Tashiding Monastery stands atop the conical hill with deep forest and two rivers, the Ratong and Rangit all around. It is at a distance of 19 km south east of Yoksum. The site on which the monastery stands is believed to be blessed by the great Guru Padmasambhava. As per legends, he shot an arrow into the air and announced that he would meditate at the place where the arrow landed. The place, undoubtedly, was where the monastery, Tashiding, was later built by the Ngadak Sempa Chembo (one of the three wise men who consecrated ceremony of the first lama) during the reign of the third Chogyal Chakdor Namgyal in the early 18th century.

Post its construction, the significance of the monastery enhanced multifold, so much so that Buddhist from all over the world began to consider it their Mecca. Just a glimpse of it was enough to purify a soul. Today, the Tashiding Monastery is one of the premier pilgrim place for Buddhist and commands immense respect from them. Sikkimese yearn to die at this place


Following a wide path lined up with prayer flags, you will reach the monastery complex. Here, a simple main temple is surrounded by traditional buildings, chortens and impressive mani or stone plates. The main temple has been recently reconstructed. On the mani are sacred Buddhist inscription, om mani padme hum carved by the master crafts man Yanchong Lodil.


At the far end of the complex, chortens preserving the relics of Sikkim Choygal and lamas stand. The most famous amongst these is the'Thong-Wa-rang-Dol' which literally means 'Saviours by mere sight'. It was this chorten, a glimpse of which was believed to cleanse any soul.

The monastery is associated with the Nyingmapa order of the Tibetan Buddhism.


Festival
The festival, most important for Tashiding is the the Bhumchu Ceremony. Celebrated only in this monastery on 14th and 15th day of the first Lunar Month, the Bhumchu Ceremony attracts devotees from far and wide who come here to receive the blessings of the holy water.


Ghezing
The town of Ghezing lies around 110 km from the capital city of Gangtok. The town itself is not attractive and infact is only significant because it happens to be the transport hub of the western Sikkim. However, for Buddhist tourists, there is a small gompa, Hin Shan to pay a visit to.


Other Attractions

• Dubdi Monastery : One of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim, Dubdi Monastery stands atop a hill and can be conveniently reached by undertaking an hour long walk from Yoksum. The monastery, also known as the hermit's cell, was erected by the followers of the Nyingmapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism in 1701.
  
  
• Melli Monastery : Melli translates into "a lepcha village". The monastery stands close to Yoksum.
  
  
• Sinon Monastery : Around 10 km from Tashiding, the Sinon Monastery occupies a hilltop. The monastery came up in the year 1716 and its name means" The Suppressor of intense Fear".