Rumtek Monastery is one of the most important and largest monasteries in Sikkim, gracefully perched on a hilltop overlooking Gangtok. Set amid lush green mountains, the monastery is not only a spiritual centre of Tibetan Buddhism but also a visual delight for visitors seeking peace and culture.
Founded in the 16th century by Wangchuk Dorje, the 9th Karmapa Lama, the monastery was originally known as the Dharma Chakra Centre. It was established to spread the teachings of Lord Buddha across the world and today stands as the principal seat of the Kagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism outside Tibet.
Located about 23–24 km from Gangtok, Rumtek Monastery offers a serene retreat away from the bustle of the city. Its architectural style closely resembles the original Kagyu headquarters in Tibet, making it a masterpiece of traditional Tibetan monastic design.
The monastery complex houses a main shrine hall, monks’ residences, retreat centres, monastic colleges, stupas, and community institutions. A scenic circumambulatory path surrounds the monastery, where monks, pilgrims, and visitors perform kora, the sacred ritual of walking around the monastery.
Opposite the monastery lies the Karma Shri Nalanda Institute for Higher Buddhist Studies, a renowned Buddhist college dedicated to advanced learning and research.
Rumtek Monastery is known for preserving priceless religious treasures, including a golden stupa, sacred relics, and sculptures associated with the 16th Karmapa. The monastery gained immense importance after the annexation of Tibet by China, when many revered Buddhist masters relocated to Sikkim, making Rumtek a major centre of Tibetan Buddhism in India.
The main structure reflects authentic Tibetan monastery architecture, adorned with intricate murals, colourful frescoes, traditional paintings, and detailed sculptures. The shrine hall is beautifully decorated with Thangkas, silk banners, sacred texts, and a magnificent 10-foot statue of Lord Sakyamuni Buddha.
The monastery enshrines four guardian deities, Virupaksha, Virudhaka, Dritarashtra, and Vaishravana, believed to be the protectors of the universe. Rumtek holds the distinction of being the first monastery in India built entirely using traditional Tibetan architectural principles, serving as a model for many monasteries constructed later across the country.
Around 2 km from the Dharma Chakra Centre lies the 300-year-old original Rumtek Monastery, rebuilt by the fourth Chogyal of Sikkim. His Holiness Gyalwa Karmapa resided here until the completion of the new Dharma Chakra Centre.
Rumtek Monastery comes alive during its annual masked dance festivals, held on the 28th and 29th days of the 10th month of the Tibetan lunar calendar. These vibrant ceremonies attract devotees and tourists from across the world.
Best time to visit: October to mid-December
Timings:
Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Public Holidays: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
The nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport, located about 126 km from Rumtek Monastery. From Bagdogra, visitors can hire taxis or jeeps to reach Gangtok and then proceed to the monastery. Helicopter services from Gangtok Helipad are also available, depending on weather conditions.
The closest railway station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP), which is well connected to major cities across India. From NJP, travellers can continue their journey by road to Gangtok and onward to Rumtek.
Address:
Rumtek Monastery, East Sikkim – 737101, India
Rumtek Monastery is more than just a place of worship; it is a living symbol of faith, heritage, and Himalayan spirituality. A visit here offers a deep sense of calm, cultural insight, and architectural brilliance that leaves a lasting impression.
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