States Sikkim Pilgrimage Tourism

Sikkim Pilgrimage Tourism

Although Sikkim is a Buddhist destination that is dotted with a large number of monastries, there exists a fair proportion of temples, churches and even Gurudwaras, indicating a strong spiritual ambiance in the state. However, the state’s pilgrimage tourism largely depends on the existence of big, colourful Buddhist monasteries and sacred sites like that of lakes. Almost every popular Buddhist monastery in Sikkim has been carved with such details, and are painted in golden and red. Amongst the most famous monasteries is Rumtek, which is located close to the capital city of Gangtok and is visited by a large number of tourists and locals. The monastery apart from its spiritual ambiance offers a plethora of historical artifacts, metal statues and gem-studded cenotaphs.

Pemayangtse Monastery is yet another important point for a pilgrimage tour in Sikkim as it is one of the oldest monasteries in the state.Other significantBuddhist Monasteries for a religious tour in Sikkim include Enchey Monastery, Phodang Monastery and Phensang Monastery. The Guru Padmasambhava Statue located in Samdruptse Hill is yet another place reckoned to be sacred by the Buddhist pilgrims. Here, you will witness the tallest statue of Guru Padmasambhava and within the complex, there exist an exhibition displaying a series of images from the Indian history.

Apart from the monasteries, there are few Hindu pilgrimage sites as well, amongst which is Solophok Chardham, which is a complex with four prominent temples; a giant statue of Lord Shiva and twelve replicas of Jyotirlingas. This complex also has Sai Baba Temple, Kirateshwar statue, Sai dwar, Kirat dwar, Kirateshwar Statue, Shiv Dwar. Another important Hindupilgrimage site in Sikkim is Kirateshwar Mahadev Temple which comes to life during the Bala Chaturdesi Festival during November and December. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this place has few connections with the epic of Mahabharata.

Christianity in Sikkim also has a special place, and one can apparently find a pretty looking church or two in every town and city of the state. Some of the famous Christian pilgrimage sites in Sikkim include Hope City Church and St. Thomas Church in Gangtok, Sacred Heart Church in Pedong, and St.Mary Roman Catholic Church. Nevertheless, Sikkim also houses few mosques such as Anjuman Islam Mosque, Barelwi Jama Masjid and also there are few Gurudwarasdotting the state like Nanak Lama Chungthang, Sarva Dharma Sthal and Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir.

Popular Pilgrimage Sites in Sikkim

Sikkim Travel Information at a Glance