Ranka Monastery Gangtok Entry Fee
- No Entry Fee
Ranka Monastery Gangtok Phone
N/A
Rating: 
| 4/5 stars
Based on total 36 reviews
Ranka Monastery Gangtok Address: Lingdum, Sikkim, 737135, India
Also known as Lingdum Monastery, Ranka Monastery in Sikkim is a picturesque monastery spread over a vast area. It follows the principles of the Zurmang Kagyu tradition.
While Ranka monastery is relatively new, it’s one of the most magnificent monasteries in the region. It attracts tourists who want to explore Buddhist traditions without having to struggle through the crowd.
Ranka Monastery Gangtok is surrounded by green mountains on three sides. The peaceful environment and ongoing prayers provide a sense of relief to anyone who visits the place. A stream called Re Khola also flows nearby, adding to the charm of its scenic beauty.
Even though the monastery is new, it holds significant importance for the people of the region. It’s also one of the few monasteries where you can interact with the monks easily and click pictures with them. You’ll find young monks carrying out most of the rituals and prayers.
Where is Ranka Monastery in Gangtok?
Ranka Monastery (officially Pal Karma Zurmang Shedup Chokhor Ling Lingdum Monastery) is 16 km away from Gangtok, near Ranka town. It’s a revered spiritual place among the local community. The natural views are worth admiring, too.
History of Ranka Monastery
The construction of Ranka Monastery was started only a few decades ago, in the 1990s. And it was completed by 1998. It doesn’t have any historical significance as such apart from the fact that it’s the seat of Zurmang Gharwang Rinpoche. The 16th Gyalwang Karmapa identified Rinpoche as the 12th incarnation of this ancestry.
Architecture of Ranka Monastery
Ranka Monastery Gangtok is built in the traditional Tibetan style of architecture. The complex is spread out in a vast area with mountain slopes bordering it.
Right in the middle of the complex are the main shrine and prayer hall, surrounded by a large courtyard. In the sanctum, a tall gold-plated Buddha statue sits in the lotus position. A smaller statue of Guru Padmasambhava is by its side.
Beautiful paintings and wall hangings adorn the sanctum. The prayer hall also has low tables placed in rows for young monks to practice their prayers.
Apart from the main building, the complex has several other structures. It has a two-storey building near the periphery where classes are held for the future lamas. Here, they read their books and undergo training.
Behind the main building, up on a hill, you’ll also find a retreat centre for the lamas to meditate.
Things to do at Ranka Monastery Gangtok
1. Marvelling at the scenes – Nestled amidst forested mountains, Ranka Monastery Gangtok is one of the most picture-perfect monasteries in Sikkim. You can enjoy sweeping views of the alpine forest and stunning sunset over the neighbouring hills. The peaceful ambiance of the monastery, complemented by mesmerising views, makes an out-worldly experience.
2. Admiring the art and architecture – As you enter the complex, you come across a Tibetan-style hall in the middle of the courtyard. It’s the shrine and main prayer hall of the monastery, and stairways from the courtyard lead people up to it. The entire building is a terraced structure crowned by a beautiful pagoda top. It has a tall statue of Buddha sitting on a lotus. Colourful wall hangings adorn the hall throughout.
3. Exploring the monastery complex – The best part of Ranka Lingdum Monastery is that you can freely roam about the complex. Apart from the main prayer hall, it has classrooms and living quarters for the monks. And the traditional prayer wheels are built in the walls around the courtyard. Also, unlike other Buddhist monasteries in the region, Ranka Monastery Sikkim doesn’t have any steep uphill paths to walk.
4. Interacting with the young lamas – During classroom breaks, the monastery courtyard is full of young monks in their red and saffron robes. You can talk with them and take pictures. They’ll be more than glad to pose with you. The monks not only learn about Buddhism but also participate in the upkeep of the monastery. You might witness the prayer conducted by these young monks or see them training for traditional dances.
5. Participating in local festivals – Ranka Monastery Gangtok comes alive during festivals. Bhumchu is the most popular festival celebrated here, drawing pilgrims from nearby places as well as Bhutan. It’s a three-day annual festival during which followers are sanctified with holy water. Devotees queue up from midnight to get a sip of the water. Losar is another festival that adds to the monastery's vibrancy. The celebrations are on for fifteen days during this festival.
6. Buying souvenirs and clothes – A visit to Ranka Monastery would be incomplete without buying some souvenirs from the gift shop on the premises. If you’re in the mood to shop more, you can also buy warm clothes from nearby stalls set by local people. The monastery complex has an on-site restaurant, too. It serves snacks and delectable dishes from Chinese, North Indian and Tibetan cuisine.
Ranka Monastery Timings and Entry Fee
Ranka Monastery's open time is from 6 AM to 6 PM. It’s open every day, throughout the year. And you need to pay no entry fee to visit the place. You’re allowed to interact with the monks during their free time and explore most of the monastery complex.
Best time to visit Ranka Monastery Gangtok
You should visit the monastery either during early winter (October/November) or late winter (February/March). The weather in Gangtok is the best during these months. Summer months (March to June) are also suitable.
Time to explore Ranka Monastery
You need only about an hour to explore Ranka Monastery Gangtok. Take your time to see the complex and interact with the young monks if possible. It’s quite fascinating to watch these monks managing the monastery flawlessly.
Things to keep in mind when you visit Ranka Monastery
- Wear comfortable walking shoes.
- Dress respectably, covering your knees and shoulders.
- Don’t wear footwear inside the monastery shrine.
- Don’t touch the idols in the shrine.
- Maintain silence in and around the temple.
How to reach Ranka Monastery in Gangtok?
Lingdum (or Ranka Monastery) is a vibrant Buddhist monastery near Ranka in Sikkim. Ranka Monastery distance from Gangtok is 16 km. It is 14 km from Deorali bus stop in Gangtok, 119 km from the nearest railway station at New Jalpaiguri, and 128 km from the nearest Bagdogra International Airport.
Now, here’s how to reach the monastery –
By bike – Rental bikes are easily available in Gangtok. You can pick one for a day and visit the monastery.
By cab/taxi – Hiring a shared taxi or private cab is the most convenient way to visit Ranka Monastery Gangtok. SUVs are available for hire from the top car rental companies in Gangtok. Book one for a day and you can visit all the places around the monastery. There are many popular tourist spots like Rumtek Monastery and Ban Jhakri Waterfalls on the way.
At Gangtok Tourism, a division of Holidays DNA, we offer a range of Gangtok tour packages that allow you to discover the city's many charms at your own pace. Whether you're a history buff looking to delve into the city's rich past, or a foodie seeking to try out the local cuisines, our packages have something for everyone. And with our team of professionals taking care of all the logistics in the background, you can just sit back, relax, and enjoy your vacation. So why wait? Get in touch with us today by filling out our Contact Us form and let us help you plan the trip of a lifetime.
