Location: Located just
24 kms from Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim.
Tourist Attractions Nearby: The Nehru Botanical Garden
is another attraction that people look forward to.
Best Activities : Participate in celebrations called
Tse-Chu and dances called Kagyat.
About Rumtek Monastery
The largest monastery in Sikkim sprawling over a huge area. It was
originally built in 1730 by the ninth Karmapa but was destroyed by fire and
was reconstructed to the present state by the late 16th Gyalwa Karmapa in
1960. It includes a school built on modern lines to impart teachings in
Tibetan and various aspects of Buddhism. An aviary containing the most
exotic birds also exists in the monastery complex. Some distance above the
monastery is a hermitage in which monks go into complete seclusion for
meditation for period's up to 3 years.
It is believed that the monastery is an absolute replica of the original
Kagyurpa Monastery in Tsurphu, Tibet. The center houses some of the world's
most unique religious scriptures, manuscripts and religious art objects.
The Events in the Rumtek Monastery
The main offerings / dances of Rumtek also called the "Tse-Chu Chaams"
are held on the 10th day of the 5th month of the Tibetan calendar around
June. The 'Kagyat' dances are held on the 28th and 29th day of the tenth
month of the Tibetan calendar.
Getting There
Air: The nearest airport is at Bagdogra (West Bengal).
Rail: the nearest railway stations are in Siliguri (114 kms) and New
Jalpaiguri (125 kms).
Road: Reach Rumtek by the SNT bus service from Gangtok. One can also
hire jeeps and taxis.
Accommodation
There are not many options available as far as accommodation in Rumtek is
concerned. There are just a few hotels and guest houses to choose from.
