Craft · Ranka and Lingdum
Photographing Lingdum's courtyard and murals
With its fresh paintwork, symmetrical facade and forest backdrop, Lingdum is the most photogenic monastery near Gangtok. Late afternoon light brings out the colours. A short guide to shooting it well and respectfully.
Photo: Arpan Mahajan · CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Lingdum's main hall faces a wide courtyard, and the symmetry of its painted facade, prayer flags and surrounding buildings rewards a wide lens. Late afternoon light, from about 3 pm in winter, warms the colours and throws soft shadows across the paving. On clear days the forest behind stays dark and makes the colours stand out.
Details reward a closer look: carved and painted window frames, door knockers, prayer wheels and the brightly painted eaves. These are the work of skilled artists and carvers in traditional Tibetan Buddhist styles. Ask a monk if there is anyone who can tell you about the paintings; sometimes there is, sometimes not.
Inside the hall, follow the rules you are given; often photography is not allowed during prayers. Do not photograph young monks without permission, and never ask them to pose. Keep tripods out of walkways. Leave as quietly as you came.
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Questions travellers ask
Before you book
Is Lingdum good for photography?
Yes. Its fresh paintwork, symmetrical facade, wide courtyard and forest setting make it one of the most photogenic monasteries near Gangtok. Late afternoon light is best. Respect photography rules inside the hall and ask before photographing monks. Weekday afternoons are the quietest.
Can we use a tripod at Lingdum?
A tripod in the open courtyard is usually fine if you keep it out of walkways and away from people at prayer. Inside the hall, do not use one. If a monk asks you to stop, do so at once. A wide-angle lens is more useful here than a long one.
Are film shoots allowed at Lingdum?
Commercial filming or professional shoots need permission from the monastery in advance. Personal photography with a phone or camera in the courtyard is generally fine. Wedding or pre-wedding shoots should not be attempted without clear permission. Drones should not be flown over the monastery.
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