Pray at
Tashiding Monastery
The holiest hilltop monastery.
- Founded
- 17th century
- Festival
- Bumchu (lunar, Feb-Mar window)
- Setting
- Ridge between two rivers
Tashiding is considered the holiest monastery of Sikkim, founded in the 17th century on a ridge between the Rathong and Rangeet rivers. Its chortens, including the stupa said to cleanse sins on sight, and the Bumchu sacred-water festival draw pilgrims from across the Himalaya.
Quick answers
Tashiding Monastery at a glance
What is the Bumchu festival?
The annual opening of a sacred water vase at Tashiding; the water level is read as an omen for the year.
Practicals
Permits & season
No ILP, but protected areas (Nathula, North Sikkim beyond Mangan) need permits arranged through registered agencies ahead of travel.
March to May for rhododendrons and clear skies, October to December for the sharpest views; the monsoon closes high routes.
When to go
Plan around these months
Nearby
Close enough to combine
Things to do
What you're here for
The sacred chortens
Stupas pilgrims circle with butter lamps.
Bumchu
The sacred-water opening, once a year.
Journal
Read before you go
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Explore Tashiding Monastery
Facts checked against the official Sikkim tourism portal · Last verified 2026-09-26