Phodong Monastery - History, Timings & Entry Fee

At a distance of 39 km from Gangtok, Phodong or Phodang Monastery is a Buddhist monastery situated at Phodong near Gangtok in Sikkim, India. It is one amongst the six most important Buddhist monasteries in Sikkim and among the best places of pilgrimage in Gangtok.

Built in 1740 AD, Phodong Monastery was founded by the fourth king of Sikkim Gyurmed Namgyal. Phodong Monastery belongs to the Karma Kagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Stands at an altitude of 4,500 feet, the monastery is one among the three important monasteries of the Kagyu sect in Sikkim, the other two are Rumtek and Ralang. In the course of time, an earthquake damaged the old structure. The Lamas rebuilt a new Monastery in 1977 with financial assistance from the Government of Sikkim.

At present the monastery is rated as one of the most beautiful monastery of the state. The monastery houses approximately 260 monks. The walls of the monastery are adorned with beautiful murals, paintings, and frescos which can astonish anyone. Visitors can get the picturesque view of the mountains and the surrounding valleys from here. One can also visit nearby Lhabrung Monastery and Tumlong Palace & Monastery along with Phodong.

Phodong Monastery hosts an annual festival, which is observed on the 28th and 29th day of the 10th month of the Tibetan calendar corresponding to the month of December to January. At this juncture, the Chaam Dance is performed by the monks along with religious rituals at the monastery.

Timings: 8 AM - 5 PM