Monasteries · Rumtek
Morning prayers in Rumtek's main hall
Sit at the side of the main hall at Rumtek while the monks chant the morning prayers, with drums, cymbals and long horns. It is the best way to see the monastery as a working seat of the Karma Kagyu school rather than a sight.
Rumtek's day begins early. In the main hall of the Dharma Chakra Centre the monks gather in rows facing one another, wrapped in maroon robes, and chant prayers to a rhythm of drums and cymbals, broken now and then by the deep sound of long horns. Young monks bring butter tea down the rows. Prayer times vary with the season and the monastery calendar, so ask at the gate or your hotel the day before.
Visitors are allowed to sit quietly near the entrance or at the side. Take off your shoes and hat, keep your phone silent, and do not walk between the monks or in front of the altar. Photography during prayers is usually not allowed. If you are unsure, watch what the Tibetan and Sikkimese visitors do and follow them. A small donation or a butter lamp offering is welcome but not expected.
To be at Rumtek for the morning session you need either a night in the village or an early taxi from Gangtok, leaving around 6 am. In return you get the monastery before the day visitors arrive, clear light on the hills and the view across to Gangtok. Afterwards, walk the courtyard, see the golden stupa when it opens, and have tea in one of the small shops by the gate.
Cost: Free · donation welcome
Questions people ask
Good to know
What time are the prayers at Rumtek?
Prayer times at Rumtek change with the season and the monastery calendar, but there is usually an early-morning session and another in the afternoon. Ask at the monastery gate, your hotel or the village shops the day before. If you visit only in the middle of the day, the hall may be quiet.
Can visitors sit inside during prayers?
Usually yes, near the entrance or at the side of the hall, if you are quiet and respectful. Remove shoes and hats, keep phones silent and do not walk in front of the monks or the altar. Photography during prayers is generally not allowed. Follow any instruction from the monks.
Is there a dress code at Rumtek?
There is no formal code, but dress modestly: cover shoulders and knees, and avoid short skirts and vests. Remove shoes and hats before entering halls. Carry a photo ID for the security check at the gate. Walk clockwise round stupas and prayer wheels, as the Sikkimese do.
Also in Rumtek
More things to do
Culture and history · 1 hourThe golden stupa and the monks' collegeRumtek · Free · donation customary at the stupa
Culture and history · 1–1.5 hoursDown to old Rumtek through the villageRumtek · Free
Monasteries · 1–1.5 hours plus driveLingdum Monastery on the Ranka roadRumtek · Free · donation welcome