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Situated amidst the forests of Sikkim in Gangtok, Ranka Monastery or Lingdum Monastery is one of the most serene places. The monastery looks simple, with colourfully decorated flags all around, which provides shelter to several young monks. Its walls are brightly painted inside, depicting incidents from Buddha’s life and many Buddhist gods. There is also a unique golden statue of Buddha, evoking in its viewer’s calmness and wisdom. This monastery offers peace, a chance to escape the world and find tranquillity in nature and personal spiritual beliefs.
Ranka Monastery Location
Photo: RajashreeTalukdar / Wikimedia Commons
Ranka Monastery, also known as Lingdum Monastery, is in the East district of Sikkim, India. It sits on a hill offering beautiful views of the mountains. The closest village is Ranka Village, about 15-20 kilometres from the main cities.
Suggested Read: Monasteries In Gangtok
How To Reach Ranka Monastery
Photo: Joshua Kettle / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
By Air: Visitors can hire a cab from Bagdogra International Airport to reach the Ranka Monastery.
By Rail: The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri Railway Station in West Bengal, tourists can hire a taxi or cab to reach the monastery.
By Road: This is the most common way to reach Ranka Monastery. Visitors can drive their cars or hire a taxi from the nearby town of Gangtok. Buses to Ranka depart from Gangtok Bus Stand, costing ₹20-₹30 an hour.
Places To Visit Around Ranka Monastery
The monastery in Gangtok, Sikkim, is serene and peaceful. There are various places to visit around Ranka Monastery.
1. Banjhakri Falls
Photo: RajashreeTalukdar / Wikimedia Commons
Banjhakri waterfall, known as the “shaman waterfall”, is a gateway to a world filled with stories and spiritual power. The park’s main attraction is the grand waterfall that falls from a high rocky point, making a beautiful display of rainbows. Banjhakri Waterfalls, Gangtok, is also full of stories, with statues showing the tale of Ban Jhakri, the first shaman thought to be able to protect against evil spirits. The Energy Park near the falls has hands-on exhibits and water-powered displays that teach people about nature’s forces.
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
Things To Do: Trekking, Picnicking, Nature Walk
Suggested Read: Waterfalls In Sikkim
2. Hanuman Tok
Photo: Amitabha Gupta / Wikimedia Commons
Hanuman Tok is a unique temple on a hill in Gangtok, India, where the beauty of nature and stories from long ago come together. When you climb the stairs, the air relaxes, and you can smell incense and hear prayers. The temple is colourful with red and gold, making you want to think deeply. Outside the temple, you can see the fantastic Himalayas, including Kanchenjunga. There’s a story that Hanuman, loyal to Lord Rama, stopped here on his way to Lanka with a magical mountain.
Timings: 5 AM – 7 PM
Things To Do: Prayer, Enjoy the panoramic
3. Tashi View Point
Photo: Soumendra Kumar Sahoo / Wikimedia Commons
Tashi View Point in Gangtok is a unique place where you can see the sunrise over the Himalayas. It’s like being in the best seat in the house to watch the sunrise over the snowy mountain tops. The trip up the mountain is fun, with people selling tea and hot dumplings. From the viewpoint, you can see many mountains around you, but the natural wonder is witnessing the sunrise, which doesn’t last long. It’s a place for people who get up early to see the world wake up and remember that beautiful things don’t stay forever.
Timings: 6 AM – 7 PM
Things To Do: Trekking, Picnicking, Nature Walk
Suggested Read: Offbeat Places Near Gangtok
4. Rumtek Monastery
Photo: Prof Ranga Sai / Wikimedia Commons
Rumtek Monastery, also known as the Dharma Chakra Centre, is the biggest monastery in Sikkim. It serves as the spiritual centre for the Karma Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery was first built in the 16th century and was later rebuilt in the 1960s after being destroyed by fire. Its impressive golden roof shines brightly in the sun, inviting visitors to explore its traditional surroundings. Inside, the atmosphere is filled with quiet respect.
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Things To Do: Meditation, Prayer
5. Enchey Monastery
Photo: Rajeeb Dutta / Wikimedia Commons
Enchey Monastery, situated in the centre of Gangtok, is a peaceful sanctuary that provides a break from the busy city life. It is the smallest monastery in Gangtok. Known as “the solitary temple” in the local language, this monastery was established in the 19th century by Lama Drupthob Karpo, a respected expert in tantric practices. The architecture combines Tibetan and Sikkimese designs, featuring a unique pagoda-shaped roof and detailed wood carvings.
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Things To Do: Meditation, Prayer
Suggested Read: Lachen Monastery
6. Himalayan Zoological Park
Photo: Slyronit / Wikimedia Commons
The Himalayan Zoological Park is a sanctuary where animals live in areas that look like their natural habitats, giving people a chance to see the amazing animals of the Himalayas in a way that keeps their wild nature intact. The park is like a beautiful mix of nature and efforts to protect it, with paths that go by animal homes that fit well with the nearby scenery. Besides the red pandas, the park has many other Himalayan animals, like snow leopards, barking deer, and Himalayan black bears.
Timings: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Things To Do: See endangered Himalayan animals, stroll through a well-maintained, forest-like environment
7. Do Drul Chorten Stupa
Photo: Anjan Kumar Kundu / Wikimedia Commons
One of Sikkim’s most important stupas, Do Drul Chorten was built under the guidance of Trulshik Rinpoche. Surrounded by 108 prayer wheels, it attracts visitors who spin them while chanting mantras for blessings. The stupa houses holy relics, mandalas, and other religious objects. The peaceful surroundings and spiritual ambience make it a perfect spot to experience Sikkim’s Buddhist heritage. Located just a short drive from Ranka Monastery, Sikkim, it’s a must-visit for those seeking cultural insight.
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
Things To Do: Spin the 108 prayer wheels while circumambulating the stupa, visit nearby shrines (Chorten Lhakhang, Guru Lhakhang)
Suggested Read: Places To Visit Near Gangtok For An Ideal Getaway
8. Ganesh Tok
Photo: Dinesh Valke / Wikimedia Commons
At an altitude of over 6,500 feet, Ganesh Tok is a small temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Although the temple itself is tiny, it offers spectacular panoramic views of Gangtok town, the surrounding hills, and the mighty Kanchenjunga. Visitors often enjoy the colourful prayer flags fluttering in the wind. A viewing lounge and a circular balcony enhance the experience. Its location makes it a perfect scenic stop near Ranka Monastery for nature lovers.
Timings: 6 AM – 7 PM
Things To Do: Enjoy sweeping panoramic views of Gangtok and the Himalayas, and offer prayers at the small temple
9. Bakthang Waterfall
Photo: Nazmul Ahmed / Wikimedia Commons
Located along the North Sikkim Highway, Bakthang Waterfall is a beautiful natural cascade emerging from the Ratey Chu River. Its gushing waters and lush green surroundings create a refreshing escape for travellers. Visitors can enjoy the view from the roadside or try adventure activities like rope sliding across the stream. Being easily accessible and close to Ranka Monastery, Bakthang Waterfall is a delightful stop for nature enthusiasts.
Timings: 7 AM – 6 PM
Things To Do: Witness the cascading waterfall, try rope-sliding across the stream
Suggested Read: Kanchenjunga Waterfalls
10. Saramsa Garden
Photo: Nazmul Ahmed / Wikimedia Commons
Saramsa Garden is a lush green retreat known for its wide variety of exotic flowers and orchids. Once the royal fruit garden for the Chogyal of Sikkim, it now serves as a public leisure space and a picnic spot. Well-maintained lawns, walking paths, and scenic views of the surrounding hills make it perfect for a relaxing outing. The garden’s peaceful ambience and floral beauty offer a refreshing break for those visiting nearby attractions like Ranka Monastery.
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
Things To Do: Wander through lush ornamental gardens and orchards, enjoy floral displays, picnic on the lawns
11. Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir
Photo: Indrajit Das / Wikimedia Commons
Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir is a revered shrine dedicated to the memory of an Indian Army soldier who is believed to protect the region even after his death. Located between Nathula Pass and Jelep La, this temple is maintained by the army and visited by locals and tourists alike for blessings. The site also offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. Its unique history, spiritual significance, and serene setting make it a fascinating stop for visitors exploring areas near Ranka Monastery.
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Things To Do: Pay respects at the memorial shrine, learn the soldier-legend history, and enjoy the mountain views along the Nathula route
Suggested Read: Sikkim Temples
Where To Stay
Photo: Giorgio Trovato / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Sikkim offers a plethora of accommodation facilities to pilgrims and travellers. Some popular ones are Sungava Resort, Avianna Gangtok Resort & Spa, Mintokling Guest House & Hotel, Treenz Hotels, Sumi Shangrila Deorali and many more. Accommodations are available in various budgets; parking, Wi-Fi, and dining facilities are also provided in some accommodations.
Where To Eat
Photo: Calvin Hanson / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Savour food in Lhasa Newar, Shuffle Momos, Osm Restro & Lounge, Luing Garden, Pal Karma Zurmang Sheup Chokhor and many more options are available; one is sure to get a good mix of local flavours and dishes familiar to all.
Suggested Read: Best Food In Gangtok
Best Time To Visit
Photo: RajashreeTalukdar / Wikimedia Commons
The best time to visit Ranka Monastery is during the less busy times of the year, from March to May or September to November. This way, visitors can enjoy milder weather and fewer tourists. Sikkim sees the most visitors in the spring when the temperatures are between 10 and 20 degrees Celsius. If you want to join the Tibetan New Year celebrations, which include special dances with masks, February is the perfect month to go.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: RajashreeTalukdar / Wikimedia Commons
Average Cost Of The Trip
There is no entrance fee at the Ranka Monastery. Additional expenses may include transportation, offering items, food, and refreshments. The estimated cost would be from ₹1000/ to ₹6000 per day.
Tips For Travellers
- Take care as a responsible traveller, and do not litter in the temple complex.
- Dress modestly, since you will be entering places of worship.
- Show due respect to the local customs and traditions.
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Gangtok To Delve Deeper Into A Unique Paradise
The Ranka Monastery is an old Buddhist place of worship that provides a calm and culturally exciting visit. The Ranka Monastery is a historic site and a chance to enjoy the quiet beauty of the Himalayas and the culture of Sikkim. Plan your memorable journey to Ranka Monastery with TripXL and have an enriching experience.
Cover Photo: Goyaldevender / Wikimedia Commons
