RUMTEK MONASTERY
The picturesque 24km drive from Gangtok to the impressive RumtekMonastery takes you through some of the prettiest areas around the town.These lavishly built monastery is said to be a replica of the Tsurphu Monastery of the Kagyupa order,in Tibet.It is an important Buddhist pilgrimage site,but visitors can imbibe of the tranquil air and beautiful location while in the soaking in the significant cultural elements,which makes it a must visit to the tourists.
When the Chinese occupied Tibet,His Holiness Gyalwa Karmapa,the16th incarnate of the original Gyalwa Karmapa of theTibet and head of the Kaguypa sect of Buddhism,took refuge in Sikkim.The Chogyal of Sikkim gifted him some land to established a new monastery.
With its beautiful traditional architecture,carved and painted woodwork,magnificent murals and treasures of manuscripts and icons,Rumtek is a splendid example of the Tibetan monastic art in Sikkim.It is now the residence of His Holiness and the headquarter of the Dharma Chakra Religious Centre,The monastery is also offers employment,education and medical help.
The old Rumtek monastery{now entirely renovated},built in the reign of the fourth Chogyal,is a short distance away.A Sikkimese lad who learnt his trade from the lamas has embellished it with monastic paintings in the traditional styal.Enshrined here is a stone slab marked with the footprint of Guru Padmasambhava.
Dharmachakra Religious centre are located within the complex are the main monastery,the memorial stupa of the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa inlaid Golden plate and semi precious stones, Shri Nalanda Institute of Higher Buddhist Studies and the jamyang Khang Primary School.The centre houses some of the world most unique religious Scriptures Manuscripts and religious art objects.
A fifteen minute walk down hill from Dharma Chakra Centre takes one to the old Rumtek Monastery which was originally built in1730 by the ninth Karmapa but was destroyed by fire and had to be reconstructed to the present state.His Holiness late Gyalwa Karmapa lived in this monastery till the completion of the Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre
Kunga Delek Hotel-> Kunga Delek Hotel of Dharma Chakra Centre,with modern amenities and stunning view of Gangtok and the great Himalayas beyond,HotelKunga Delek established by Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre to offer travelers a comfortable place to stay and dine while the visiting the monastery.All proceeds from the hotel are used to help maintain the Monastery.