Pemayangtse Monastery & Rabdentse Ruins Guide

Just east of Upper Pelling lie two places that explain much of Sikkim’s history: Pemayangtse, one of the kingdom’s oldest and most important monasteries, and Rabdentse, the ruined palace-capital of the Chogyal kings. They’re close together, and you can see both in a relaxed morning.

Visitor essentials

Distance from Upper Pelling: about 2 km (Pemayangtse); Rabdentse gate is nearby on the same road.
Pemayangtse: open roughly 8 am–5 pm; small entry fee (₹20 listed by the district).
Rabdentse: free; a 20–30 minute forest walk from the gate.
Time needed: 2.5–3 hours for both.

Pemayangtse Monastery

History

Pemayangtse — “Perfect Sublime Lotus” — was founded in 1705 and is one of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim. It belongs to the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism and historically held a special place in the kingdom: its monks traditionally came from Sikkim’s leading Bhutia families, and the monastery played a role in royal ceremonies.

What to see

The main prayer hall is rich with murals, statues and thangkas. The highlight is on the top floor: a remarkable seven-tiered carved and painted wooden model of Zangdok Palri, the heavenly palace of Guru Rinpoche, crafted by a single master over several years. Photography is usually not allowed inside the halls — ask before you shoot.

When to go

Morning is best, when you may hear prayers and the light on the mountains is clearest. Around Losar (Feb/Mar) the monastery may hold masked Chaam dances; check local dates.

Prayer flags line the paths around Pelling’s monasteries.

Rabdentse Ruins

History

Rabdentse was the second capital of the Kingdom of Sikkim from 1670 until 1814, when it was abandoned after invasions. Today the ruins are protected, and the walls, chortens and royal platforms sit in a quiet clearing with sweeping views over the valley and towards the Kanchenjunga range.

The walk

From the gate, a level-to-gently-undulating forest path leads to the ruins in about 20–30 minutes, passing a small pond. It’s an easy walk for most people, but uneven in places — wear proper shoes. Seniors should allow extra time.

Suggested morning plan

8:00 am — Pemayangtse Monastery (45–60 min).
9:00 am — Drive or walk down to the Rabdentse gate.
9:15 am — Forest walk to the ruins; spend 30–45 minutes.
10:45 am — Continue to the Pelling Skywalk to complete the heritage loop.

Monastery etiquette

Walk clockwise around chortens, stupas and prayer wheels.
Remove shoes before entering prayer halls.
Dress modestly; cover shoulders and knees.
Ask before photographing monks or interiors.
Keep your voice low during prayers.

Where to stay nearby

The heritage resorts of the Pemayangtse & Naku-Chumbong belt are a short walk or drive away, including The Elgin Mount Pandim right beside the monastery.

Heritage resortLuxuryFeatured