Rumtek Monastery is a renowned monastery that will offer you a serene and sacred environment that will make you feel positive. When entering this monastery you can experience the pleasant smell of the incense and chanting of religious prayers by the monks.
These chants will reverb around the prayer hall spreading positive vibes. Rumtek Monastery is the largest monastery in Sikkim It was built back in the year 1960 and is said to be the main seat of the Karma Kagyu or Black Hat, a Tibetan sect that originated around the 12th century.
The architecture of the monastery was designed by the 16th Karmapa, Rangjung Rigpe Dorje, relating to the original Tsurphu Monastery or Tibet. You can witness the sacred and amazing Tibetan art, intricate murals, and thangkas. Monks spend 9 years here studying the doctrines of Mahayana Buddhism.
Table of Contents
Everything You Should Know About Rumtek Monastery
How to Reach
Rumtek Monastery is situated at a distance of 34.6 km from Gangtok, which takes about 1 hour and 42 minutes to reach the destination. The monastery is open to visitors throughout the week from 6 AM to 6 PM. You need to trek for some time from the road to reach this monastery.
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Rumtek Monastery, 34.6 km from Gangtok, Sikkim |
| Distance from Gangtok | 34.6 km |
| Travel Time | Approximately 1 hour and 42 minutes |
| Opening Hours | 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Open throughout the week |
| Accessibility | Trekking is required from the road to reach the monastery |
Also Read: Gangtok Travel Guide
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit this monastery is during the Spring season which lasts from March to June and the Autumn season which lasts from September to October. However, during different months around the year, a number of festivals and religious events are being held at this monastery.
In February, Tibetan New Year or Lhosar is being celebrated for 3 consecutive days. 2 days before Lhosar, Mahakal Puja is being celebrated for a period of 1 week, using life size statues and masks. Between May and June, the monks and devotees of the monastery perform Dungdrub Puja, where they chant 1 million mantras to preserve world peace.
Again, during this period every alternative year, Vajrakilaya Festival is held at this monastery, when Toibetan folk theater is performed with masked dance and song. Every year on June 17th, the birthday of the 17th Karmapa is celebrated with sacred dance and other cultural performances.
| Month | Event/Festival |
|---|---|
| February | Tibetan New Year (Lhosar) – 3 consecutive days |
| Mahakal Puja – 1 week (2 days before Lhosar) | |
| May-June | Dungdrub Puja (chants 1 million mantras) |
| Every alternative year during May-June | Vajrakilaya Festival (Tibetan folk theater with masked dance and song) |
| June 17th | Birthday of the 17th Karmapa (sacred dance and cultural performances) |
Also Read: Rumtek Monastery Sightseeing & Activities
Travel Tips
If you are interested in photography then you must seek permission before taking pictures in some part of the complex.
Folklore
The monastery has held the legend of the Black Hat order when the Karmapa was presented with a hat that is made of the hair of thousands of dakinis.
Many believe that the hat has the power of flight for which it has been encased in a box.
Also Read: How to Reach Gangtok
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