Rumtek Monastery

Rumtek monastery, also known as Dharmachakra Kendra, is India's largest intellectual monastery in Sikkim, 23 km above Gangtok atop a hill and 5000 feet above sea level, which you must visit once.

Its beautiful views and experience will be great for you. After China conquered Tibet, the 16th Karmapa (head of the Karma Kagyu dynasty) fled to India, and choose Rumtek for his exile.

This monastery already built by the 9th Karmapa in 1740, which used to be the main place before it collapsed. Later, after the 16th Karmapa came here, it was rebuilt in 1961 according to his orders. This monastery completed in 1966 and became one of the main places of Tibetan intellectuals, and many of them settled here.

A gold stupa installed inside the monastery, which contains the remains of the 16th Karmapa. The entire monastery has a pilgrimage temple, the main monastery, a retreat center, a patron temple, a Dharamshala for the devotees, a school for the monks, and there are many associations for scholars.

This monastery built in the architectural style of the monasteries of Tibet itself, interior creations in the style of the typical Tibetan architect include frescoes, handicrafts, and sculptures, in which they put more emphasis on their culture and religion.

The main building of the monastery is composed of four floors with a golden statue installed, which adorns its roof. In your journey to Sikkim, do not forget to visit this quiet land and take fresh air and experience its tranquil beauty.

Rumtek monastery is the largest in the state and is considered a beautiful monastery.