The Phensang Monastery is located in the north Sikkim on the gentle slope that spreads from Kabi to Phodong. The landscape of the monastery is by every means one of the best in the entire region of Sikkim.
Tracing the history of the monastery, you will discover that it was built in the year 1721 during the era of Jigme Pawo. However, a catastrophic fire engulfed the monastery in 1947. A year later, the dedication and perseverence of the lamas resulted in the monastery being rebuilt completely.
Today, around 300 lamas of the Nyingmapa Buddhist Order reside in this monastery.
Festival
The main festival of the monastery is celebrated on the 28th & 29th days of the tenth month of the Tibetan Calender (December). Kagyad dance is performed two days before the Sikkimese New Year which concludes with the destruction of evil and emergence of peace and prosperity.
Gangtok
At an altitude of 1572 m, Gangtok is the capital of Sikkim. Its beautiful location and its Buddhist past along with umpteen opportunities to enjoy adventure attract countless tourists every year. Moreover, Gangtok with its accommodation and transport facilities, also forms a convenient base for tourists to explore the surrounding regions of the state.
Other Attractions
- Phodang Monastery : The Phodong Monastery is counted amongst one of the six significant monasteries of Sikkim. It is located at a distance of 38 km from from Gangtok on a spur of a hill. The construction of the monastery took place in the early eigthenth century after which it became the main centre for Kagyu lineage. However, with the emregence of Rumtek monastery, the significance of Phodong monastery lessened.
- Labrang Monastery: Four km ahead of Phodong lies another monastery by the name of Labrang. The monastery is unique because of its architectural design. Between the Phodong and Labrang monasteries, a number of chortens remind of the Tumlong, the capital of Sikkim in the 19th century.
How to Reach
By Air - Bagdogra airport in West Bengal with flights to and from Delhi, Guwahati, Patna and Kolkata is the nearest one from Gangtok. Daily helicopter services from Bagdogra is available for reaching Gangtok by air.
By Rail - New Jalpaiguri, at a distance of 134 km, is the nearest railhead to reaach Gangtok. Taxis and buses are available from the railway station to transfer you to your destination.
By Road - Gangtok is linked to Kolkata by NH 31A. Buses run between Gangtok and other destinations like Bagdogra, Siliguri and Kalimpong. You can also use your own vehicle for reaching Gangtok.
