Sanga Choeling Monastery

Pelling, India

The Sanga Choeling Monastery, also spelt Sange Choeling Monastery established in the 17th century by Lama Lhatsün Chempo, is one of the oldest monasteries in the Northeast Indian state of Sikkim. The literal meaning of Sanga Choeling is "Island of the Guhyamantra teachings”, where gling means a vihara and "secret Mantra teachings" is a synonym for "Vajrayana Buddhism". The monastery is located on a ridge top above Pelling at a distance of 7km from Pemayangtse Monastery and is accessed by walking the steep hilly track of 4km, which traverses through rich forest cover. Pilgrimage to Sanga Choeling Monastery is undertaken by many Buddhist devotees as part of a religious and heritage circuit encompassing Pemayangtse Monastery, Rabdentse ruins, Khecheopalri Lake, Norbugang Chorten, Dubdi Monastery, Yuksom and Tashiding Monastery.