Rumtek 24 kms. from Gangtok
in Sikkim, is the seat of his holiness, the XVIth Gyawla
Karmapa, the head of the Karma Kagyu order of Tibetan
Buddhism. The monastery Pemagyantse is 140 kms. West of
Gangtok. The nearest airport to Gangtok is at Bagdogra
(124 kms.) and the nearest railhead is at Siliguri (114
kms.) and New Jalpaiguri (126 kms.).
Rumtek is a famous
monastery, all over the world, especially among the
Tibetan Buddhists, and is situated near Gangtok, the
capital of Sikkim. Originally called the Dharma Chakra
Centre, it includes a beautiful shrine temple and a
monastery for the monks. The 16th Karmapa built the
monastery. The place got an existence in the Buddhist
pilgrimage map, especially after Chinese habitation in
Tibet and subsequent relocations of some Tibetan religious
gurus to Sikkim.
Attractions :
Besides the luxuriously sprawling green landscape, and a
mild weather, smiling people, traditions that touch the
conscience and the beautiful monastery, there is some
important Buddhist institutions in the place.
