Rumtek Monastery

4.4 / 5 Hills Valleys, Rivers Lakes,

About Rumtek Monastery

Far From City: 7 kms from city center
Cost: About Rumtek Monastery Weather: Time Required:1-2 hrs Open Time:6:00 AM - 6:00 PM Cost:INR 10

Architecture of Rumtek Monastery The Rumtek Monastery is a three-storeyed building housing some of the rarest Buddhist religious artwork in the form of wall murals and thankas. The ground floor has a large prayer hall which houses the large hand painted and intricate murals, statues. silk paintings and thankas. The top floor of the monastery has a terrace and a tiny stupa. There is a shrine in the main building which is decorated in a traditional manner with religious texts. The main structure of Rumtek Monastery has been made in accordance with the traditional designs of the Tibetan monasteries. In front of the main monastery building, there is a large courtyard which has the buildings where the monks live. The Rumtek Monastery is enshrined with the statues of Virudaka, Virupaksha, Dritarashtra and Vaishravana who were considered guardians of the entire universe. Outside the monastery, you can spot a staircase which will take you the Nalanda Institute of Higher Buddhist Studies. Opposite the institute, there is a building which houses the Golden Stupa of the 16th Karmapa made of pure gold. A few metres away is the bird aviary with many interesting birds. If you take an uphill walk for half a kilometre, you can find the hermitage point for the monks where they meditate up to 3 years in complete seclusion. The Old Rumtek Monastery which was built in 1730 by the 5th Karmapa is located 15 minutes downhill from the main Rumtek Monastery building. The architecture of the Rumtek Monastery is so splendid that it became the model for various other monasteries established later throughout the country. Facilities at Rumtek Monastery The walkway up to the monastery where the taxis drop you off is lined with stalls selling gifts and souvenirs, tea and snacks and the benches where you can pause and relax while sipping a cup of hot beverage. Outside the main entrance, just a few steps below, there is a pay and use toilet for both male and female. Outside the main monastery building, near the stairway leading to the Nalanda Institute, you will find a small cafe serving tea and snacks. It also has a mesmerising view of the surrounding hills from the window-side tables.

Best time to visit Rumtek Monastery Gangtok is best visited during the months from March to late May and from October to mid-December. The climate in Gangtok in the months of September and October is quite pleasant and enjoyable. The temperature drops during the months of November and in December and January, it is freezing cold in Gangtok. In spring, from February to March, the Gangtok weather has a moderate temperature and during the summer that is from April to June the time is ideal to enjoy a relishing holiday. How to Reach Rumtek Monastery The most convenient way of reaching Rumtek Monastery is to take a private vehicle from Gangtok. However, you can also go for the more economical option of taking a shared vehicle. A shared taxi can be hired from the Gangtok Taxi Jeep Sevice Stand which is located near the Hotel Hungry Jack on NH31A. It remains open from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Alternatively, you can also hop on a bus that runs regularly from Gangtok to Rumtek. The buses and taxis will drop you at a point below the monastery from where there is a fairly long and steep uphill walk to the main gate of the Rumtek Monastery.

Top Tourist Places in Gangtok Nathu La Pass Rumtek Monastery Ganesh Tok Tsomgo Lake Ban Jhakri Falls Kanchenjunga All Tourist Places in Gangtok

Where to Stay There are a number of hotels and guest houses in Gangtok. Mayfair Spa Resort, Hotel Norkhil, Royal Plaza, Chumbi Residency, Hotel Rendezvous, Sidlon Residency, etc. are some of the hotels in Gangtok where you will enjoy a comfortable stay. Sightseeing in Rumtek Monastery Apart form the monastery, there is lots to keep you spellbound. Besides the amazing and plush green scenery, a pleasant weather, friendly people, culture that touch the senses and the impressive monastery, there are a few important Buddhist institutions in the place. Namgyal Institute of Tibetology is a reputed institution for Buddhist philosophy and religion. There is also a museum attached to the institute that stays open between 10 am to 4pm. It has over 200 icons, old thankas and ritual vessels properly showcased. Enchey Monastery is another monastery worth visiting in Gangtok. The Rumtek Monastery Experience During summers and winters two most important festivals are celebrated in the Rumtek monastery. In the fourth lunar month of the Tsurphu Tibetan calendar either the Guru Rinpoche or the Vajrakilaya Drupchen are held. The rituals of these events last for ten days and are followed by the traditional Lama dance. At the ending of the lunar year in the 12th month (between February and March), a ten day tradition for the festival of the Mahakala Protector takes place here. The Tibetan New Year is celebrated on the 1st day of the 1st month. This festival is celebrated for 3 to 8 days, with the cultural and spiritual festival, that include many Tibetan opera dance performances. Rumtek Monastery's Cuisine The local cuisine of Gangtok includes Gya Thuk or Thukpam, Phagshapa, Momo, Ningro along with Churpi, Sael Roti and Gundruk. These are dishes one must try while Rumtek Monastery. Chaang is the popular drink of the place. Itinerary Rumtek Monastery is best seen on trip to Gangtok. Reach Gangtok, check in and head to the monastery. Stay at the city for 3-5 days to make the most of your trip. One can follow it with trips to nearby town ad villages. Expeditions can be made from Gangtok to Changu Lake, 35 kms away which is popular for its cool and tranquil waters and the scenic environment. Chungthang is also a place worth visiting because of the religious importance of the place. Tips 1. It is advisable to travel with a guide.2. It is customary to leave a donation at a monastery and to circle shrines in the clockwise direction.3. Don't disturb wildlife or its habitat here.4. Don't smoke, drink alcohol or talk loudly at the monasteries.

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