Rumtek Monastery in Gangtok

Rumtek Monastery Location

The Rumtek Monastery location is at an altitude of around 1500 meters which accounts for a whopping 4900 feet. At this height, the view of the valley around and Gangtok is clearly visible. This makes for a great sight. Talking about the exact geography of this amazing attraction, Rumtek Monastery is located in the Indian state of Sikkim. Its proximity to the capital city of Gangtok brings hordes of visitors from all over India and the world. The place is quite popular amongst tourists who are looking for some relaxed time in the hills. A visit here makes one feel tranquil and one with the almighty. Even though Rumtek Monastery is located in a region that attracts a lot of visitors and commotion from all around, the place provides tranquillity to the ones genuinely seeking for it. One feels such calm and peace here that they don’t want to go anywhere else really. The view of the surroundings from the top of the monastery is quite picturesque. Since Rumtek Monastery location is quite near to Gangtok, 24 kilometers to be precise, one can catch a bird’s eye view of the city from up here.

The Architecture of Rumtek Monastery in Sikkim

The architecture of the Rumtek Monastery in Gangtok is one of the finest in the world and resembles the original one in Tsurphu, Tibet. The main building of Rumtek Monastery is a three-storey building and it houses some rare Buddhist religious artwork in the world in the form of wall murals, Thangkas (scrolls with intricate hand paintings), 1001 miniature golden models of Buddha, etc. The place is also a world’s renowned center for Kagyu teachings. The ground floor of the main monastery building has a large prayer hall.

Attractions of Rumtek Monastery in Sikkim

The residing Monastics diligently meditate and study; there is no doubt that the results of these virtuous actions will dispel sickness and other problems, and increase longevity, prosperity, and meditative realization. There is always positivity around the Rumtek Monastery in Gangtok making it one of the best locations for a quiet and beautiful atmosphere. Dharma chakra center, Prayer wheels in Monastery, Magnificent Golden Buddha stupa, various Buddhist institutions, luxuriously sprawling landscapes are the main attractions you can see here.

Just outside the monastery, a stairway leads to Nalanda Institute of Higher Buddhist Studies and just opposite to the building there is a golden stupa of sixteenth Karmapa which is made of pure gold. From there, you can get a captivating view of Gangtok Township on the opposite hill. Rumtek Monastery also houses some precious items like Vajra Mukut, like a black hat, which is studded with gold, diamonds, rubies and other precious gems. Few meters from Nalanda Institute, there is a bird aviary with many beautiful birds. Half a kilometer uphill walk from there will lead to Hermitage point of the monks where they meditate for up to 3 years for complete seclusion.

Rumtek Monastery Festival and Dances

The main dances of Rumtek known as Tshechu Chams are held in the Monastery on the 10th day of the 5th month of Buddhist calendar which usually falls in June. Kagyed dances are also held here on 28th and 29th day of the 10th month of Buddhist Calendar which usually falls in December. Losar Celebrations (Tibetan New Year) take place during February - March. Above are the best times to visit the monastery. November to January is extremely cold months; the rest of the time the temperature is moderate and the ideal time to enjoy a relishing holiday.

The place of Rumtek Monastery is beautiful and sacred enough to be considered as one of the most important places to visit in Sikkim. The lush green hilly terrain a breathtaking topography and misty mountain Rumtek an ideal place for quite some time. This would be a memorable trip for anyone who loves nature and wants to freshen up their mind and soul.