Tsuk La Khang Monastery is a very important and historical place in Gangtok. It is located inside the complex of the Royal Palace of Sikkim. It is just few minutes walk from the main MG Marg.
This monastery was the royal chapel of the Chogyals (Kings) of Sikkim. In the past, this was the place where royal weddings and coronation ceremonies took place. So it holds a very high cultural and historical value for the local people.
The monastery is famous for its beautiful traditional architecture. The walls are decorated with intricate wood carvings and beautiful murals that tell stories of Buddhist legends. Inside, there are statues of Buddha and other deities.
Tsuk La Khang is also the main venue for important Buddhist festivals like Losar (Tibetan New Year) and Pang Lhabsol. During these festivals, the famous Chaam (masked dance) is performed here.
It is a very peaceful and spiritual place. Because of its royal history and location near the city center, Tsuk La Khang Monastery is a must-visit during your Gangtok tour.
Gangtok Travel Package
Best time to visit Tsuk La Khang Monastery
Before you are planning your visit to Tsuk La Khang Monastery, it’s important to understand weather and seasons of the place you are visiting and know how they can affect your travel experience. This monastery is located right in the city, you can visit it easily, but good weather makes sightseeing better.
You can visit this place throughout the year. But if you want to see the festivals or enjoy clear views, timing is important. Summer and Autumn are considered the best seasons to visit Tsuk La Khang Monastery.
Summer (March–June)
Summer is one of the best seasons to visit Tsuk La Khang Monastery. Because in this season, the weather is pleasant with clear skies. Temperature stays between 12°C – 22°C in Gangtok, that is cool and comfortable for walking from MG Marg.
In this season the flowers in the palace gardens are in bloom and nature looks fresh. This season is great for sightseeing and photography. If you are planning your Gangtok trip next year, choose this season.
Monsoon (July–September)
Monsoon is not recommended to visit Gangtok generally because of heavy rainfall. The roads become slippery and there is a risk of landslide in the mountain areas.
However, Tsuk La Khang is in the heart of the city, so it is safe to visit. But the weather is very cloudy and foggy, so you might miss the views of the mountains around the palace. Most of the travellers avoid this season for sightseeing.
Autumn (October–November)
After summer, Autumn is also the best season to visit Gangtok and Tsuk La Khang Monastery. This is post monsoon season so you will see greenery everywhere and with clear skies.
In this season, the weather becomes clear and pleasant. In this season, temperature stays between 8°C – 18°C in Gangtok, make it cool. This is a great season for capturing photos of the monastery architecture. So you can visit Gangtok in this season.
Winter (December–February)
In Gangtok the winters are very cold. But you can still visit Tsuk La Khang Monastery in winter if you are comfortable with colder temperatures.
In this season temperature remains between 3°C – 12°C. The famous Losar festival (Tibetan New Year) usually falls in February, where you can see the Chaam dance here. So if you want to see the culture and dance, this season will be perfect for you.
Gangtok Tour Package
How to Reach Tsuk La Khang Monastery
If you are planning to visit Gangtok and Tsuk La Khang Monastery you must have knowledge about how to reach to Gangtok. It will make your journey easy and smooth.
Tsuk La Khang is very easy to reach because it is located near the Ridge Park and Flower Exhibition Centre, just above MG Marg. There are many ways to reach to Gangtok and the Monastery:
By Flight
There are no airports in Gangtok city so you have to reach to the nearest airport first. The nearest airports are Pakyong Airport and Bagdogra Airport. You can reach any of the airport from both.
At any airport, you will easily taxi or cab to Gangtok. Once you reach Gangtok MG Marg, you can even walk to the monastery or take a local taxi. It is very close. No permit is required to visit the monastery.
By Train
There are no train stations in Sikkim. Because trains not operate in Sikkkim because of the mountain area. So you have to reach to the nearest New Jalpaiguri or Siliguri train stations.
From here you can hire a local taxi or cab to Gangtok. You will get easily. And after reaching Gangtok you can walk or take a taxi to the Monastery.
By Road
This is the most convenient and best way to reach Tsuk La Khang. It is located just 1–2 km from the main market area.
The road is smooth and well connected. If you are at MG Marg, you can walk up the stairs near the Tourist Information Centre to reach the Ridge Park and the Monastery. It takes around 10–15 minutes walking. So you can visit easily.
Tour Package
If you want a stress-free travel experience, you can book a Gangtok Tour Package that includes Tsuk La Khang Monastery and the nearby Flower Exhibition Centre in the itinerary.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
These are nearby places to visit in Gangtok and Tsuk La Khang Monastery.
FAQs
Why is Tsuk La Khang Monastery famous?
Because it was the royal chapel of the Kings of Sikkim and is the site for important royal ceremonies and festivals like Losar.
Where is Tsuk La Khang Monastery located & how far from Gangtok?
It is located in the Royal Palace complex, near Ridge Park. It is very close, just a 10-15 minute walk from MG Marg.
Is there an entry fee or permit needed?
No, there is generally no entry fee. However, it is a private monastery of the royal family, so access to all areas might be restricted sometimes. No permit is needed.
When is the best time to visit?
Summer (March–June) and Autumn (October–November). If you want to see the Mask Dance, visit during Losar (February) or Pang Lhabsol (August/September).
