Rumtek Monastery

Rumtek Monastery, located at a distance of approximately 24 km from Gangtok in Rumtek, is one of the most important sites for almost every Buddhist. This monastery was originally built in the 16th century, under the supervision of Wangchuck Dorge and with the financial assistance of the fourth king of Sikkim.

However, in the 20th century this monastery was devastated by fire. Later in 1960s, an entirely new ministry was rebuilt uphill the original Rumtek Monastery. The new monastery built was named as Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre. In addition, the monastery also houses the main shrine temple along with quarters of monks.

There is a Golden stupa located inside the monastery, which encompasses the relics of the 16th Karmapa. The monastery is also a host to several Tibetan festivals organised throughout the year, which include Tse-Chu Chaam and Kagyat Dance.