Being the largest monastery of Sikkim, Rumtek Monastery enjoys high-end prestige throughout the world. Cocooned amidst the mystic surroundings, the Golden Stupa is the main highlight of this world famous monastery.
Rumtek Monastery By Road
Rumtek is well connected to rest of India through an extensive road network. You can avail regular bus services from Bagdogra, Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Calcutta to reach Rumtek. Taxi services are also available from these cities. Located at about 24 km from Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, India, Rumtek Monastry is a famous Buddhist monastery and an important Buddhist religious centre. The tranquil environment of the place is the best to get away from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Surrounded by verdant hills Rumtek is an excellent nature getaway.
Rumtek Monastery By Rail
The nearest rail stations are at Siliguri situated 114 km from Rumtek and New Jalpaiguri railway station, which is at a distance of 125 km from here.
Rumtek Monastery By Air
The nearest airport is Bagdogra airport, in West Bengal, at a distance of 124 kilometers. It is connected to all the major cities in India. There is also a helicopter service available that connects Bagdogra to Gangtok.
Rumtek Monastery
Rumtek Monastery, also called the Dharmachakra Centre, is a gompa located in the Indian state of Sikkim near the capital Gangtok.
The Rumtek Monastery was built in the 16th century by Karmapa Wangchuck Dorje. Rumtek was the main seat of power for the Karma Kagyu sect in Sikkim.
The monastery was found to be in ruins by Gyalwa Karmapa, the 16th Karmapa, who fled Tibet in 1959 and despite being offered other sites; he chose to rebuild the monastery at Rumtek. He believed that the place had auspicious elements and many favorable conditions. With the help of Sikkim’s Royal Family and the Indian government, Gyalwa Karmapa had the monastery rebuilt in four years and it became his main seat in exile.
The monastery was decorated with the relics that had been brought from Tsurphu Monastery, his seat in Tibet.
