Losar at Rumtek
February or early March (1st day of the 1st Tibetan month)
In the last days of the old year, monasteries perform rituals to clear away obstacles, often including masked dances in honour of the protector Mahakala. At Rumtek these take place in the main courtyard, with monks in brocade and masks moving to drums and long horns. Families visit the monastery in new clothes, light butter lamps and exchange khadas.
The first days of Losar are spent with family, and some shops and restaurants in Gangtok close. February is cold but often clear, and the rhododendrons start flowering at lower altitudes by March. It is a quiet, cheap time to visit, though Tsomgo may still be frozen and Nathu La can close after snow.
How to do it well
- Ask the monastery or your hotel for the exact dance dates, which follow the lunar calendar
- Carry photo ID, as Rumtek has a security check at the gate
- Expect some shops and restaurants to close for the first days of Losar
- Dress modestly and walk clockwise around temples and stupas
Questions travellers ask
Good to know
When is Losar celebrated at Rumtek?
Losar falls on the first day of the first Tibetan month, usually in February or early March. The ceremonies and masked dances at Rumtek take place in the days just before the new year. Dates change every year, so confirm them with the monastery office or a Gangtok travel agent.
Are tourists allowed into Rumtek during Losar?
Yes, visitors are generally welcome to watch the public ceremonies, but the security check at the gate still applies and you need photo ID. Some halls may be closed for private rituals. Keep to the edges of the courtyard, do not use flash, and follow any instructions from monks.
Is Gangtok open during Losar?
Gangtok stays open, but some family-run shops, restaurants and offices close for the first two or three days of the new year. Hotels, taxis and the main tourist services keep working. It is a good idea to book cars for permit trips in advance during this period.
What is the weather like in Rumtek in February?
February is cold, with daytime temperatures of roughly 8–15°C and frost possible at night. Skies are often clear, giving good views across the valley. Carry warm layers for long outdoor ceremonies. Higher up, Tsomgo Lake is often frozen and the Nathu La road can close after fresh snow.