Rumtek Monastery

By imitating the Tsurphu Monastery, the construction of Rumtek Monastery took place. The monastery hails from the Kargyupa sect. In the year 1740, under the rule of Chogyal, the construction of this monastery took place. It is located in East District. This monastery is considered to be the largest monastery in the entire Sikkim. The monastery contains four floors.

An extraordinary prayer hall, along with striking and remarkable murals and thanka paintings and also 1001 tiny golden photos of Lord Buddha are present in the monastery. Apart from all these, the monastery hosts Dharma Chakra Centre, which is a religious centre and also a large prayer hall, which also has dwelling facilities. An extraordinary library and imposing rooms particularly for those, who contains high ranks, are present in the monastery.

All round the year, tourists as well as followers come here to this place, which is located overseeing the town of Gangtok. Golden Stupa, which is nothing but a tiny hall containing a Chorten studded with spectacular jewels, is also present here. The ashes of His Holiness, the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa are contained in it.

The months between October and the mid December are the ideal time to make a trip to this place. Otherwise, visitors can also visit Rumtek during the months between March and May, since the entire place is covered with vibrant flowers during this time.

                                    TOURIST PLACES IN RUMTEK

Namgyal Institute of Tibetology: This institution is situated in the Gangtok town. Through out the globe, people acknowledge this educational institution as a renowned centre for philosophy and religion related to Buddhism. Rare ancient Tibetan books and documents are present in this institution. These books are related to subjects to science, medicine and astrology. A museum is also present, adjacent to the institution. 

Enchey Monastery: Enchey Monastery is considered as one of the most important monasteries in the Indian state of Sikkim. The distance between the monastery and the town of Gangtok is a mere 5 Kms. Lama Druptob Karpo blessed this location on top of which the monastery was constructed. Each year, the monastery hosts ‘Chaam’, which is a religious dance form. It is a masked dance. This celebration is carried out for two numbers of days every year in January. 

                                            HOW TO REACH RUMTEK 

By Air: The nearest air terminal to Rumtek is the air terminal at Bagdogra, which is situated at a distance of 124 Kms from the place. 

By Rail: The closest railway station is located in New Jalpaiguri, which is set at a distance of 134 Kms. 

By Road: One can find numerous buses from different locations. One can also opt for shared jeeps and private cars.