- Where
- Ralang, about 13 km from Ravangla
- Distance
- About 13 km from Ravangla; about 120 km from Gangtok
- Timings
- Roughly 7 am to 5 pm
- Entry fee
- Free; donations welcome
- Permit
- None for Indian travellers
- Best time
- October–May; the Pang Lhabsol and winter dances draw crowds
- Time needed
- 45 minutes–1 hour
Ralang Monastery (Palchen Choeling) belongs to the Kagyu school and is one of the largest monasteries in Sikkim. The present building dates from the 1990s; the original Ralang gompa, a short walk away, is much older. The main hall is known for its murals and thangkas.
Festivals
Ralang is known for its masked cham dances, held in winter around the Tibetan calendar's year end, and for Pang Lhabsol celebrations in late summer. Dates follow the lunar calendar, so check with the monastery or Sikkim Tourism before planning around them.
How to reach
Ralang is about 13 km from Ravangla. It pairs well with Buddha Park in Ravangla and the Temi tea garden on a South Sikkim day, or on the drive between Gangtok and Pelling.
Ralang Monastery: questions travellers ask
Is there an entry fee at Ralang Monastery?
No. Entry is free; donations are welcome.
How far is Ralang Monastery from Ravangla?
About 13 km, roughly 30 minutes by road.
When are the masked dances at Ralang?
In winter, around the Tibetan year end. Dates follow the lunar calendar, so confirm before travelling.
Which school does Ralang Monastery follow?
The Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism.
Sources
Timings and fees change. Check on the day, or ask us when you book.
