Rumtek Monastery
Overview
Located 24 km from Gangtok, Rumtek Monastery is one of the largest and most significant monasteries in Sikkim. It serves as the main seat of the Karma Kagyu lineage in Sikkim and houses rare Buddhist artifacts.
History
Rumtek Monastery was built in the 1960s by the 16th Karmapa as the main seat of the Karma Kagyu lineage in Sikkim after the original Tsurphu Monastery in Tibet was destroyed during the Chinese invasion. It houses the relics of the 16th Karmapa and a replica of the original monastery in Tibet.
Location
Region: East Sikkim
Coordinates: 27.2959° N, 88.5519° E
Elevation: 1,550 meters (5,100 ft)
Address: Rumtek, East Sikkim District, Sikkim, India
Key Features
- Golden Stupa containing the relics of the 16th Karmapa
- Rare Buddhist artifacts including the Black Crown of the Karmapas
- Karma Shri Nalanda Institute for Higher Buddhist Studies
- Annual Kagyed Dance held during the 10th month of the Tibetan lunar calendar
Visiting Information
Hours: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM daily
Entry Fee: ₹20 per person
Nearby Attractions:
- Gangtok City
- Ban Jhakri Falls
- Ranka Monastery
Gallery
Plan Your Visit
Guided Tours Available
Experience the monastery with knowledgeable guides
Duration: 60-90 minutes
Tours run multiple times daily