Monasteries and shrines · Borong
Borong to Ralang: two monasteries by afternoon light
A short drive or walk from Borong back towards Ravangla to the old Karma Rabtenling monastery of 1768 and the large Palchen Choeling institute beside it. Late afternoon is quiet, the light is soft on the walls and young monks are often in the courtyard.
Photo: dhillan chandramowli · CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Ralang is 5 km from Borong on the road to Ravangla. Wikipedia's history of the monastery records that the original Ralang, Karma Rabtenling, was founded in 1768 where, according to tradition, grains thrown by the Karmapa from Tsurphu in Tibet came to rest. It was rebuilt between 1975 and 1981.
Close by stands Palchen Choeling, the new monastic institute completed in 1995 by the 12th Gyaltsab Rinpoche, with a large assembly hall, murals of the Kagyu lineage and classes for young monks. The contrast between the small old temple and the grand new one is the reason to see both.
Remove shoes and hats inside, walk clockwise, and ask before photographing monks or interiors. A small donation is welcome. If your stay falls on Pang Lhabsol or the 29th day of the 10th Tibetan month, Ralang holds masked cham dances; dates move each year, so check current status before you travel.
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Questions travellers ask
Before you book
How far is Ralang Monastery from Borong?
About 5 km, roughly 15–20 minutes by car on a narrow road, or about 1.5 hours on foot. Many guests visit Ralang on the drive in from Ravangla and again on a quiet afternoon from Borong. A reserved local car for the round trip costs about ₹800–1,200.
What is the difference between old and new Ralang?
The old monastery, Karma Rabtenling, dates from 1768 and is small and intimate. The new Palchen Choeling Monastic Institute, completed in 1995, is large, with a big assembly hall and many resident monks. They belong to the Kagyu school and stand within walking distance of each other.
Can visitors watch prayers at Ralang?
Usually yes, if you sit quietly at the back, remove your shoes and switch off your phone. Prayer times vary with the ritual calendar, so ask the evening before. Do not photograph during prayers unless a senior monk agrees, and avoid walking in front of people who are praying.
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