Monasteries · Tashiding
Climb to Tashiding Monastery on its hill
Walk the prayer-flag steps up the heart-shaped hill to Tashiding Monastery, founded in 1641 between the Rathong Chu and the Rangeet. Visit the prayer halls, then sit on the edge of the hill and look down over two river valleys and across to Pelling.
The road from Tashiding village climbs towards the monastery, and the last stretch is on foot: a steep path with stone steps, prayer flags and small chortens, taking 20–30 minutes for most people. Go early, when the steps are in shade and the hill is quiet except for monks and a few villagers. Rest at the bends and look back; the views open up as you climb, with the Rathong Chu valley on one side and the Rangeet on the other.
The monastery was founded in 1641 by Ngadak Sempa Chempo, a year before he and two other lamas crowned the first Chogyal at Yuksom, and enlarged in 1717 under the third Chogyal, Chakdor Namgyal. It follows the Nyingma school, like most of Sikkim's old monasteries. The prayer halls may be open or locked depending on rituals and the time of day; if they are open, remove your shoes, move clockwise and ask before taking photographs of the murals or images.
After the halls, walk along the hilltop to the chortens and mani stones, then find a quiet spot on the edge of the hill. On a clear morning you can see the ridges of Pelling and Ravangla, and the two rivers far below on either side of the hill. Carry water and a snack, as there is little on top. Come down slowly; the steps are steep and worn, and hold a rail or stick if your knees complain.
Cost: Free · donation welcome
Questions people ask
Good to know
How long is the climb to Tashiding Monastery?
From where vehicles stop, the steep path with steps takes about 20–30 minutes up for most people and a little less down. Allow two hours in all to see the halls, chortens and mani stones without rushing. Seniors can manage it slowly with rests, but should wear shoes with grip and carry water.
Is Tashiding Monastery open to tourists?
Yes. Visitors are welcome on the hilltop and around the chortens throughout the day. The prayer halls may be locked at times or reserved for rituals, so you may not always see inside. Dress modestly, remove shoes before entering halls, walk clockwise and ask before taking photographs of images or people.
Which school of Buddhism does Tashiding follow?
Tashiding belongs to the Nyingma school, the oldest of the four main schools of Tibetan Buddhism and the one most closely linked to Guru Rinpoche. Most of Sikkim's oldest monasteries, including Pemayangtse, Dubdi and Sanga Choeling, are also Nyingma, reflecting the lamas who founded the kingdom in the 1640s.
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