Rumtek Monastery is one of the most important Buddhist monasteries in Sikkim. It is also called the Dharma Chakra Centre. It is located about 23 km from Gangtok.
Rumtek is situated on a quiet hilltop overlooking the Gangtok valley. It is the largest monastery in Sikkim and the seat-in-exile of the Kagyu (Kagyupa) Order of Tibetan Buddhism, one of the oldest Buddhist lineages.
This monastery is famous for its magnificent Tibetan-style architecture. It is the official residence of the 16th Karmapa after he fled Tibet. So for the Buddhist people, this place is very important.
Rumtek has a deep spiritual history. The original monastery was built in the 16th century by the 9th Karmapa. After centuries of wear, it was rebuilt in the 1960s by the 16th Karmapa, who made Rumtek the international center of the Kagyu lineage.
Today, Rumtek Monastery has grown into a complete Buddhist learning and spiritual center. It houses the Golden Stupa, a beautifully crafted and highly sacred structure that contains the relics and remains of the 16th Karmapa.
It also houses important manuscripts, artworks, thangkas, and sacred objects that were brought from Tsurphu Monastery in Tibet. So must include this place in your Gangtok Tour Package.
Gangtok Travel Package
Best time to visit Rumtek Monastery
When planning a visit to Gangtok and Rumtek Monastery, choosing the right season helps you enjoy the calm surroundings, pleasant weather, and beautiful views.
Although Rumtek is accessible throughout the year, weather conditions in the hills can affect your experience, especially during heavy rains or extreme cold.
The best time to visit Rumtek Monastery is from March to June and October to December. During these months, the weather is pleasant, skies are clear, and the monastery surroundings look vibrant and peaceful.
Monsoon brings heavy rainfall, making roads slippery, while winters can be chilly, especially in the early mornings and late evenings.
Your final choice depends on whether you prefer cool weather, blooming landscapes, or clear views of the mountains.
Summer
Summer is the most comfortable and ideal season to visit Rumtek Monastery. The temperature stays between 12°C and 20°C, which is cool but pleasant.
Skies remain clear, making the views of the valley and surrounding hills absolutely stunning. The monastery complex is peaceful, making it perfect for exploring, attending prayer sessions, and taking photographs.
Flowers bloom during this season, and the walk from the parking area to the monastery feels fresh and scenic. This is the best time for families, first-time visitors, and anyone who wants a relaxed and beautiful trip.
Monsoon
Monsoon is not recommended for visiting Rumtek Monastery. Heavy rainfall makes the roads slippery and muddy, especially the uphill stretch near the monastery.
Fog and clouds often cover the views, so you won’t get clear photos or scenery. Travel may also become slow and uncomfortable due to rain.
This season makes the area lush green but the frequent showers and low visibility reduce the overall experience. Those planning photography or sightseeing may be disappointed.
Winter
Winter gives Rumtek a peaceful, cool, and refreshing atmosphere. Temperatures drop to 5°C–12°C, especially in the mornings and evenings.
October and November are best with clear skies, crisp air, and perfect mountain views. The monastery looks stunning during this time, and tourist rush is also less compared to summer.
However, from late December onward, the cold becomes intense. Early mornings can feel very chilly, so warm clothing is necessary.
Gangtok Tour Package
How to Reach Rumtek Monastery
Rumtek Monastery is one of the most peaceful and spiritually significant places to visit near Gangtok.
Located about 23 km from the city, the monastery sits on a quiet hilltop with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
It is the largest monastery in Sikkim and home to the Karma Kagyu Buddhist lineage. Many travelers, especially first-timers, are unsure about how to reach Rumtek Monastery, but don’t worry getting there is very simple.
You just need a local taxi or a travel operator, as the monastery is well-connected by road. Here are all the ways you can reach Rumtek Monastery:
By Flight
If you’re arriving from outside Sikkim, the nearest airports are Pakyong Airport and Bagdogra Airport. After landing, take a taxi or shared cab to Gangtok.
Once you reach in Gangtok, you can easily hire a taxi to reach Rumtek Monastery. No permits are required, and you can visit the monastery on the same day you reach Gangtok, as long as the timing suits.
By Road
Reaching Rumtek Monastery by road is the easiest and best way. The monastery is located 23 km from MG Marg, Gangtok, and the drive takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic.
The final stretch includes a short uphill road, followed by a small walk from the parking area to the monastery entrance.
Tour Package
If you prefer a comfortable, pre-planned trip, you can book a Gangtok sightseeing tour package that includes Rumtek Monastery. With a package, you don’t have to plan anything the agency handles all arrangements.
By Train
There are no railway lines in Sikkim, so Rumtek Monastery cannot be reached directly by train. The nearest major railway station is New Jalpaiguri approx. 120 km from Gangtok. From there, you can take a cab or shared taxi to Gangtok.
After reaching Gangtok, simply hire a local taxi to Rumtek Monastery. The journey from Gangtok to Rumtek is smooth and calming, passing through forests, small villages, and scenic valleys.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
These are nearby places to visit in Gangtok and Rumtek Monastery.
