Monasteries · Phodong
Up to Labrang, Sikkim's unrebuilt gompa
Labrang Monastery stands 2 km above Phodong at about 2,130 m. Built from 1826 to 1843 in memory of Lhatsun Chenpo, it keeps its original structure where many Sikkim monasteries were rebuilt after fires. Take a taxi up, look around, and walk back down.
Labrang, also called Palden Phuntsok Phodrang, was begun in 1826 and completed in 1843. Its founder was Gyalshe Rigzing Chempa, a son of Chogyal Tsugphud Namgyal, the king who had moved the capital to Tumlong below. He built it in memory of Lhatsun Chenpo, the Tibetan lama from Kongpo who helped consecrate Sikkim's first Chogyal in 1642.
What makes Labrang special is that its old building survives. Many Sikkim monasteries burned and were rebuilt; Labrang's wooden pillars and roof have been reinforced with steel, but the structure is original. It was renovated in 1978 and damaged by earthquakes in 2006. Inside is a bronze of Karma Guru, a wrathful form of Padmasambhava, and a small museum of statues, texts and murals.
Take a local taxi up for ₹300–500, spend 45 minutes, and walk the 2 km back down to Phodong on the road. The views over the valley toward Tumlong are good on clear mornings. Dress modestly, ask before photographs and leave a donation.
Cost: Free · taxi up ₹300–500
Questions people ask
Good to know
Why is Labrang Monastery special?
Labrang, built between 1826 and 1843, is one of the few Sikkim monasteries that retains its original structure; many others burned and were rebuilt. It was founded by a son of Chogyal Tsugphud Namgyal in memory of Lhatsun Chenpo and holds a bronze of Karma Guru and a small museum.
How far is Labrang from Phodong Monastery?
About 2 km uphill by road, at roughly 2,130 m. A local taxi costs about ₹300–500. Many visitors drive up and walk back down, which takes about 30–45 minutes on foot. The road is quiet and gives views over the valley.
Which school is Labrang Monastery?
Labrang belongs to the Nyingma school, the oldest school of Tibetan Buddhism, linked with Guru Padmasambhava. Phodong Monastery below it is Karma Kagyu. Visiting both shows two traditions within a short walk.
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