The second oldest monastery of Sikkim and the headquarters of the Nyingmapa order of the Tibetan Buddhism, Pemayangtse Monastery sits atop a ridge high above the Rangit river surrounded by the brilliant snow capped Himalayan peaks. The history of the monastery reads that it was founded in the 17th century by Lhatsun Chempo, one of the three lamas of the Yoksum and further expanded by his re-incarnate in the initial years of 18th century. The monastery draws its name from 'padma yang tse' which literally translates into the 'sublime perfect lotus'.

Unlike the other monasteries built during the same era, Pemayangtse Monastery was meant only for ta-sang' lamas or pure monks. The pure monks were defined by Lhatsun Chempo as one who were of pure Tibetan race, celibate and without any physical handicap. With time, the significance of the Pemayangtse Monastery enhanced multifold and it eventually became the one whose monks were entitled to anoint the reigning sovereign of the land with holy water.


Even today, the monastery is counted amonst the premier monasteries of Sikkim with tourists from all over pouring in to pay a visit. Moreover, till now the monks of this monastery are the only one who can claim the title of "ta-sang". The monastery derives its religious sustenance from the Mindoling Monastery which is situated in the central Tibet.


Inside
The main gompa of the Pemayangtse Monastery is simple but extremely attractive structure surrounded by pretty outhouses. The outhouses are adorned with beautiful woodwork on the beams, lattice, windows and doors. The main gompa is a three storey structure with a hall as its focus. The hall houses images of Guru Rimpoche and Lhatsun Chempo along with some beautiful thankas and murals.

The top floor displays the artistic brilliance of Dungzin Rinpoche, a former head of the monastery. In a period of just five years, he erected and painted magnificent wooden sculptures of Sang Thok Palri, the heavenly residence of the Guru Rimpoche rising above the realms of hell. The details of the intricate woodwork presents before you demons, animals, birds, Buddha, boddhisattvas, chortens and flying dragons.


Festival
The main festival of the monastery is celebrated on the 28th and 29th day of the 12th month of the Tibetan Lunar Calander (around February). The two day festival is marked by the sacred religious dances, Chham. The dance concludes on the third day with the unfurling of the Ghyo-Ku' and a huge embroidered Buddhist scroll.


Ghezing
This is a small and predominantly market town located at a distance of 110 km west of Gangtok. It is actually a transport hub of the western Sikkim with few basic hotels where you can put up. There is a small monastery at a walking distance of around thirty minutes from where you can enjoy some fantastic views of Mt Kanchenjunga.


Other Attractions

• Hin Shan Gompa : This is a small monastery that can be reached by walking for around 30 minutes. Residing here are a few Bhutanese monks.
  
  
• Sangacholing Monastry : This monastery stands around seven km away from Pemayangtse Monastery and was constructed in the year 1697. The monastery, whose name means 'the island of esoteric teaching', is considered the oldest monastery of Sikkim.
  
  
• Nyingma Dubdi Monastery : The small and quiet hamlet of Yoksum is located just around 40 km north of Pemayangtse Monastery. The Nyingma Dubdi Monastery, constructed in 1701, overlooks Yoksum. The monastery can be reached by proceeding on the path that begins at the end of the road at the hospital. This path leads past water wheels and a small river and rises through the forest to finally reach at the gompa. In the beginnig of the 20th century, there were around 25 monks in the monastery, however, today, there is just one monk who takes care of the monastery. Beautiful gardens surround the monastery.
  
  
• Norbugang Chorten : This is a white chorten in Yoksum made up of stone and earth brought from different part of the Sikkim. Lhatsun Chempo is believed to have buried offerings in this large chorten. A path from here leads to the throne of the firts Chogyal king of Sikkim. Footprints of one of the three lamas who participated in the coronation of the king is embedded in the rock infront. The chorten can be reached by following the High street at the end of which the road bifurcates. From there, take the fork which goes upward. .