Adventure · Tashiding
Climb the pilgrim path from Tashiding bazaar
Walk up the hill from Tashiding bazaar to the monastery on the old pilgrim path, past prayer flags and small shrines, arriving the way devotees have for centuries.
Photo: walter callens · CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Cars can drive part of the way up, but the traditional approach is on foot from the bazaar. The path climbs steadily for 30–40 minutes past prayer flags, small shrines and village houses, with growing views of the Rathong Chu and Rangeet valleys.
Go in the morning, when it is cooler; Tashiding is lower and warmer than Pelling, and the hill is exposed. Carry water and a hat. Local people walking up may greet you with 'Tashi delek'.
At the top, rest before entering the monastery area, then walk the chortens clockwise. Come down the same way or arrange for your car to meet you at the upper road point.
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Questions travellers ask
Before you book
How long is the walk from Tashiding bazaar to the monastery?
About 30–40 minutes uphill on a path with steps, and 20–30 minutes down. Cars can go part of the way if you prefer to shorten it. Allow 1.5–2 hours for the walk and your visit.
Is Tashiding hot?
At about 1,465 m it is warmer than Pelling: roughly 20–28 °C on spring and early autumn days and cool in winter. The hilltop is exposed, so carry water, a hat and sun protection, and climb in the morning.
What does Tashi delek mean?
It is a Tibetan greeting meaning roughly 'blessings and good fortune', used by Bhutia, Sherpa and other Buddhist communities in Sikkim. Reply with the same words and a smile. Namaste is also widely used and understood.
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