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Enchey Monastery in Gangtok, Sikkim, is a peaceful Tibetan Buddhist monastery set among the trees above the town. Its prayer wheels, colourful flags and chanting monks made it one of our favourite stops during a 2013 trip through the Indian Himalayas. Below are the essentials for visiting, followed by our original experience and photographs.
Enchey Monastery in Gangtok: Location, Opening Hours and Entry
The Gangtok District government’s visitor information places Enchey Monastery around 3 km from the SNT bus station and lists opening hours of 6:00 AM–4:00 PM throughout the week, with no entry ticket. Access is by road from the Ridge or Chandmari side, and there is also a footpath from JLN Marg near Chandmari lined with prayer wheels. Check official information if you are visiting around a festival or religious ceremony.
The monastery belongs to the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism and dates to 1840, according to the Government of Sikkim’s Ecclesiastical Affairs Department. Visitors should treat it as an active place of worship: respect prayers and any restrictions on photography, and allow time simply to enjoy the atmosphere.
For more things to see nearby, read our Gangtok travel story and our visit to Rumtek Monastery. Our Bagdogra to Gangtok road guide covers getting to Sikkim in the first place.
Our First Visit to Enchey Monastery in Sikkim (2013)
Enchey Monastery is the unlikely stand out experience from our time in Sikkim. It is the first place we visit in the Himalayas and our introduction to the unique Tibetan culture in the region. On planning it didn’t rank high on the priority list “it’s nearby we may as well call in….”
The previous night we arrive to Gangtok after dark (travel from Bagdogra) and wake that morning to a new world. Well, we actually wake a little disappointed. Expecting majestic mountain scenes we are instead welcomed only by dense cloud. So much cloud it was literally coming through the hotel windows. With somewhat disappointing weather we decide to just take in a few local attractions starting at Enchey Monastery which sits directly behind our hotel (Hotel Mount Siniolchu). A quick walk UP the lane finds the Enchey Monastery gates.
Prayer Wheels and Tibetan Buddhist Monks in the Clouds
Enchey Monastery is one of the smaller monasteries in Sikkim; hidden beneath trees in the back hills of Gangtok. When we arrive we find enchanting scenes. Locals circle the compound, spinning prayer wheels beneath lines of shimmering prayer flags. Our surroundings sink into a haze of cloud.
Tibetan monks apparate from surrounding housing and forests and Buddhist chants echo from the monks in prayer at the central building. Peaceful, serene and enchanting. Enchey Monastery is one of them places you hate to leave. Different from the famous monasteries in Sikkim which are more like sanctuaries away from local life.
The locality adds to the charm as a thin stream of Gangtokians pass through on merit making. Spinning prayer wheels as they go. At the more famous monasteries the tourists tend to outnumber the locals yet at Enchey Monastery we find zero tourists.
Young Monks and Their Lessons at Enchey Monastery
A school sits opposite the central building where kids sit robed and quiet. Learning; only some not so proficiently as others. Admittedly I was a tad shocked to see the dimmer of the bunch caned by the teacher watching over them. A practice of discipline I’m not used to in my happy, non-violent bubble. Being nosy I go to see what the young monks are learning. With a bit of pestering they point out a script board which they are copying. They then go back to ignoring me or stare back blankly, unamused. Lesson for today kids; Westerners are intrusive and annoying.
Getting to Enchey Monastery from Gangtok City Centre
On our 2013 visit we reached the monastery on foot from our nearby hotel. The old article also recorded a short taxi from Gangtok city centre costing around 100 rupees at the time. That is a historical fare rather than a current quote; the district’s visitor information has the official access description. For anyone arriving in the city, our Gangtok transport guide covers the wider journey from Bagdogra Airport or NJP.
And here is the video from our original Enchey Monastery visit. Enjoy.
Enchey Monastery Gangtok: Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an entry fee at Enchey Monastery?
No. The Gangtok District government’s visitor listing describes Enchey Monastery as a non-ticketed attraction. Check locally if special events affect visitor access.
What are the opening hours of Enchey Monastery?
The Gangtok District government’s published hours are 6:00 am to 4:00 pm, throughout the week. These may vary during religious occasions, so confirm locally if your visit depends on a particular time.
How far is Enchey Monastery from central Gangtok?
The district lists Enchey Monastery at about 3 km from the SNT bus station. Access is available by road from the Ridge and Chandmari sides, as well as by a footpath from JLN Marg near Chandmari, passing prayer wheels along the way.
What is Enchey Monastery known for?
Enchey is known for its Buddhist prayer wheels, monastic setting and religious festivals. The district lists Detor Cham, a masked-dance festival held on the 18th and 19th days of the 12th Tibetan lunar month. The corresponding calendar dates change from year to year.