Enchey Monastery

Enchey Monastery is one of the oldest places to visit in Gangtok, a Nyingma monastery founded in 1840 on a ridge above the town. Visit in January or February to catch its famous Cham masked dances.

Enchey Monastery sits on a forested ridge roughly 3 km northeast of Gangtok's main market, on the road towards Nathu La. According to tradition, the site was blessed by the tantric master Lama Druptob Karpo, who is said to have flown here from Maenam Hill in South Sikkim and built a small hermitage. A monastery was established in 1840 under the Chogyal of the time, and the present building dates from 1909.

It belongs to the Nyingma order of Vajrayana Buddhism and is home to a community of around 90 monks.

The main prayer hall has a golden cupola and interiors painted with murals of Buddhist deities and of four religious kings. The monastery's grounds, shaded by tall conifers and strung with prayer flags, offer views across to the Kangchenjunga range on clear days.

Enchey is best known for its Cham, or masked dance, festival. The Detor Cham takes place on the 18th and 19th days of the 12th lunar month, usually falling in January or February, when monks in elaborate costumes and masks perform ritual dances in the courtyard; the Singhe Chaam and Pang Lhabsol are also observed. The building has been repaired after earthquake damage, notably in 2006. Because Enchey is within Gangtok, it combines easily with a half-day city tour.

It is an active place of worship: keep voices low, dress modestly and ask before photographing inside.