About Sanga Choling Monastery
Sanga Choling is one of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim, built in 1697 on a forested hilltop 30 minutes above Upper Pelling. It predates the better-known Pemayangtse Monastery by 8 years. The approach is a 2km forest trail from the road — not demanding but steep enough to arrive with a slight breathlessness that adds to the atmosphere. The monastery itself is small and genuinely old-feeling: stone-walled, low-ceilinged, with butter lamps that have been burning here for over 300 years. The view from the monastery courtyard looks over the Rangit valley and the Kanchenjunga snowline — wider and quieter than the Pemayangtse view because there are almost no other tourists here. Far fewer visitors come to Sanga Choling than to Pemayangtse, which is reason enough to include it.
Why go to Sanga Choling Monastery
One of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim (1697)
Eight years older than Pemayangtse and far less visited. The stone walls, old murals and working butter lamps give it an authenticity that newer or more popular monasteries struggle to match.
Quiet hilltop view of Kanchenjunga from the forest
The courtyard view faces the full Kanchenjunga group with the Rangit valley below. Same mountain range as Pelling, but from a position where you are often the only person looking at it.
The significance of Sanga Choling Monastery
Built 1697 in the Nyingma tradition — one of the oldest active monasteries in Sikkim, predating Pemayangtse. A site of continuous worship for 325+ years.
What to see inside
Stone Prayer Hall
300+ year old stone-walled hall with original Nyingma murals — darker and more intimate than the painted halls of newer gompas.
Courtyard Kanchenjunga View
The monastery courtyard faces directly toward Kanchenjunga, with the forested ridge of Pelling below. Quieter than any viewpoint in town.
Etiquette — please read before you go
- Remove footwear at the prayer hall entrance
- Speak quietly
- Ask permission before photographing interiors
How to reach Sanga Choling Monastery from Pelling
On foot from Upper Pelling — 2km trail starting behind the Pemayangtse monastery car park area. The forest path is clearly worn but not signposted. Ask at your hotel for the current trailhead. 30–40 minutes uphill.
Best time to visit Sanga Choling Monastery
October–May for clear Kanchenjunga views. The forest is fragrant in spring (March–April, rhododendrons). Monsoon makes the path slippery.
Time of dayMorning (7–10am) for the mountain views before cloud builds.
Things we always tell our guests about Sanga Choling Monastery
- Wear shoes with grip — the forest trail can be muddy, especially after rain.
- The monastery is in an active religious use — ask before photographing the prayer hall interior.
- Combine with Pemayangtse the same morning: Sanga Choling first (higher, quieter), then walk down to Pemayangtse for the 10am tour groups.
Sanga Choling Monastery — your questions answered
Other places in Pelling
- MonasterySacred LakeViewpointHeritageGardenTemple