About Phensang Monastery
Phensang Monastery is situated in Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, on the gentle slope that spreads from Kabi to Phodong. This monastery dates back to the year 1721, the time of Jigme Pawo. It belongs to Nyingmapa Order and serves as the residence of approximately three hundred monks belonging to the same order. However, the journey of the monastery from the 18th century to the present times has not been totally pleasurable. In 1957, Phensang Gompa of India witnessed a devastating fire that engulfed it entirely.
However, the lamas of the monastery put in efforts to build it again. In 1948, their hard work paid off and the monastery got completed. Phensang hosts an annual festival on the 28th and 29th day of the tenth month of the Tibetan Calendar (usually December). Sacred dances are performed at this festival, which takes place two days before the Sikkimese New Year.
Journey to Phensang Monastery in Sikkim
Phensang Monastery in Sikkim is easily approachable form Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim, India.
Airport : Nearest airport is Bagdogra in West Bengal( 124 kms.), from where scheduled flights operates to and fro from Kolkata, Delhi, Guwahati. The Bagdogra airport is connected to Gangtok by a helicopter service operating between Gangtok – Bagdogra – Gangtok.
Railhead : Two nearest railway station are at Siliguri (114 km) and New Jalpaiguri (125 km) stabilizing link to Calcutta, Delhi, Guwahati, Lucknow and other important cities in India.
Road Transport : Gangtok is connected with all weather mettaled road with Siliguri, Kalimpong, Gangtok etc. Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim is connected by all weather road to Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Siliguri and also to all the District headquarters within Sikkim.
Private Taxis, Jeeps and Landrovers ply regularly on the Gangtok- Siliguri Highway and are available for transfer of passengers between Gangtok and Siliguri/ New Jalpaiguri Junction/ Bagdogra, and also for local sightseeing at fixed rates and may be reserved through Tourist Bureau, Govt. of West Bengal, Gangtok.