About Rumtek Monastery

Rumtek Monastery, officially the Dharma Chakra Centre, is the largest monastery in Sikkim and the international headquarters of the Karma Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism outside Tibet. Built in the 1960s by the 16th Karmapa after he fled Tibet in 1959, the monastery is a near-replica of the original Tsurphu Monastery in Tibet. It houses some of the world's rarest Buddhist artefacts, including relics the 16th Karmapa carried out from Tibet. The Golden Stupa within contains his relics. The annual Kagyed Chaam (masked-dance ritual) held two days before Losar is a major pilgrimage draw.

Rumtek is one of the six main seats of the Karmapa lineage — the oldest reincarnation lineage in Tibetan Buddhism (13th century onwards). Security around the monastery is tight; ID proof is mandatory for entry.

Darshan & Aarti

🚌 How to reach

Last mile: Local taxis and autos are available near the shrine area.

Where to stay

Estimated expense (per person)

Estimated for a short 2-day pilgrimage.

Gallery