Tashiding Gompa

Sikkim


The ridge between Ralang and Yuksom ends with an upturned promontory (1450m) on which sits the multibuilding complex of Tashiding Gompa, an important Nyingmapa monastery. At its heart, a beautifully proportioned prayer hall has a delicate topknot that contrasts with the two lower stone floors. The murals inside are somewhat time-darkened and the main images are fronted with numerous colourful butter sculptures. Behind the Guru Lakhang building, shaded by two ancient Kashmir cypress trees, is a 'forest' of chorten stupas and mantra stones plus a dharma bell that rings out resonant prayer-tones.

The Dalai Lama chose this magical spot for a two-day meditation retreat in 2010. Each February the monastery celebrates the Bumchu festival.

The monastery is 3km down a dead-end lane that starts with a colourful junction gate 400m south of Tashiding village. The last 500m suddenly becomes exceedingly rough and steep. It's better to walk that section using stairway shortcuts.


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