• Shalu Tamang
• Dr. Abhijit Sarkar

The monasteries in Sikkim reflect the attestation to Sikkim’s rich culture, heritage, spiritual legacy and astonishing architectural beauty in peaceful environments. Buddhist monasteries (gumpas), are integral part to Sikkimese culture and history, with many serving as important religious and cultural centers. Cultural tourism enables tourist to know the history, heritage, and traditions of specific places around the globe. This kind of tourism could be grouped into several groups, each catering to a unique opportunity for visitors to experience and appreciate the local cultures. The Heritage tourism groups up tourism and heritage sites. This study is therefore an honest effort to understand the role of heritage sites as an essential one in attracting tourists for economic growth. Monasteries in Sikkim are not only spiritual centers but also powerful vessels of cultural memory and identity. They play a vital role in attracting heritage tourists and promoting sustainable cultural tourism. With thoughtful planning and community involvement, these monasteries can continue to flourish as both sacred spaces and symbols of Sikkim’s unique cultural heritage. Government of Sikkim has brought about several heritage sites with ethnic beauty and has also created excellent tourist facilities in and around monasteries.

Heritage Tourism, Cultural Tourism, Monasteries of Sikkim, Sikkim monasteries, Sikkim’s monasteries, Gonpa, sustainable economy, community based tourism

"MONASTERIES in Sikkim: Contributions to Heritage Tourism", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.13, Issue 4, page no.g533-g546, April-2026, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2604670.pdf

"MONASTERIES in Sikkim: Contributions to Heritage Tourism", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.13, Issue 4, page no. ppg533-g546, April-2026, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2604670.pdf