North East Monastery & Buddhist Heritage Trail10N/11D

North East Monastery & Buddhist Heritage Trail

Start & City : Bagdogra

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Highlights

Walk the halls of Pemayangtse, founded in 1705, and see its carved model of the Buddhist heaven.

Explore Rabdentse, the ruined second capital of the Sikkimese kings, in forest below Pelling.

Stand beneath the 130-foot Buddha at Ravangla, with the Kangchenjunga range behind.

Visit Rumtek, rebuilt by the 16th Karmapa and inaugurated in 1966, and the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology.

Cross Sela Pass at 4,170 metres and join morning prayers at Tawang Monastery.

See Urgelling, birthplace of the 6th Dalai Lama, and the hilltop monastery at Bomdila.

Essence of Journey

The experiences that capture the true spirit of the entire trip.

Day	Route	Distance	Major Highlights
Day 1	Bagdogra to Pelling	About 150 km, 5 to 6 hrs	Teesta valley, Sikkim permit check
Day 2	Pelling	Local drives and walks	Pemayangtse, Rabdentse ruins, Sangachoeling
Day 3	Pelling to Gangtok via Ravangla	About 120 km, 5 to 6 hrs with stops	Buddha Park at Ravangla
Day 4	Gangtok	About 50 km local	Rumtek, Enchey, Namgyal Institute, Do Drul Chorten
Day 5	Gangtok to Bagdogra, fly to Guwahati	About 125 km, 4 to 5 hrs; flight about 1 hr	Into Assam
Day 6	Guwahati to Dirang	About 330 km, 9 to 10 hrs	Bhalukpong, Kameng valley
Day 7	Dirang to Tawang over Sela Pass	About 140 km, 5 to 6 hrs	Sela Pass and lake
Day 8	Tawang	Local drives	Tawang Monastery, Urgelling, Ani Gompa
Day 9	Tawang to Dirang	About 140 km, 5 to 6 hrs	Dirang Dzong and old village
Day 10	Dirang to Guwahati via Bomdila	About 330 km, 9 to 10 hrs	Bomdila Monastery
Day 11	Guwahati, fly out	Hotel to airport, about 45 min	Departure

About

This is a private 11-day Northeast Monasteries & Buddhist Heritage trail tour. It starts in Sikkim, at monasteries such as Pemayangtse and Rumtek, then flies to Assam and drives over the 4,170-metre Sela Pass to Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh. Local guides explain what you see, and all permits are arranged. Prices start from about INR 114,849 per person.

In Sikkim you visit Pemayangtse, one of the kingdom's oldest and most important monasteries, the ruins of the royal capital at Rabdentse, the giant Buddha at Ravangla, and Rumtek, seat of the Karma Kagyu school in exile. Then a short flight takes you to Guwahati, and the road climbs over Sela Pass at 4,170 metres to Tawang, founded in 1680–81 and the largest monastery in India.

It is a sikkim tawang monastery tour international guests can take with no prior study: each monastery comes with a local guide who explains the schools, the art and the daily life of the monks. It also extends BizareXpedition's Buddhist Himalaya trips in Ladakh, Spiti and Bhutan to a fourth region.

Trip at a glance

Detail	What to expect
Duration	10 nights / 11 days
Start and end	Arrive Bagdogra (IXB), depart Guwahati (GAU)
Regions	Sikkim, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh
Overnight stops	Pelling, Gangtok, Guwahati, Dirang and Tawang (two nights each)
Trip style	Private. Your own car and driver, with local guides who specialise in Buddhist heritage
Fitness level	Moderate. No trekking, but two very long road days and a 4,170 m pass
Highest point	Sela Pass, 4,170 m (crossed by road)
Best months	October to November, then March to May
Price from	About INR 229,698 per couple, or INR 114,849 per person, including GST

North East Monastery Trip at a glance

Why the eastern Himalaya is worth the journey

Tibetan Buddhism reached these valleys centuries ago, and it never left. In Sikkim, the Chogyal kings ruled a Buddhist kingdom from the 1640s until 1975, and their monasteries still stand on the ridges. In Tawang, the Monpa people have kept the Gelug tradition alive since the 1680s, under a monastery founded on the wishes of the 5th Dalai Lama.

A Sikkim and Tawang monastery tour shows you three of the main Tibetan Buddhist schools in one trip, in places that still feel lived-in rather than staged for visitors:

Nyingma, the oldest school, at Pemayangtse and Sangachoeling in West Sikkim
Karma Kagyu, at Rumtek, its main seat in exile
Gelug, the school of the Dalai Lamas, at Tawang and Bomdila

Sikkim or Tawang? What each half of the trip offers

Options	Sikkim	Tawang & western Arunachal
Altitude	1,650 – 2,150 m	1,500 m (Dirang) to 3,000 m (Tawang)
Main schools	Nyingma and Karma Kagyu	Gelug
Key monasteries	Pemayangtse, Sangachoeling, Rumtek, Enchey	Tawang, Urgelling, Ani Gompa, Bomdila

North East Monastery Sikkim or Tawang

Highlights of the trail

The monasteries of Sikkim

Pemayangtse Monastery (1705), one of Sikkim’s most important. Its top floor holds Zangdok Palri, a carved wooden model of Guru Rinpoche’s heavenly palace, made by one lama over several years.
Rabdentse, the ruined second capital of the Sikkimese kings, reached by a forest walk below Pelling.
Buddha Park at Ravangla, with a 130-foot Buddha set against the Kangchenjunga range.
Rumtek Monastery, rebuilt by the 16th Karmapa after he left Tibet, and inaugurated in 1966.
Namgyal Institute of Tibetology in Gangtok, with rare manuscripts and thangka paintings.

Tawang and the Monpa country

Sela Pass at 4,170 m, strung with prayer flags, with a lake just below that freezes in winter.
Tawang Monastery (1680–81), the largest monastery in India. You can sit in on morning prayers, then see its museum and library.
Urgelling, the small monastery where the 6th Dalai Lama, Tsangyang Gyatso, was born in 1683. He is remembered as much for his love poems as for his short life.
Ani Gompa, a nunnery on a ridge above Tawang.
Bomdila Monastery, built in 1965 as a copy of a monastery in Tibet.

Who this tour is for

A good fit if you…

Are interested in Tibetan Buddhism, art or Himalayan history
Have already seen Ladakh, Spiti or Bhutan and want something less visited
Like having an expert guide explain what you are looking at
Are happy with simple hotels for a few nights in exchange for remote places

Think twice if you…

Don’t enjoy long car journeys: two days run 9 to 10 hours on mountain roads
Have heart or breathing conditions that make high altitude risky (check with your doctor)
Want luxury hotels every night

ACCOMMODATION CATEGORIES

Tier labels follow the standard of the room and the property, not a star count. Dirang and Tawang have small hotel markets, so tiers there reflect the best rooms available. Where no property is named, it is flagged honestly rather than guessed.

Destination	Nights	Premium	Luxury	Luxury Ultra-Luxury
Pelling	2	The Chumbi Mountain Retreat	The Elgin Mount Pandim	The Elgin Mount Pandim, best room
Gangtok	2	The Elgin Nor-Khill	Mayfair Spa Resort & Casino	Taj Guras Kutir Resort & Spa
Guwahati	2 (Days 5, 10)	Novotel Guwahati GS Road	Radisson Blu Hotel Guwahati	Vivanta Guwahati
Dirang	2 (Days 6, 9)	Good valley hotel	Best-available boutique stay	Best-available boutique stay, top room
Tawang	2	Good town hotel	Best-available hotel	Best-available suite

North East Monastery Accommodation Categories

WHY BOOK THIS WITH BIZAREXPEDITION

A Buddhist heritage trail across Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh, planned and run by BizareXpedition from start to finish.

Both regions in one trip. Sikkim's monasteries on Days 1 to 5 and Tawang's on Days 6 to 10, joined by a one-hour flight from Bagdogra to Guwahati.
Two nights at each stop. Pelling, Gangtok, Dirang and Tawang each get two nights, so you can reach morning prayers without a long drive first.
Easy on the altitude. Dirang, at about 1,500 metres, comes before and after Tawang, so you climb and descend in stages.
Guides who know the monasteries. Local guides explain the Nyingma, Kagyu and Gelug schools, the murals and the rituals you see.
Permits handled. The Sikkim Restricted Area Permit and the Arunachal Protected Area Permit are arranged before you arrive.
A registered company. BizareXpedition Services Pvt. Ltd. (CIN U63090UR2016PTC007433), headquartered in Haridwar, plans and runs the trip itself.

3-TIER PRICING SUMMARY

Tier	Per couple	Per person	Standard
Premium	Rs.229,698 to Rs.248,074	Rs.114,849 to Rs.124,037	Good hotels throughout
Luxury	Rs.280,098 to Rs.302,506	Rs.140,049 to Rs.151,253	Heritage and superior properties where they exist
Ultra-Luxury	Rs.382,788 to Rs.413,411	Rs.191,394 to Rs.206,705	Best rooms and properties where they exist

North East Monastery 3-TIER PRICING SUMMARY

The upper figure allows for date and season variance of about 8%. Prices are indicative and confirmed on request.

Permits for foreign travellers: How it works

Foreign nationals need two permits for this tour: a free Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for Sikkim and a Protected Area Permit (PAP) for Arunachal Pradesh, which carries a USD 30 royalty per person. We arrange both, and the fees are included in your price.

Get your Indian visa first (many nationalities can apply for an e-Visa online).
Send us clear copies of your passport and visa at least three weeks before travel.
We apply for both permits through registered channels and send them to you before you fly.
Carry your original passport. It is checked at Melli when you enter Sikkim and at Bhalukpong when you enter Arunachal.

Two border passes are closed to foreigners: Nathu La in Sikkim and Bum La beyond Tawang. The rest of the route is open to you.

Best time for a Himalayan monastery tour in North East India

Season	Months	What to expect
Peak	October to November	Clear skies, Sela Pass open, and the best mountain views from Pelling and Tawang.
Good	March to May	Mild days and rhododendrons in bloom. Losar, the Tibetan new year, often falls in February or March.
Caution	December to February	Cold, clear days. Snow can close Sela Pass for a day or more; the Sela tunnel helps but days may shift.
Monsoon	June to September	Heavy rain and landslides in Sikkim and Arunachal. The trip is not sold in this period.

North East Monastery Season Adjustments

PRACTICAL NOTES

Permits. Sikkim needs a free Restricted Area Permit. Arunachal Pradesh needs a Protected Area Permit with a USD 30 royalty per person. Send passport and visa copies at least three weeks before travel.
Border areas. Bum La pass beyond Tawang and Nathu La in Sikkim are not open to foreign nationals.
Altitude. Sela Pass is at 4,170 metres and Tawang at about 3,000 metres. Move slowly, drink water and tell your guide if you feel unwell.
Long road days. Days 1, 6 and 10 are long drives. Mountain roads can close for hours after landslides or snow.
Monastery manners. Walk clockwise around chortens and prayer wheels, remove shoes where asked, and do not point your feet at altars.
Festivals. Monastery festivals follow the Tibetan calendar, so dates change each year. Ask us to match your dates to one.
Photography. Many prayer halls do not allow photography. Do not photograph army installations.
Hotels. Dirang and Tawang have simple hotel markets. Rooms are clean and warm but not luxurious.
Dress. Warm layers at any time of year; modest clothes covering shoulders and knees in monasteries.
Tipping. Appreciated but not required. Most guests tip drivers and guides at the end of each region.

Booking Summary

Dept. City :

Dept. Date :

Traveller :

Adults: 2, Child: 0, Infant: 0

Rooms :

Basic Price :

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Itinerary

Tour Details

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Need to Know

Itinerary (Day Wise)

This private 11-day trip covers two of India's oldest Buddhist regions. It starts in Sikkim. You visit Pemayangtse, which dates from 1705, the ruined royal capital at Rabdentse, the 130-foot Buddha at Ravangla, and Rumtek, the main seat of the Karma Kagyu school. Then you take a short flight to Guwahati and drive over Sela Pass, at 4,170 metres, to Tawang. Tawang Monastery is the largest in India, and you can sit in on the monks' morning prayers there. You'll also see Urgelling, where the 6th Dalai Lama was born. You spend two nights at each stop, and the route goes through Dirang on the way up and back, so your body has time to get used to the altitude. Local guides explain each monastery as you go, and we sort out all the permits before you arrive.

Day 1

BAGDOGRA TO PELLING | INTO WEST SIKKIM

Route: Bagdogra airport to Pelling via the Teesta valley and Jorethang, about 150 km, 5 to 6 hours

Your driver meets you at Bagdogra. The road follows the Teesta river into the hills, enters Sikkim at Melli, and climbs through Jorethang to Pelling, a ridge village at about 2,150 metres.

On a clear evening Pelling faces the Kangchenjunga range across the valley, close enough to fill the view.

Note on the Sikkim permit

Every foreign national needs a free Restricted Area Permit for Sikkim. BizareXpedition arranges it before you travel; keep your passport with you on this drive.

Experience of the Day

Teesta valley
Entry into Sikkim
First view of the Kangchenjunga range

Food

Recommended: Dinner at your hotel.

Must-Try: Thukpa, a Tibetan noodle soup.

Activities to Do

Airport pickup and drive
Evening rest

Day 2

PELLING | PEMAYANGTSE AND THE ROYAL RUINS

Route: Pemayangtse Monastery, Rabdentse ruins, Sangachoeling Monastery

Start early at Pemayangtse, founded in 1705 by Lhatsun Chempo of the Nyingma school. The name means 'perfect sublime lotus'. On the top floor stands Zangdok Palri, a carved and painted wooden model of Guru Rinpoche's heavenly palace, made by a single lama over several years.

Walk down through forest to the ruins of Rabdentse, capital of the Sikkimese kings from 1670 until 1814. Only foundations and chortens remain, with wide views of the mountains.

In the afternoon, climb to Sangachoeling, one of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim, on the ridge above Pelling.

The Human Story

Pemayangtse traditionally admitted only monks of 'pure' Bhutia birth, and it held a special place in the coronations of the Chogyal, the kings of Sikkim, until the kingdom joined India in 1975.

Experience of the Day

Morning at Pemayangtse
The Zangdok Palri model
Rabdentse ruins
Sangachoeling ridge

Food

Recommended: Lunch in Pelling.

Must-Try: Momos and butter tea.

Activities to Do

Monastery visits
Forest walk to the ruins
Ridge walk

Optional Nearby Excursions

Khecheopalri Lake, sacred to Buddhists and Hindus (about 30 km)
Tashiding Monastery on its hilltop (about 40 km)

Day 3

PELLING TO GANGTOK | THE BUDDHA OF RAVANGLA

Route: Pelling to Gangtok via Ravangla, about 120 km, 5 to 6 hours with stops

Cross South Sikkim to Ravangla. Buddha Park, also called Tathagata Tsal, holds a 130-foot statue of the Buddha, consecrated in 2013, set against the mountains.

Continue to Gangtok, Sikkim's capital at about 1,650 metres. Spend the evening on MG Marg, the town's pedestrian street.

Experience of the Day

Buddha Park at Ravangla
South Sikkim hill roads
Evening on MG Marg

Food

Recommended: Lunch in Ravangla; dinner at Taste of Tibet on MG Marg.

Must-Try: Sha phaley, a fried Tibetan bread stuffed with meat.

Activities to Do

Drive with stops
Buddha Park visit
Evening walk

Optional Nearby Excursions

Ralang Monastery near Ravangla, a Kagyu monastery known for its masked dances

Day 4

GANGTOK | RUMTEK AND THE INSTITUTE

Route: Rumtek Monastery (about 24 km), Enchey Monastery, Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, Do Drul Chorten

Rumtek is the main seat in exile of the Karma Kagyu school. It was rebuilt by the 16th Karmapa after he left Tibet in 1959, and inaugurated in 1966. Arrive for the morning chanting if you can.

Back in Gangtok, visit Enchey Monastery above the town, the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology with its manuscripts and thangka paintings, and Do Drul Chorten, ringed by 108 prayer wheels.

Note on Rumtek

Rumtek has armed security at the gate; carry your passport. No photography inside the prayer hall.

Experience of the Day

Morning chanting at Rumtek
Enchey Monastery
Namgyal Institute of Tibetology
Do Drul Chorten

Food

Recommended: A Sikkimese meal in town.

Must-Try: Gundruk soup, made with fermented greens, and sel roti.

Shopping

Thangka paintings, prayer flags and incense from shops near Lal Bazaar and MG Marg.

Activities to Do

Monastery visits
Museum visit
Prayer-wheel walk

Day 5

GANGTOK TO GUWAHATI | ACROSS TO ASSAM

Route: Gangtok to Bagdogra, about 125 km, then fly to Guwahati

Drive down the Teesta valley to Bagdogra and fly east to Guwahati. Sikkim and Tawang lie on opposite sides of Assam, so this flight is the quickest link between them.

The evening is free in Guwahati.

Experience of the Day

Teesta valley descent
Flight to Assam
Evening by the Brahmaputra

Food

Recommended: Paradise, a long-running Guwahati restaurant, for an Assamese thali.

Must-Try: Masor tenga, a light, sour fish curry.

Activities to Do

Drive and flight

Day 6

GUWAHATI TO DIRANG | INTO ARUNACHAL

Route: Guwahati to Tezpur, Bhalukpong and Dirang, about 330 km, 9 to 10 hours

Cross the Brahmaputra at Tezpur and enter Arunachal Pradesh at Bhalukpong. The road climbs the Kameng valley to Dirang, a Monpa valley town at about 1,500 metres. This is a long day, with lunch on the way.

Note on the Arunachal permit

Foreign nationals need a Protected Area Permit for Arunachal Pradesh, arranged through a registered local agency with a USD 30 royalty per person. Bum La pass is not open to foreign nationals.

Experience of the Day

Crossing the Brahmaputra
Entry into Arunachal
Kameng valley

Food

Recommended: Lunch on the road; dinner at your hotel.

Must-Try: Thukpa and Monpa-style momos.

Activities to Do

Long transfer

Day 7

DIRANG TO TAWANG | OVER SELA PASS

Route: Dirang to Tawang over Sela Pass, about 140 km, 5 to 6 hours

The road climbs to Sela Pass at 4,170 metres, hung with prayer flags. Sela Lake, just below the pass, often freezes in winter. Stop briefly, then descend to Tawang at about 3,000 metres.

Note on altitude

Sela Pass is at 4,170 metres. Move slowly at the top, drink water, and tell your guide if you feel unwell.

Experience of the Day

Sela Pass and lake
Prayer flags at the pass
First view of Tawang

Food

Recommended: Dinner at your hotel.

Must-Try: Zan, a millet dish of the Monpa people, if available.

Activities to Do

Mountain drive

Day 8

TAWANG | INDIA'S LARGEST MONASTERY

Route: Tawang Monastery, Urgelling Monastery, Ani Gompa, Tawang War Memorial

Tawang Monastery was founded in 1680–81 by Merak Lama Lodre Gyatso on the instruction of the 5th Dalai Lama. It belongs to the Gelug school and is the largest monastery in India. Join the morning prayers, then visit the museum and library.

Later, visit Urgelling, a small monastery where the 6th Dalai Lama, Tsangyang Gyatso, was born in 1683, and the Ani Gompa nunnery on its ridge above the town. End at the Tawang War Memorial, which remembers soldiers who died in 1962.

Note on sensitive places

Dress modestly in monasteries and follow photography rules. Do not photograph army installations.

The Human Story

The 6th Dalai Lama is remembered as much for his love poems as for his short life. Tawang people still point out a tree at Urgelling said to have grown from his walking stick.

Experience of the Day

Morning prayers at Tawang Monastery
Monastery museum and library
Urgelling
Ani Gompa

Food

Recommended: Lunch in Tawang town.

Must-Try: Butter tea and momos.

Shopping

Monpa handwoven carpets and wooden masks from the craft centre in Tawang.

Activities to Do

Monastery visits
Nunnery visit
Memorial visit

Day 9

TAWANG TO DIRANG | BACK OVER THE PASS

Route: Tawang to Dirang, about 140 km, 5 to 6 hours

Return over Sela Pass to Dirang. In the afternoon, walk through Dirang Dzong, the old stone fort village with houses several storeys high.

Experience of the Day

Second crossing of Sela Pass
Dirang Dzong
Valley evening

Food

Recommended: Dinner at your hotel.

Must-Try: Local apples and kiwi fruit in season.

Activities to Do

Mountain drive
Village walk

Day 10

DIRANG TO GUWAHATI | BOMDILA MONASTERY

Route: Dirang to Bomdila, about 40 km, then on to Guwahati, about 330 km in all, 9 to 10 hours

Stop at Bomdila Monastery, Gontse Gaden Rabgye Ling, built in 1965 as a replica of a monastery in Tibet, with views over the Kameng valley. Then descend to the Brahmaputra plain and Guwahati.

Note on the long drive

Mountain roads can be slowed by landslides or roadworks. The early start leaves slack in the day.

Experience of the Day

Bomdila Monastery
Descent from Arunachal
Return to Guwahati

Food

Recommended: Lunch on the road; dinner at your hotel.

Must-Try: Khar, an Assamese dish made with an alkaline extract from dried banana peel.

Activities to Do

Monastery visit
Long transfer

Day 11

GUWAHATI | DEPARTURE

Route: Hotel to Guwahati airport, about 45 minutes

Transfer to Guwahati airport for your onward flight. With a later flight, visit Kamakhya Temple on Nilachal Hill first.

Experience of the Day

Optional Kamakhya Temple
Airport drop

Food

Recommended: Breakfast at your hotel.

Must-Try: A last cup of Assam tea.

Activities to Do

Airport transfer

Tour Information

Your complete guide to a hassle-free and enjoyable trip.

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Important factors to consider before your trip!

Cancellation

Need To Know

Be Responsible Traveller

Minimize Plastic Use : Bring a reusable water bottle, shopping bag, and utensils to reduce the need for single-use plastics. Many destinations have water refill stations and eco-friendly stores.
Support Local and Sustainable Businesses : Eat at local restaurants, buy souvenirs from local artisans, and choose tour operators that prioritize sustainable practices and support the local community.
Respect Wildlife and Natural Habitats : Avoid disturbing wildlife or their natural habitats. Stick to designated paths and observe animals from a distance without feeding or touching them.
Dispose of Waste Properly : Follow local guidelines for recycling and waste disposal. If facilities aren't available, carry your waste with you until you can dispose of it responsibly.
Educate Yourself and Others : Learn about the local environment, culture, and customs. Respect local practices and traditions, and share your knowledge about responsible travel with others.
Choose Sustainable Activities : Engage in eco-friendly activities such as hiking, snorkeling, or visiting national parks. Avoid activities that exploit animals or damage the environment.
Leave No Trace : Follow the principle of "Leave No Trace," which means leaving natural areas as you found them. Pack out all trash, avoid picking plants, and refrain from carving or writing on rocks or trees.
Plant Trees Whenever Possible : Participate in local tree-planting initiatives or plant trees in your own community. Trees absorb carbon dioxide, provide oxygen, and help support biodiversity, making them vital for a healthy environment.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) & People Also Ask — North East Monastery & Buddhist Heritage Trail

We help you prepare for your trip and ensure an effortless and enjoyable travel experience.

Can you visit Sikkim and Tawang in one trip?

Yes, in about 11 days. Sikkim and Tawang lie on opposite sides of Assam, so the trip does Sikkim first, flies from Bagdogra to Guwahati, and then drives to Tawang.

Why does this tour take 11 days?

Tawang is about two days' drive from Guwahati each way, with an overnight at Dirang. Fitting Sikkim and Tawang into 9 days would leave no full day at either monastery.

Which monasteries does this north east buddhist heritage trail for foreigners cover?

In Sikkim: Pemayangtse, Sangachoeling, Rumtek and Enchey, plus the Ravangla Buddha. In Arunachal: Tawang, Urgelling, Ani Gompa and Bomdila.

What is special about Tawang Monastery?

Tawang is the largest monastery in India. It was founded in 1680–81 on the instruction of the 5th Dalai Lama and belongs to the Gelug school.

What is Pemayangtse Monastery known for?

Pemayangtse, founded in 1705, is one of Sikkim's oldest and most important Nyingma monasteries. Its top floor holds a carved wooden model of Guru Rinpoche's heavenly palace.

Do foreigners need permits for Sikkim and Tawang?

Yes. Sikkim needs a free Restricted Area Permit, and Tawang needs an Arunachal Protected Area Permit with a USD 30 royalty. BizareXpedition arranges both.

Is this himalayan monastery combined tour hard on the body?

It is moderate. There is no trekking, but Sela Pass reaches 4,170 metres and three days have long drives. Nights at Dirang help with the altitude.

When is the best time for a Sikkim and Tawang monastery tour?

October and November are best, with clear skies and Sela Pass open. March to May is also good. Avoid June to September, and expect possible snow on Sela Pass from December to February.

Can I attend a monastery festival?

Often, yes. Festivals follow the Tibetan calendar, so dates change each year. Torgya at Tawang usually falls in January, and Losar in February or March.

Can I meet monks or join prayers?

Yes. Visitors can sit quietly at the back during morning prayers at Rumtek, Pemayangtse and Tawang. Your guide can arrange a conversation with a monk where possible.

How does this compare with Ladakh, Spiti or Bhutan?

Sikkim and Tawang are greener and wetter, with forested hills instead of high desert. Tawang is a Gelug centre like much of Ladakh, while Sikkim's older monasteries are Nyingma.

How much does this monastery tour cost?

This 11-day tour costs about Rs.229,698 to Rs.248,074 per couple at the Premium tier, or Rs.114,849 to Rs.124,037 per person. Luxury runs Rs.280,098 to Rs.302,506 per couple, and Ultra-Luxury Rs.382,788 to Rs.413,411. Prices include hotels, cars, guides, permits, the Bagdogra–Guwahati flight and GST, but not international flights.

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