Monasteries and shrines · Uttarey
Morning at the Uttarey Kagyu monastery
Walk up through the forest to the village monastery of the Kagyu school, which the district administration notes for its wall paintings and its view over the Dentam peak and valley, and sit quietly through the morning.
Photo: Kayal Vizhi · CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
The Gyalshing district administration describes the Kagyu gompa in Uttarey as a highly revered place of worship for the village, set in dense forest, with wall paintings inside and a view across to the Dentam peak and the river below. It is a working village monastery, not a museum, and its rhythms follow the community's calendar.
Walk up early from your homestay, when mist often hangs in the trees and butter lamps may be lit. If the caretaker is there and the hall is open, remove your shoes, walk clockwise and sit at the side. Ask before photographing the paintings or people, and leave a small donation.
Afterwards, sit outside and watch the light come up over the valley towards Dentam. Your hosts can tell you which days bring prayers or festivals.
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Questions travellers ask
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Is there a monastery in Uttarey?
Yes. The district administration describes a Kagyu gompa set in forest above the village, revered by local people and known for its wall paintings and its view to the Dentam peak and the river below. It is a small community monastery, so opening depends on the caretaker; ask your homestay host the evening before.
Can visitors take photographs inside the Uttarey monastery?
Ask first. Many monasteries in Sikkim do not allow photography inside the main hall, especially of the altar and murals. Outside photography of the building and the view is generally fine. Be quiet, walk clockwise around the monastery and any chortens, and do not touch offerings or statues.
What should I wear to visit the monastery?
Modest clothes that cover shoulders and knees, and shoes you can slip off easily at the door. Mornings are cold at 2,000 m, so bring a warm layer and socks for the stone or wooden floor. Hats come off inside, and a small cash donation in the box is customary.
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