Lhabrung Or Labrang Monastery, Gangtok - Timings, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

At a distance of 2 km from Phodong Monastery and 39 km from Gangtok, Labrang or Lhabrung Monastery is a Buddhist monastery in Sikkim, northeastern India. It is one of the important Monasteries of Nyingmapa lineage in Northern Sikkim and among the best places to visit near Gangtok.

The word Labrang literally means 'the dwelling place of lamas'. It follows the Nyingmapa order. It was commissioned by Gyalshe Rigzing Chempo in 1826 AD and was completed in 1843 AD. Gyalshe Rigzing Chempo was the son of the seventh ruler Tsugphud Namgyal and was regarded as an incarnate of Khenchen Thinlay Rolpai Dorje, the first Head Lama of Pemayangtse Monastery. The monastery was majorly renovated in 1978 with government aid.

Labrang Monastery was built in typical Sikkimese architecture of 'Rinchhen Surgye'or eight pointed diamond symbolizing the indestructible and only monastery of its kind in Sikkim. With its unique architecture, this old structure is one of the premier and only monastery of its kind in Sikkim. The monastery is located on a flat ground atop a hill having altitude of 7000 feet in the middle of the jungle. The monastery houses a huge Buddha Sakhya Muni statue, a Karma Guru statue and a Mahakala Statue among others. Its walls are adorned with life like frescoes of Buddhist legends.

Just below the road between the Phodang and Labrang Monasteries are the ruins of Tumlong, the third capital of Sikkim.

Timings: 8 AM - 5 PM