- Where
- Rumtek, East Sikkim
- Altitude
- About 1,500 m (4,900 ft)
- Distance
- About 22–24 km from Gangtok, about 1 hour
- Timings
- Roughly 7am–7pm; the Golden Stupa room closes around 11:30am–12:30pm
- Entry fee
- About ₹10 per person (reported)
- Permit
- None for Indian travellers; photo ID checked at the entrance
- Best time
- October–May; Losar in February or March for ceremonies
- Time needed
- 1.5–2 hours
Rumtek, the Dharma Chakra Centre, is the largest monastery in Sikkim and the seat in exile of the Karmapa, head of the Karma Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism. It sits on a hillside across the valley from Gangtok, an hour's drive away, and is the most visited monastery in the state.
History
- The first Rumtek was built in the mid-18th century under the 12th Karmapa, Changchub Dorje. Its smaller successor, the old Rumtek monastery, still stands down the hill.
- 1959: the 16th Karmapa, Rangjung Rigpe Dorje, fled Tibet and found the monastery in ruins. Turning down other sites, he chose to rebuild here, helped by Sikkim's royal family.
- 1966: the new monastery was inaugurated on Losar, the Tibetan new year, modelled on the Karmapa's seat at Tsurphu in Tibet. Relics and sacred objects brought from Tsurphu were installed.
- Since the 1990s, Rumtek has been at the centre of the dispute over who is the 17th Karmapa. That is why you will see armed police and an ID check at the gate.
What to see
- The main prayer hall, with murals, thangkas and a large statue of the Buddha. Morning and late-afternoon prayers fill it with chanting and horns.
- The Golden Stupa, studded with turquoise and amber, holding the relics of the 16th Karmapa. The room closes for about an hour around midday.
- Karma Shri Nalanda Institute, a college for higher Buddhist studies opposite the stupa.
- The courtyard, where masked Cham dances are held at festivals.
- The old Rumtek monastery, a short walk down, much quieter and often skipped.
How to reach Rumtek
Rumtek is on the far side of the Ranipool valley from Gangtok. Any Gangtok taxi can take you, as a half-day trip or as part of a Gangtok sightseeing day. See car rental in Gangtok and things to do in Gangtok.
| From | Road distance | Usual drive time |
|---|---|---|
| Gangtok | about 20 km | 45 min–1 hr |
| NJP station | about 115 km | 4–4.5 hrs |
| Pelling | about 110 km | 4–4.5 hrs |
Road distances from OpenStreetMap routing. Drive times are what we see on these mountain roads, not map estimates.
Entry, ID and timings
- Hours: roughly 7am to 7pm. The Golden Stupa room closes around 11:30am to 12:30pm.
- Fee: a nominal fee of about ₹10 is reported.
- ID: all visitors show photo ID at the security check. Foreign visitors must show their passport and Sikkim permit.
- The walk: a few hundred metres uphill from the car park. Vehicles for visitors over 75 can usually go to the gate.
Weather and best time
Rumtek is low enough to visit all year. The table shows it is mild in winter and very wet from May to September.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 12°C | 3°C | Light |
| Feb | 14°C | 5°C | Wet |
| Mar | 17°C | 8°C | Wet |
| Apr | 20°C | 10°C | Wet |
| May | 21°C | 13°C | Very wet |
| Jun | 22°C | 16°C | Very wet |
| Jul | 22°C | 17°C | Very wet |
| Aug | 22°C | 17°C | Very wet |
| Sep | 22°C | 16°C | Very wet |
| Oct | 20°C | 12°C | Wet |
| Nov | 17°C | 8°C | Light |
| Dec | 14°C | 5°C | Light |
Monthly averages for 2015–2024 from ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo, at the site's elevation (about 1691 m). Rain and snow are rated relative to this location's own year.
October to May is best for clear views across to Gangtok. Losar, in February or March, brings ceremonies and visitors.
Etiquette
- Dress modestly and remove hats inside.
- Walk clockwise around the halls and stupas.
- Photography inside the halls is usually not allowed; ask first.
- Keep voices low during prayers.
Things most guides don't tell you
- Time it for prayers. Early morning or late afternoon is when the monastery feels alive.
- Don't skip the old monastery below the new one.
- Pair it with Ranka (Lingdum) monastery on the way back, a newer monastery that is quieter and very photogenic.
Nearby
- Tsomgo Lake and Nathu La for a high-altitude day.
- Buddha Park, Ravangla on the way to Pelling.
Rumtek Monastery: questions travellers ask
What are Rumtek Monastery's timings?
Roughly 7am to 7pm. The Golden Stupa room closes for about an hour around midday.
Is there an entry fee at Rumtek Monastery?
A nominal fee of about ₹10 per person is reported. Carry cash.
How far is Rumtek Monastery from Gangtok?
About 22 to 24 km, around an hour by road.
How old is Rumtek Monastery?
The first monastery dates to the mid-18th century. The present building was completed and inaugurated in 1966.
Why is there security at Rumtek?
Because of the long-running dispute over the 17th Karmapa. Visitors show photo ID, and foreigners their passport and Sikkim permit.
What is Rumtek Monastery famous for?
It is the largest monastery in Sikkim and the seat in exile of the Karmapa, with the Golden Stupa holding the 16th Karmapa's relics.
Is Rumtek Monastery worth visiting?
Yes, especially during morning or afternoon prayers. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours including the old monastery.
What is the altitude of Rumtek Monastery?
About 1,500 m, or 4,900 ft.
Sources
Timings and fees change. Check on the day, or ask us when you book.
