The chants by the monks trickled down from the main prayer hall, winding through the air, and reached me as an unseen welcome at the entrance of the 200-year-old monastery. I was at the Enchey monastery in Gangtok, which sits on a hilltop, a sacred place with stunning sights, surrounded by a soothing forest.

I bowed my head from a distance, not wanting to disturb the monks who were deep in their prayers and chants inside the prayer hall. They were also playing the trumpets and the gong at a rhythmic pace to accompany it. I couldn’t understand the language they were chanting in, but I could feel the pleasant sensations of it.

I took a walk around the main prayer hall of Enchey Monastery and then found a place for myself on an empty bench right in front of the prayer hall. I sat there and allowed the chants and prayers to float around me, surround me and seep into me.

It was my last day in Sikkim, the place I wanted to visit once again was the Enchey Monastery, I had visited it a few days back on my birthday.

The October sun was warm enough to make the cold air around me feel pleasant. I had arrived after lunch, most tourists visit the place in the morning, so it was quiet, and I had the place almost to myself.

Buddhist pilgrimage site

Locals believe this Buddhist monastery is blessed by Khangchendzonga, the guardian deity of Sikkim, adding to its sacred charm. Walking through its halls, it felt like more than just a place of worship—it felt like a refuge for the soul.

As it serves as a learning centre, I saw young monks, clad in their deep red robes, moving quietly through their daily rituals, their presence added a sense of timelessness to the monastery.

The main courtyard area of the monastery has its wall lined with prayer wheels, spinning the wheels is said to be equivalent to chanting the mantras written on it. Surrounded by 108 prayer wheels in total with different Buddhist mantras inscribed on them, feels like you are surrounded by prayers all around.

Inside the main prayer hall, there are statues of deities, worshipping areas and thangka paintings on the wall. If you love art, then you will love the detailed work and vibrant colours. These elaborate and intricate paintings depict Buddhas or mythological scenes, narrating spiritually significant events. They are sacred works of art that serve also as a teaching tool.

As I stared at those paintings, they drew me in, the colours pulsing with life, the stories narrating whispered messages – all of which completely awoke my senses. I liked how art, stories and spirituality all merged into one. Maybe it was never meant to be different.

The surrounding halls also had extravagant paintings inside them, along with intricate wood work. One can spend a good amount of time just admiring it.

Enchey Monastery Architecture & Design

The Enchey Monastery’s pagoda-style roof, adorned with elegantly curved edges and golden embellishments—a hallmark of Tibetan architecture, caught my eye with fascination. The interplay of white and splashes of vibrant colours, exuded an air of regal charm.

As I sat there on the bench, the clouds began to descend, and I had to zip up my jacket to keep myself warm from the dipping temperature. The prayers were over, and the young monks started winding up.

The monastery timings are 9am to 5pm for the tourists, though most prefer to come in the morning. But few people were there at this time. One couple busy clicking pictures of each other at different places, their smiles looked happy. A group of schoolgirls in one corner, they were looking at a phone and giggling.

A senior citizen, who looked like a regular visitor, walked slowly and cautiously, he noticed the giggling girls and then kept walking towards the main prayer hall. He stood there in silence, his head bowed, he said his prayers and then started slowly circling the main prayer hall. During his second round he noticed me, perched on the bench by myself, our eyes met, and I smiled. He nodded his head and continued his walk. He did three rounds and finally bowed his head and then walked towards the exit gate. It looked like it was part of his daily ritual that kept him fit and at peace.

The Solitary Temple

The almost empty temple represented what its name stood for – Enchey means solitary temple in the local Lepcha language – maybe it got its name for its tranquil setting, away from the bustling city life of Gangtok.

If you walk over to the edge of the boundary wall, it has a scenic view filled with lush forest. You can hear the gentle sounds of nature and birds chirping. It was the kind of place where silence wrapped around you, nudging you gently into meditation and reflection. It is an ideal place for prayer, solitude or if you like the sounds of a temple. It had its effect on me, my thoughts were far and few, almost in a meditative state.

But if you like activities around you, then you should visit the monastery during the Cham Dance festival. During the festival, the monastery transforms into a burst of colour and energy. Monks in ornate costumes and masks perform dances that tell stories of good triumphing over evil, with music and chants creating an electric atmosphere. I couldn’t help but imagine how magical it must feel to witness it all. Maybe I will come again to witness it.

The Cham Dance festival usually takes place in January or February—ask a local for the exact dates since it follows the Tibetan calendar.

Or you can come like me and listen to the morning or afternoon prayers and enjoy the peace and quiet before you get back to the noisy city life.

Monasteries of Sikkim

There are many such famous monasteries in Sikkim. One of the largest monasteries is Rumtek monastery, which is a day trip from Gangtok, and is worth visiting too. It is one of the most important monasteries in the state of Sikkim, housing numerous sacred artefacts, including statues, thangkas, and religious scriptures. Walking through its halls, I felt the weight of its cultural heritage—centuries of devotion and learning echoing in its quiet spaces.

It is a place where visitors can experience the rich traditions of Tibetan Buddhism and get to interact with the monks when they are free. I got a chance to meet some of the young playful students.

The courtyard at Enchey monastery was empty now, the few locals and tourists who were there had gone home. The sun was hurriedly going down. The clouds were covering up the façade of the main prayer hall like a metaphor, just as the monks were closing all the windows and doors. I knew it was time for me to start walking out and catch a taxi and head back to the homestay and cosy up with a cup of hot coffee.

The few hours of serenity that I had experienced I knew would stay with me for a long time. Until my heart longed for the mountains again, and until I planned my next trip. As I walked out, I spun all the prayer wheels, the silent chants followed me all the way up to the gate, and maybe it followed me to Bombay too.

P.S. If Sikkim is on your bucketlist, then hop on to my – Photo Essay of Lal Bazar in Gangtok.