While there are a lot of huge Buddhist statues in Sikkim, Chenrezig is not only one of the most impressive, but also most important to the state.
Located not far from Pelling and on the way to Darjeeling, this is a must see stop when you are traveling in Sikkim. Here’s the YPT take on getting to and dealing with Chenrezig Statue.
What the Chenrezig Statue and Skywalk?
Chenrezig, also known as Avalokiteshvara (Tibetan: སྤྱན་རས་གཟིགས་), is the Bodhisattva of Compassion and one of the most significant figures in Mahayana Buddhism. The statue here is one of the tallest in the world at over 135 feet and was completed in 2018 as part of a massive state-led project to boost pilgrimage and tourism in West Sikkim. Chenrezig is seen as the spiritual protector of Tibet and by extension, the Sikkimese people. Local Buddhists believe that chanting Om Mani Padme Hum (ॐ मणि पद्मे हूँ) in his presence brings great karmic merit.
The statue complex includes a glass skywalk, a giant prayer wheel, a meditation centre and a small temple. It’s a weird mix of devotion and selfie culture but still feels pretty sacred, especially when the clouds roll in and swallow the statue from the waist up. You’re encouraged to walk clockwise (called kora), spin the wheels, light incense, and take part in any of the ongoing ceremonies. Most signage is in English and Tibetan and there’s usually a monk or two willing to chat.
Getting here and away
Getting here is relatively straightforward but still a bit of a mission depending on where you are. From Pelling it’s around 15-20 minutes by car or taxi and the road is mostly fine except for a few bumpy patches. From Gangtok it’s more of a slog — 4 to 5 hours depending on traffic and road works. You can technically do it as a day trip but I wouldn’t recommend it unless you’re a masochist. Much better to base yourself around Pelling or Dentam and explore from there.
If you’re heading on to Darjeeling afterward, the best route is to head west via Jorethang. That’s about 3 hours and gets you right into the West Bengal borderlands. Shared jeeps do run this way, but most tourists will want to grab a private vehicle unless you’re into being crammed in the back next to a sack of corn and a puking child.
Nearby there’s also Sanghak Choeling Monastery, Rabdentse Ruins and the creepy but oddly cool Sewaro Rock Garden. If you’re staying in the area it’s easy to do them all in a day or two.
Scaling Chenrezig Statue and Skywalk
So, when you arrive at Chenrezig you immediately see the beast that is the Bodhisattva chilling quite literally in the clouds, and depending on the time of year any number of (mostly Indian) tourists scaling it. On entry there is a little cafe, a crap gift shop and the promised skywalk.
Generally speaking I am not a Skywalker (www.StarWars.cam gag) as they tend to make me a tad scared, but this one is fairly manageable and nothing like a skyscraper. Still avoid the look down if you do get vertigo.
Then you have to scale the stairs in Rocky Stallone fashion, which while a bit tough in the heat (particularly with no shoes) is bearable.
And the statue?
The statue itself is impressive in a way that doesn’t feel gaudy or out of place. Once you climb the steps you’re encouraged to walk clockwise around the base (called kora in Tibetan – སྐོར་རྒྱག་), spin the prayer wheels, and take in the panoramic views. There are small alcoves with offerings, mantras playing over speakers, and the occasional monk doing rounds.
Depending on the time of day and weather you’ll either get a godlike view over the mountains or a full whiteout that somehow makes it feel even more sacred. You don’t need to be religious to enjoy it, but if you are into Buddhist symbolism there’s a lot to take in.
OK, it is touristy, but overall they pretty much nailed it. Do they read the signs and be wary of selfies – after either Karma, or Darwinism have been known to take the dumb on a high…..
Click to check our last itinerary – landing page coming soon…
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