Rumtek

Home to the Rumtek Monastery and the seat of His Holiness, The Gyalwa Karmapa of the Kargyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism, lies the village of Rumtek. Situated at a distance of 23 km from Gangtok. Built in 1967, Rumtek Monastery is the center of Buddhist studies where Buddhist scholars from far and wide places come to learn and preach the religion of Buddhism. Always alive and buzzing with the activities of the monks, it is serene and an experience to watch the monks bustling into their daily life activities. Rumtek is close to Gangtok, and as such, has a climate very similar to that of Gangtok. It is pleasant in the summer and autumn months – March to June and October to December. Winters are cold. The monsoon season witnesses heavy rainfall which makes sightseeing difficult. The best way to reach Rumtek is by hiring a taxi from Gangtok.