Lingdum Monastery is said to be one of the most beautiful monasteries across Sikkim, This monastery was founded by Zurmang Gharwang Rinpoche, who was believed to be the 12th incarnation of Zurmang Gharwang of the Kagyu Sect of Buddhism. It took seven long years to complete this monastery, as the construction work began in 1992 and ended in 1999.
This magnificent monastery spreads over an area of 21 acres that is surrounded by alpine forests and also offers a majestic view of Mt, Kanchenjunga. When you visit the monastery, you will find a giant Buddha statue that is 5 meters tall accompanied by the statue of Guru Rinpoche by its side.
The monastery also houses a rare collection of Buddhist manuscripts. The wall of the monastery is filled with hand-stitched wall hangings and wonderful thangka paintings.
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How to Reach
Lingdum Monastery is situated at a distance of 15.4 km from Gangtok and will take approximately 44 minutes to travel to the monastery.
The monastery is open to the public on all days of the week from 6 AM to 6 PM. You can reach this monastery by riding a cab that you can easily hire from Gangtok.
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 15.4 km from Gangtok |
| Travel Time | Approximately 44 minutes from Gangtok |
| Opening Hours | Every day, 6 AM to 6 PM |
| Transportation | Cabs available for hire from Gangtok |
Also Read: Things to do in Sikkim
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Lingdum Monastery is during the months of September to October and March to May. During this time the pleasant climatic conditions will help you explore the monastery and its surroundings in a comfortable manner.
You can also visit this monastery during the Tibetan New Year or Lhosar or during Gutor. In the Gutor festival, masked dances are performed that help signify the victory of good over evil.
| Time Period | Recommended Activities |
|---|---|
| September to October | Ideal for visiting Lingdum Monastery and surroundings |
| March to May | Suitable for exploring the monastery comfortably |
| Tibetan New Year (Lhosar) | Opportunity to experience cultural festivities |
| Gutor Festival | Witness masked dances symbolizing victory over evil |
Travel Tips
If you are visiting Lingdum Monastery then make sure to maintain silence and avoid disturbing monks. You also need to seek permission before taking photographs.
Folklore
It is believed that the lineage of Zhurmang Gharwang of the Kagyu sect dates back to the 1300s. The lineage starts from the Trung Mase, the first Zhurmang Gharwang. He was born into the family of a learned man in Minyak situated in the East Kham region of Tibet.
Trung Mase was considered to be the reincarnation of Tilopa, the great Buddhist master. At present, the lineage is headed by the 12th Zhurmang Gharwang.
Also Read: Places to Visit in Gangtok
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Frequently asked questions
How many years old is Lingdum Monastery?
About an hour’s drive from Gangtok, in Sikkim, Northeastern India, is the Buddhist monastery known as Lingdum Monastery (also known as Ranka Lingdum or Pal Zurmang Kagyud Monastery). The year 1999 saw its fulfillment.
What is the architecture of the Lingdum monastery?
It is spiritually directed by H.E. Zurmang Gharwang Rinpoche, the Kagyu sect’s 12th consecutive successor. The monastery represents Tibetan Buddhist architecture, and one notable feature is its apex, which is sculpted with parasols, finials, and pagoda roofs over a large courtyard.
What is the oldest Buddhist architecture?
The first archeological evidence for Buddhist stupas originates from the late fourth century BCE. The earliest known stupas may be found at Vaishali, Kushinagar, Piprahwa, Ramgram, Sanchi, Sarnath, Amaravati, and Bharhut.
