Pemayangtse is a premier monastery situated at
Geyzing in
West Sikkim District, around 140 km from
Gangtok. With a view of
Mount Kanchenjunga, it follows the Nyingmapa sect of the Tibetan
Buddhism and the monks of Pemayangtse are usually from Bhutia families. 108 monks are present in this monastery. Built in the 18th century AD, it is the oldest monastery that houses priceless thankas, icons, Buddhist texts, paintings and frescos.
On the top floor of the temple, there is a seven-tiered painted wooden structure portraying Guru Rimpoche's Heavenly Palace 'Santopalri'. This monastery was meant only for 'ta-sang' lamas (pure monks). The annual Chaam (monk dance) is held on the 28th and 29th days of the 12th month of the Tibetan calendar. During the festival religious dances are performed and pilgrims come from all over Sikkim.
