Pemayangtse Monastery is a deeply respected Buddhist monastery located at Pemayangtse, in Sikkim’s Pelling area. One of the state ‘s oldest monasteries, it stands tall on a hilltop overlooking the ancient ruins of Rabdentse, the former capital of the Sikkim Kingdom. Dedicated to Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche who resurrected Buddhism in Tibet), statues of him and his consorts are the striking feature of this monastery. An elevation of 2085 meters (6840 feet) above sea level gives the ancient monastery an iconic and eye-pleasing location. The Pemayangtse Monastery also serves as the point of departure for the popular Dzongri trek. The monks here are known by the red hats they sport, and they are picked among the Sikkim Bhutias!