Dubdi Monastery

Dubdi Monastery, also called Yuksom Monastery, stands at about 2,100 m on a hill above Yuksom in Gyalshing district of West Sikkim. Founded in 1701, it is regarded as the oldest monastery in the state and belongs to the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism. Its name means retreat, which is why it is also known as the Hermit's Cell, and it played a part in the early days of the Yuksom kingdom.

The building is a two-storey stone structure with painted walls showing deities, and its halls hold statues of Lhatsun Chenpo and the two lamas who helped him found it, along with old manuscripts and religious texts. The grounds are planted with Cupressus funebris, a cypress said to have been brought by Lhatsun Chenpo from Kham in Tibet, and Khangchendzonga is visible from the hill. Dubdi is one stop on the pilgrimage circuit with Pemayangtse, Sanga Choeling, Tashiding and Khecheopalri Lake, and its yearly festival draws Buddhists from across the region.