Pemayangtse Monastery and Rabdentse ruins
Pemayangtse was founded in 1705 by Lhatsun Chempo, one of the three lamas who crowned the first Chogyal, and it became one of the principal monasteries of the Nyingma school in Sikkim. Traditionally its monks were drawn from Bhutia families of high standing. The main hall holds statues and murals of great age, and on the top floor is the Zangdok Palri, a wooden model of the celestial palace of Guru Rinpoche, carved and painted in extraordinary detail.
From the monastery a path leads downhill through forest and a bird sanctuary to Rabdentse, about 20 minutes' walk. Founded in 1670 by the second Chogyal, it was Sikkim's capital until 1814 and was destroyed by invading Gurkha forces. Today the stone foundations of the palace, chortens and walls stand on a ridge looking across the valley to Kanchenjunga.
The ruins are managed by the Archaeological Survey of India and charge a small entry fee. We walk them slowly with a guide who knows the history of the Namgyal dynasty, then return to the Elgin Mount Pandim for lunch.
Questions travellers ask
Good to know
How old is Pemayangtse Monastery?
Pemayangtse was founded in 1705 by Lhatsun Chempo, one of the lamas who crowned the first Chogyal of Sikkim. It is one of the oldest and most important monasteries of the Nyingma school in Sikkim and is known for its wooden model of a celestial palace.
What is Rabdentse?
Rabdentse was the second capital of the kingdom of Sikkim, founded in 1670 and used until 1814, and destroyed by invading Gurkha forces. Its ruins stand on a ridge near Pelling and are reached by a forest walk of about 20 minutes.
Can I walk from Pemayangtse to Rabdentse?
Yes. A forest path of about 20 minutes leads downhill from near Pemayangtse to the Rabdentse ruins. The return is uphill. Many visitors drive to the Rabdentse entrance instead. Wear good shoes, as the path can be damp.
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