Enchey Monastery

Highlights

Overview

Enchey Monastery, meaning "The Solitary Temple," is a 200-year-old sanctuary of the Nyingma order of Vajrayana Buddhism. Perched on a forested hill above Gangtok, it was built on a site blessed by the tantric master Lama Drupthob Karpo, who was renowned for his flying powers. The current structure, rebuilt in 1909 in the style of a Chinese pagoda, is architecturally unique compared to other monasteries in Sikkim. It is home to approximately 90 monks and houses an impressive collection of religious artifacts and murals depicting Tibetan deities. The monastery is most famous for its annual "Detor Cham" festival, where monks perform spectacular masked dances. Surrounded by tall pine trees and offering a view of Mount Kanchenjunga, it provides a deeply spiritual and serene experience for visitors.