The royal ridge and the Namgyal Institute
The Namgyal Institute of Tibetology was founded in 1958, with its foundation stone laid by the Dalai Lama, and opened by Jawaharlal Nehru. Housed in a building of traditional Sikkimese design, it holds one of the most important collections of Tibetan manuscripts, thangkas, icons and ritual objects outside Tibet. The museum is small but well presented and explains the art and practice of Himalayan Buddhism.
Next door, the Do Drul Chorten is a large white stupa ringed by prayer wheels, built in 1945 by Trulshi Rinpoche of the Nyingma school. We continue to the royal ridge, where the palace of the former Chogyals and the royal chapel of Tsuklakhang stand. Tsuklakhang is opened on festival days, especially for Losar and the Pang Lhabsol dances.
The morning ends at Enchey Monastery, a 19th-century Nyingma monastery among tall trees on a hilltop above the town, known for its winter masked dances. The atmosphere is calm, and it is a good place to sit for a while before lunch in the town.
Questions travellers ask
Good to know
What is the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology?
It is a research institute and museum in Gangtok, founded in 1958, dedicated to Tibetan and Himalayan Buddhist culture. Its museum displays manuscripts, thangkas, statues and ritual objects, and its library holds an important collection of Tibetan texts. Allow about an hour.
Can I visit the royal palace in Gangtok?
The former royal palace is not open to the public, but you can see it from the ridge. Tsuklakhang, the royal chapel, opens on certain festival days such as Losar. Your guide will check what is open during your visit.
When are the masked dances at Enchey Monastery?
Enchey's annual Cham masked dances are held in winter, usually in December or January according to the Tibetan calendar. Dates vary each year. Other monasteries in Sikkim hold dances at different times, so check current status before you travel.
Also in Gangtok
More hours to plan around
