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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: Your Complete Guide For Trekking In Gangtok
How To Reach Ranka Monastery
Photo: Joshua Kettle / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
The monastery can be conveniently reached via road from Bagdogra International Airport or New Jalpaiguri Railway Station in West Bengal.
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. Plan for less frequent services.
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. The park 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.
Things To Do: Trekking, Picnicking, Nature Walk
Suggested Read: Cascading Waterfalls In Sikkim That Are Not To Be Missed
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.
Things To Do: Prayer
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.
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 largest 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.
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.
Things To Do: Meditation, Prayer
Suggested Read: Wildlife Sanctuaries In Sikkim
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.
Things To Do: Tour, Picnicking
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.
Suggested Read: Discovering The Best Food In Gangtok
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.
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. To fully immerse yourself in Tibetan culture, schedule your trip to coincide with the Lhosar festival in February.
Suggested Read: Explore A Different Side Of Sikkim By Witnessing The Nightlife In Gangtok
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—covering your shoulders and knees—since you will be entering places of worship.
- Show due respect to the local customs and traditions.
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. With TripXL’s support, travelling becomes effortless and enriching; each journey to Ranka Monastery becomes a memorable and enriching experience.
Cover Photo: Goyaldevender / Wikimedia Commons
