, reached by the footpath. Most visitors see only the statue; the monastery is quieter.
Can I see Kangchenjunga from Sanga Choeling?
On clear days, yes. The ridge offers views over Pelling and Pemayangtse towards Kangchenjunga and the ranges to the north. The best chances are in the morning between October and March. Spring haze and monsoon cloud often hide the peaks.
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