Located in
Sikkim, Rumtek Monastery is among the most important seats of the Kagyu lineage outside Tibet. This splendidly set Buddhist monastery stands 24 km south-west of
Gangtok in
East Sikkim District.
The original monastery was built in 1717, but fell down to ruins due to aging. The present one was erected in 1960 by Gyalwa Karmapa.
The walls of this ancient monastery were decorated with Tankhas ( Thangkas) and frescoes. Gyalwa Karmapa, the 16th Karmapa, resided on the top floor and the most of the important relics are preserved there.
Rumtek Monastery holds annual events for the public. Among these events, two famous annual dances are organized on the 28th and 29th day of the tenth month of the Tibetan calendar.
The nearest airport is at Bagdogra, about 124 away. Siliguri Town Railway Station is 114 km from Gangtok. Regular buses connect Gangtok with Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Siliguri.
