Rumtek Monastery - Dharma Chakra Centre

Rumtek Monastery, also known as the Dharmachakra Centre, is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery located in the State of Sikkim, India. Rumtek is located approx. 24 km from Gangtok, the capital of the Sikkim, at an altitude of about 1500 m. The best season to visit, in terms of weather, is March to late May, or from October to mid-December. The languages spoken in the area are: Sikkimese, Pahari (the local Nepalese dialect), Hindi, Tibetan and English. You can go to Rumtek in Tourist Cabs/Taxies.

Originally built by the 9th Karmapa Wangchuk Dorje in 16th century, Rumtek served as the main seat of the Karma Kagyu lineage in Sikkim for some time. But when the 16th Karmapa arrived in Sikkim in 1959, after fleeing before the Chinese occupation of Tibet, it was in ruins. Despite being offered other sites, the Karmapa decided to rebuild Rumtek. To him, the site possessed many auspicious qualities and was surrounded by the most favorable attributes. For example, flowing streams, mountains behind, a snow range in front, and a river below. With the generosity and help of the Sikkim royal family and the Indian government, it has been built by the 16th Karmapa as his main seat in exile.

After four years, construction of the monastery was completed. The sacred items and relics brought out from Tsurphu Monastery, the Karmapa's seat in Tibet, were installed. On Tibetan New Year's day (Losar) in 1966 the 16th Karmapa officially inaugurated the new seat called, "The Dharmachakra Centre, a place of erudition and spiritual accomplishment, the seat of the glorious Karmapa."

Rumtek Monastery is currently the largest in Sikkim. It is home to the community of monks and where they perform the rituals and practices of the Karma Kagyu lineage. A Golden Stupa contains the relics of the 16th Karmapa. Opposite that building is a college, Karma Shri Nalanda Institute for Higher Buddhist Studies. It is believed that the monastery is an absolute replica of the original Kagyurpa Monastery in Tsurphu, Tibet. The center houses some of the world's most unique religious scriptures, manuscripts and religious art objects.

The monastery holds annual events for the public. Two of the most festive and important events are held each summer and winter. In the fourth lunar month of the Tsurphu Tibetan calendar either the Guru Rinpoche or the Vajrakilaya Drupchen (great sadhana practice retreat) take place.