Pemayangtse monastery
Pemayangtse or Pemayantse Monastery It was built around the 17th century by Latseen Chembo (one of the three lamas who consecrated the king), Situated at a height of 6,841ft, West Sikkim and at a distance of approx 100 km from Gangtok is one of the oldest monasteries in the Sikkim. It is a three storied structure filled with wall painting, sculptures and antiques. On the third floor there is a Zandog Phalri - an amazing seven tiered painted wooden model of the abode of Guru Rimpoche, complete with rainbows, angels and whole panoply of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. The model was built single handedly by late Dugzin Rimpoche in 5 years. The Chaam (monk dance) is annually held on the 28th and 29th day of the 12th month of the Tibetan Lunar Calander. Monks dress in costumes of rare magnificence the lamas represent Mahakala and Guru Drag-dmar. The dance ends on the third day with the unfurling of the Ghyo-Ku’ and gigantic embroidered Buddhist scroll.
It is the most important monastery of the Nyingmapa order and was first built as a small temple in the late seventeenth century by Latsun chembo. Later during the reign of the third Chogyal Chakdor Namgyal, Jigme Pawo who was the third reincarnation of Latsum Chemboo extended and rebuilt the structure in the form of big monastery. The main hall of the monastery has an area of about 180 sq mt.
