Rumtek and Lingdum monasteries in a half day
Lingdum lies about 20 km from Gangtok on a forested slope above Ranka. It was completed around 1999 and belongs to the Zurmang Kagyu lineage. Its large courtyard and main hall are bright and well kept, and young monks are often studying or playing in the grounds.
A taxi from Gangtok can visit Lingdum first and Rumtek second, or the other way round, in four to five hours. Leave by 8 or 9 am, carry ID for Rumtek, and stop for tea in Ranipool on the way back. The two monasteries make a good contrast and avoid the busiest viewpoints.
Questions travellers ask
Good to know
How far apart are Rumtek and Lingdum?
They are on different spurs of the same hillside, roughly an hour apart by road with the Gangtok approach. A reserved taxi doing both with waiting time takes four to five hours from Gangtok. Shared jeeps do not link the two, so a reserved car is the practical choice.
Is Lingdum monastery old?
No. Lingdum, also called Ranka monastery, was completed around 1999, which makes it one of the newer large monasteries near Gangtok. Its paintings and woodwork are fresh and bright. It belongs to the Zurmang Kagyu lineage, linked to the Karma Kagyu school followed at Rumtek.
Is there an entry fee at Lingdum?
Lingdum usually charges a small entry fee for visitors, often around ₹10–50, which goes to the monastery's upkeep. Rumtek is usually free or charges a small fee. Fees change, so carry small notes. Donations at either monastery are welcome but never required.
Also in Rumtek
More hours to plan around
