Monasteries · Pedong
Sangchen Dorjee, Pedong's Bhutanese monastery
Visit the monastery built at Pedong in the early 1700s, when the Kalimpong hills were part of Bhutan. Drukpa Kagyu, the state school of Bhutan, with old murals and a quiet courtyard.
When Bhutan ruled the hills east of the Teesta, from the early 18th century until 1865, it built monasteries to anchor its authority. Sangchen Dorjee at Pedong is one of them, founded in the early 1700s. It follows the Drukpa Kagyu tradition, the school of Tibetan Buddhism that is the state religion of Bhutan, which makes it different from most of the Tibetan monasteries in Kalimpong town.
The building has been repaired and rebuilt over three centuries, but the setting and the atmosphere are old. Look for the wall paintings of Tantric deities and protectors inside the prayer hall, and the prayer wheels in the courtyard. Visitors are welcome outside ritual times; ask a monk or caretaker before entering and before taking photographs.
It is a short walk or drive from Pedong bazaar. Combine it with Damsang fort and Cross Hill for a half day of three eras of Pedong history. Dress modestly, walk clockwise and leave a small donation.
Cost: Free · donation welcome
Questions people ask
Good to know
How old is Sangchen Dorjee monastery?
It was founded in the early 1700s, during Bhutanese rule of the Kalimpong hills, which makes it one of the oldest monasteries in the area. It has been repaired and rebuilt over the centuries. It follows the Drukpa Kagyu tradition of Bhutan.
Is Sangchen Dorjee monastery open to visitors?
Yes, generally during the day outside ritual times. Ask a monk or caretaker before entering the prayer hall and before taking photographs. There is no entry fee; a small donation is welcome. Timings can change on festival days.
Is Pedong monastery different from Kalimpong's monasteries?
Yes. Sangchen Dorjee follows Bhutan's Drukpa Kagyu tradition and dates from the Bhutanese period. Most of Kalimpong town's monasteries, such as Zang Dhok Palri, were founded or rebuilt by Tibetan lamas, especially after 1959, in other schools.
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