There are three documented accounts of the original construction of Sertok Gaden Choekhorling Monastery. It has been written in these documents that the original site of this monastery was visited and blessed by a number of highly learned scholars, amongst them, particularly by Baro Chagtum Denrab Chusum (the 13th holder of Baro Chagtum), whose concentration on meditation miraculously formed a monastery complete with altars etc.

According to the first account, it has been said that many great scholars such as Maha Pandit Chagtum Phamthingpa of Nepal, who was the disciple of Lama Dorjee Denpa, constructed hundreds of monasteries in many parts of Tibet. Out of these, there were three most outstanding monasteries constructed, of which the greatest one was known by the name of Thubten Kunghyi Sertok which literally means the top of all the Buddhist doctrines. Situated in the Ghampa District of Southern Tibet, it has been a great place of learning, meditation and the seat of many learned scholars.

With the passage of time, Panchen Tenpai Nyima of Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, through his power of meditational trance, had a vision of the gradual physical decline of this monastery and hence, deputed a Lama, Lopon Kachen Geleg Gyaltshen of Tashi Lhunpo, with gifts to renovate it. After the completion of the renovation and with the introduction of new monastic discipline, once again the monastery flourished and many highly learned scholars visited.

To keep the dying fire of the Buddha's doctrine still burning, Lama Tshampa Rinpoche, Lobsang Tendhar has re-established Sertok Gaden Choekhorling Monastery at the far-flung place of Thangu in North Sikkim. In 1973, the construction of Guru Lhakhang was started, to be completed in 1985. In 1999, Ven. S. Chusang Rinpoche was requested to be the Spiritual Head of this monastery, which he accepted.

There is an urgent need to construct 10-15 rooms for student monks. The cost is approximately US$1000 per room. There is also need for a room which could fit 15 students to hold regular classes. There is a public hall where 30 people can gather which needs renovation. The total cost of the room for 15 students and the renovation would be approximately US$15800. If you would like more info about how you could help, please contact: Chusang Rinpoche.

Thangu has been visited and blessed by Jetsun Milarepa and Guru Padma Sambhava (Guru Rinpoche in Tibetan). At present there are over 15 resident monks who practice Sutra and Tantra. This monastery is unique in its preservation of 100,000 statues of Guru Padma Sambhava as Guru Nangsid Silnon, the Patron Saint of Sikkim.