Rumtek Monastery
Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre
The most important Karma Kagyu monastery outside Tibet, modeled on Tsurphu Monastery. Its golden-roofed main hall and Buddhist institute are impressive. It is about 24 kilometers from the city center.
Rumtek Monastery was built in the 1960s by the 16th Karmapa after he went into exile, modeled on Tsurphu Monastery in Tibet. It serves as the 'Dharma Center' of the Karma Kagyu lineage. Inside the main hall are a huge statue of Shakyamuni Buddha and fine murals. Behind the hall is a golden stupa that holds the relics of the 16th Karmapa. The monastery also houses the Nalanda Institute of Higher Buddhist Studies. Indian police and security personnel guard the site, and visitors must show a passport or identity document to enter. Admission is about 10 rupees. A chartered car from Gangtok takes about an hour one way, and many visitors combine it with a trip to Lingdum Monastery. Dress modestly, and photography is not allowed inside the hall.
Opening hours
About 06:00–18:00
Nearby sights
- Lingdum Monastery
- Do-drul Chorten
- Namgyal Institute of Tibetology
- Gangtok Ropeway
- Lal Bazaar
- MG Marg
- Tsuklakhang Palace
- Flower Exhibition Centre