The Lachung Monastery, at a height of 12,000 ft, was constructed in 1880. This monastery provides views of the countryside and the entire Lachung Valley. It is mainly a Nyingma Buddhist Gompa which lies at the confluence of the Lachung River and the Lachen River, which are tributaries of the Teesta River. The monastery is also famous for an annual mask dance festival.
Tsuk La Khang Monastery, located in the complex of Royal Palace, is the imperial gompa of the former Royal family of Sikkim. One of the major places for worship and assembly for the Buddhists, this monastery is a two storey edifice. The monastery also houses a wide collection of works of Buddhist scriptures.
Earlier, this monastery was also used as a venue for several occasions such as weddings and coronations of the Sikkim Royalty. At every corner of this monastery, there are wooden sculptures which are crafted in the figure of Snow Lion's Head. On entering the building, one can witness the walls adorned with murals and altars. The altars located inside the monastery encompass the images of Bodhisattva and Buddha along with other Buddhists deities.
Buddhism has been a mainstay in Sikkim and of the numerous monasteries built here, Phensong Monasery is one of the oldest. It was constructed in 1721 during the reign of Jigme Pawo and follows the Nyingmapa order of the Tibetan Buddhism. There are over 300 monks in the monastery and is one of the most visited religious places in the state. Apart from the intense religious fervor, the monastery is located amidst beautiful hills and pristine natural scenic views.
Enchey Monastery meaning solitary temple, was built in 1909 and is a 200 year old monastery. Located at a distance of 3 km from the city, the monastery is built on the spot, which is believed to be blessed by Lama Druptab Karpo. He was a tantrik master who was known for his flying powers. The monastery is also an important seat of the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism.
According to a legend, it is believed that Lama Druptab Karpo constructed a small hut on this site, where he landed after his return from Maenam Hill. However, the present structure of the monastery was constructed in the shape of Chinese Pagoda during the reign of Sikyong Tulku (1909-1910).
Ralong Monastery is located at a distance of 6 km from Ravangla. Ralong Monastery was built to commemorate the successful pilgrimage of the fourth Chogyal to Tibet. According to legends, when the fourth Chogyal returned to Namchi from his pilgrimage in Tibet, he performed the 'Rabney' (traditional blessing) ritual, during which, he tossed some grains from the Tsurphu Monastery in Tibet. The Ralong Monastery is said to be erected at the site where the grains fell.
Ngadak Monastery is an old monastery, which was built by Tensung Namgyal, during the Chogya Gurmed Namgyal regime. The monastery is located near the Ngadak Town and attracts tourists through out the year.
The monastery enshrines a 135 ft tall statue of Guru Padmasambhava, sitting on a lotus. The statue is installed on the hill of Samdruptse, at a distance of 7.5 km from the marketplace. The meaning of Samdruptse in the Bhutia language, is 'Wish Fulfilling Hill.' Samdruptse is situated 8 km away from the town, at an altitude of 7000 ft.
Char Dham is a pilgrimage destination situated at Solophok Hill, which is at a distance of about 5 km from Namchi Town. Solophok Hill has a historical and religious significance, as it is believed that visiting this place washes away one’s sins. According to legends, during the Kurukshetra war between the Kauravas and Pandavas; Arjuna used to worship Lord Shiva here. Lord Shiva, pleased with Arjuna, appeared in the form of a hunter and his blessing is said to have helped the Pandavas win the war against the Kauravas.
Mawsynram, a small village, is located at a distance of approximately 15 km from Cherrapunjee. The village is visited by large number of tourists owing to the Mawjymbuin Cave, which is several years old. Famous for stalagmite whose shape is similar to that of Shiva lingam, the cave is visited large number of devotees every year. The annual rainfall in this region is about 11,872 mm, which gives a close competition to Cherrapunjee.
Upper Gompa, also renowned as the Gentse Gaden Rabgyel Ling Monastery, is located on a steep hill. This gompa houses a school for monk kids, a prayer hall and a temple of Lord Buddha. In addition, this gompa entices several tourists every year because it portrays various shades of life and traditions of Buddhism.
Middle Gompa is situated at a distance of approximately 2 km from the main market. This gompa houses the Blue Medicine Buddha, on which healers focus their prayers as well as meditations. One of the oldest gompas of all the three, photography is not allowed inside any of the gompas.