Rumtek Monasteryरुमटेक मठ
The seat of the Karmapa near Gangtok, with a big prayer hall and a golden stupa.
See what is open on your dateOpen in Google MapsWhereGangtok, Sikkim
East and South Sikkim
East and South Sikkim
Best time to visit15 March to 15 June and 1 October to 15 December
Good seasonsPost-monsoon (October to November), Winter (December to February), Summer (March to May)
DifficultyEasy
Height1500 m above sea level
Time needed3 hrs
Base and nearbyRumtek, Gangtok
EntrySmall entry fee
About Rumtek Monastery
The largest monastery in Sikkim and the seat of the Karmapa of the Kagyu school, about 24 km from Gangtok. The present building was set up in the 1960s by the 16th Karmapa and follows the design of the older Tsurphu monastery in Tibet. A big prayer hall, a golden stupa and a monks' college sit on the hillside, and the Cham dances before Losar are famous. Visit in the morning, and dress modestly.
What to see and do
- Main prayer hall with murals and thangkas
- Golden stupa with relics
- Cham masked dances before Losar
- Old Rumtek monastery 2 km away
- Monks' college and library
Part of The Himalaya.
Opening status, best time and closures here are estimates from usual seasons and past patterns, not live information. Confirm with the local authority before you go. Terms of use
More places in Gangtok
- Nathu La PassGangtok, Sikkim · Peak TreksA border pass at 4,310 metres. Permit needed, Wednesday to Sunday, and only for Indian citizens.
- MG Marg, GangtokGangtok, Sikkim · Villages & Hidden GemsThe clean, car free promenade of Gangtok. Momos, cafes and an evening walk.
- Tsomgo LakeGangtok, Sikkim · Lakes & DamsA glacial lake at 3,780 metres on the Nathu La road. Permit needed, and the road closes in heavy snow.
All places in Gangtok · All places in Sikkim
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Jagah Pedia is a free travel guide by Santosh Pandey. Status, timings and closures are estimates from usual patterns, so confirm locally before you travel.