About Tashiding Monastery
Tashiding is considered the most sacred monastery in Sikkim — a 17th-century Nyingma gompa set on a prominent hilltop between the confluence of the Rathong and Rangit rivers in West Sikkim, 19km from Yuksom. The name means 'the devoted central glory'. Guru Padmasambhava is said to have blessed the site in the 8th century, and the present monastery was built in 1717. The hilltop position above the river confluence gives a visual drama that matches the religious importance: the approach up a stone stairway through prayer flags and cedars, the courtyard with its famous Thongwa Rangdol chorten (believed to grant liberation on sight), the view from the outer terrace over the confluence 200m below. The Bumchu festival each Tibetan New Year brings pilgrims from across Sikkim to witness the opening of the sacred water vessel.
Why go to Tashiding Monastery
The most sacred monastery in Sikkim
Tashiding occupies the highest position in the spiritual hierarchy of Sikkimese monasteries. The Thongwa Rangdol chorten in the courtyard is believed to grant liberation by sight alone — a concept that means every Sikkimese Buddhist considers visiting here essential.
Dramatic hilltop above the river confluence
The monastery sits on a natural pedestal between two rivers — the stone stairway ascent through cedars and prayer flags, and the view over the confluence from the courtyard terrace, are among the finest monastery approaches in Sikkim.
The significance of Tashiding Monastery
Considered the holiest monastery in Sikkim — founded 1717 on a site blessed by Guru Padmasambhava. Home of the sacred Thongwa Rangdol chorten (liberation by sight) and the annual Bumchu water prophecy.
What to see inside
Thongwa Rangdol Chorten
The central chorten in the monastery courtyard is the most sacred in Sikkim. Sikkimese Buddhist tradition holds that even one sight of it brings liberation from the cycle of rebirth.
Main Prayer Hall
Large Nyingma prayer hall with thangkas, butter lamps and murals depicting the eight manifestations of Guru Padmasambhava and the protective deities of West Sikkim.
Confluence Terrace
The outer terrace faces the confluence of the Rathong and Rangit rivers 200m below — two rivers meeting in different colours, surrounded by forested ridges.
Etiquette — please read before you go
- Remove shoes at all prayer hall entrances
- Walk clockwise around all stupas and chortens
- No photography inside the main prayer hall during active puja
Festivals worth timing your trip around
Bumchu
15th day, 1st Tibetan month (Feb)Sacred water vessel opened and read as annual prophecy. The most important festival in the West Sikkim monastic calendar.
How to reach Tashiding Monastery from Yuksom
By taxi from Yuksom (45 min) or Pelling (1.5 hours). The monastery approach from the road is a 20-minute stairway climb through forest. We Care Holidays includes Tashiding on West Sikkim day itineraries.
Best time to visit Tashiding Monastery
October–May for clear conditions. February for the Bumchu festival (dates vary with Tibetan calendar). The approach through the cedars is beautiful year-round.
Time of dayMorning (8–11am) for the best monastery light and quietest conditions.
Things we always tell our guests about Tashiding Monastery
- The 20-minute stair climb to the monastery involves several hundred steps — wear comfortable shoes.
- The Thongwa Rangdol chorten is the most sacred object in the complex — walk clockwise around it.
- For the Bumchu festival, contact We Care Holidays well in advance — accommodation in the area books out 2 months before.
Tashiding Monastery — your questions answered
Other places in Yuksom
- MonasteryHeritageTrekSacred Lake