A Buddhist monastery called Sonam Tshong Monastery, commonly referred to as Sonam Tshong Gompa, is situated in Mangan, North Sikkim, India.
The monastery was established in the 18th century and is a member of the Tibetan Buddhist Nyingma sect. It has expansive views of the surrounding mountains and valleys and is perched on a mountaintop overlooking the town of Mangan.
Ancient Buddhist texts, thangkas, and statues of Buddhist deities are all kept in Sonam Tshong Monastery. The monastery also features many smaller shrines, a library, and a sizable prayer hall.
The monastery is particularly famous for the annual Chaam dance festival that takes place during the Tibetan New Year. During the festival, the monks perform traditional masked dances that depict the triumph of good over evil. Overall, Sonam Tshong Monastery is a significant religious and cultural center in North Sikkim and is worth a visit for those interested in Buddhism and its traditions.