Buddhist (Bhutia, Lepcha, Sherpa, Gurung and others) · Soreng
Drukpa Tshe-zi at Reesum Gumpa
Jul–Aug, 4th day of the 6th Tibetan month (lunar)
Photo: Rangan Chatterjee 261 · CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Drukpa Tshe-zi marks the day the Buddha gave his first sermon at Sarnath. The Soreng district administration says people from around Rinchenpong climb to Reesum Gumpa, the old hilltop monastery above the village, to pray and offer freshly harvested fruit and vegetables.
Drukpa Tshe-zi falls on the 4th day of the 6th month of the Tibetan lunar calendar, usually in July or August. The Soreng district administration's festival page explains that it commemorates the Buddha's first sermon, the teaching of the Four Noble Truths to his five disciples at the deer park in Sarnath. It is one of the important Buddhist days in Sikkim, and a state holiday is usually declared for it.
Around Rinchenpong, the district site says, people visit Reesum Gumpa on this day to offer prayers and seek blessings, and bring freshly harvested fruits and vegetables as offerings. Reesum Gumpa stands in Upper Hathidhunga on the forested crest above Rinchenpong; the district describes it as one of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim, a wooden building with a stone wall around it. The forest walk up from Rinchenpong takes about 30–45 minutes each way.
Drukpa Tshe-zi falls in the monsoon, so expect rain, mud and leeches on the trail, and cloud over the mountains. It is a quiet, local observance rather than a festival with dances. If you are in Rinchenpong that day, walk up early, dress modestly, and leave a small offering. Dates follow the lunar calendar, so check current status before you travel.
If you go
Tips for the day
- Wear shoes with grip and carry a rain jacket and leech socks for the monsoon walk to Reesum Gumpa.
- Bring a small offering of fruit if you wish, following local custom on the day.
- Ask your homestay the evening before what time people usually walk up.
Questions travellers ask
Questions about Drukpa Tshe-zi at Reesum Gumpa
What is Drukpa Tshe-zi?
A Buddhist observance on the 4th day of the 6th Tibetan month, usually July or August, marking the Buddha's first sermon on the Four Noble Truths at Sarnath, as the Soreng district site explains. In Sikkim people visit monasteries to pray, and near Rinchenpong many climb to Reesum Gumpa with offerings.
When is Drukpa Tshe-zi in 2026?
It follows the Tibetan lunar calendar, falling on the 4th day of the 6th month, which is usually in late July or August. The Sikkim government's holiday list gives the date each year. Check current status before you travel, or ask us for the confirmed date.
How do I reach Reesum Gumpa from Rinchenpong?
Walk up the forest trail from Rinchenpong towards Upper Hathidhunga, about 30–45 minutes each way through oak and rhododendron. Ask your homestay for the start of the path. In the monsoon the trail is muddy and leeches are common, so wear good shoes and carry a rain jacket.
Is Drukpa Tshe-zi a good time to visit Rinchenpong?
Only if you do not mind rain. It falls in the monsoon, when cloud usually hides Kangchenjunga and roads can be slowed by slides. In return, Rinchenpong is quiet, green and cheaper. For mountain views, October to April is far better.
Go for it
Where it happens and how to get there
village
Rinchenpo…1,650M
Rinchenpong
A ridge village with a 1730 monastery and a full Kangchenjunga view
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