Ralang is a Kagyu monastery about 6 km from Ravangla, at roughly 1,940 m. The original was founded in 1768; the large Palchen Choeling Monastic Institute was built nearby in 1995 by the 12th Gyaltsab Rinpoche. It is best known for its cham mask dances at Pang Lhabsol and in the 10th Tibetan month.
Ralang lies on the slope below Ravangla, looking out over the Rangeet valley towards West Sikkim. There are really two monasteries here. The old one, Karma Rabtenling, dates its founding to 1768 and was rebuilt between 1975 and 1981. The new one, Palchen Choeling, a large monastic institute in classic Tibetan style, was completed in 1995 under the 12th Gyaltsab Rinpoche, one of the senior lamas of the Karma Kagyu.
Palchen Choeling is one of the largest monasteries in Sikkim. Its assembly hall is richly painted, and on most days you can hear young monks chanting or debating in the courtyard. Visitors are welcome in daytime as long as they follow the usual courtesies: shoes off inside, clockwise movement and no photos during prayers without permission.
Ralang is famous for its cham, the masked dances performed by monks in elaborate costumes. Wikipedia records dances on the 15th day of the 7th Tibetan month, linked to Pang Lhabsol, the worship of Kangchenjunga, and on the 29th day of the 10th month, with Mahakala rituals in the 9th month. If your dates match, plan your whole trip around it.
Highlights
What to see and do
Palchen Choeling assembly hall
A large, richly painted hall in Tibetan style, completed in 1995. Murals show the Kagyu lineage, protectors and the life of the Buddha. Sit quietly at the back during prayers if invited.
Old Karma Rabtenling monastery
The original monastery, founded in 1768 and rebuilt in 1975–81, a short drive or walk from the new institute. Smaller, older in feel, and much quieter.
Cham mask dances
Monks in masks and silk costumes perform ritual dances on fixed Tibetan calendar dates, including Pang Lhabsol in August–September and a winter cham in the 10th month.
Young monks at study
Palchen Choeling trains monks from childhood. On ordinary days you may see debate practice or hear chanting from the classrooms. Watch from a distance and do not interrupt.
Views over the Rangeet
The monastery terraces look across the Rangeet valley to the ridges of West Sikkim. On clear days snow peaks appear to the north-west.
The story of Ralang Monastery
Grains thrown from Tibet
The founding story of Ralang, recorded in its Wikipedia history, begins with the Karmapa, head of the Karma Kagyu school. Sikkim's Chogyals had close ties with the Karmapas, and on his return from a visit, the Karmapa performed a rabney, a consecration ritual, and threw grains from Tsurphu, his home monastery in Tibet. Where the grains fell, the story goes, became the site of Ralang monastery, founded in 1768. For two centuries the old monastery, Karma Rabtenling, served the Kagyu community of the south. After the Karmapa lineage moved into exile in 1959 and the 16th Karmapa settled at Rumtek near Gangtok, Ralang gained new importance. The old buildings were rebuilt between 1975 and 1981, and in 1995 the 12th Gyaltsab Rinpoche, one of the Karmapa's principal lineage holders, completed the new Palchen Choeling Monastic Institute nearby, which trains monks in ritual, philosophy and the cham dances for which Ralang is known.
Source: Wikipedia: Ralang Monastery
Little known
Things most visitors never hear
Ralang's founding legend says the Karmapa threw grains from Tsurphu Monastery in Tibet, and the monastery was built where they landed.
Source: Wikipedia: Ralang Monastery
The old monastery, Karma Rabtenling, was rebuilt between 1975 and 1981; the new Palchen Choeling institute was completed in 1995.
Source: Wikipedia: Ralang Monastery
Ralang's cham calendar includes the 15th day of the 7th month, the 29th day of the 10th month, and Mahakala rituals in the 9th month.
Get to Ravangla by shared jeep from Gangtok (about ₹250–400) or Namchi (₹100–150). From Ravangla, local jeeps towards Ralang and Borong run a few times a day for about ₹40–80, or take a taxi for ₹400–700 return with waiting.
Private car
Ralang is about 6 km and 15 minutes from Ravangla. Most visitors combine it with Buddha Park in one morning, about ₹2,000–3,000 for a small car. Add Borong (5 km beyond) for a full day.
From Bagdogra / NJP
About 125–130 km and 5 hours by car via Namchi or Singtam to Ravangla, then down to Ralang. If NH10 is closed after monsoon slides, the route through Darjeeling district and Jorethang is the usual alternative.
Permits in South Sikkim
Indian nationals need no permit anywhere in Namchi district. Foreign nationals need the standard Sikkim Restricted Area Permit, applied online through the e-FRRO portal after arriving in India since 12 January 2026, with approval usually in 24–48 hours; no extra protected-area permit is needed for South Sikkim as we understand it. Sikkim collects a ₹50 per tourist entry fee at hotels, valid 30 days, with under-fives exempt. Forest department rules and fees may apply in Maenam and Kitam sanctuaries. Check current status before you travel.
Most visitors sleep in Ravangla, 15 minutes away: Mt. Narsing Village Resort for value, The Barfung Retreat for comfort, and simple hotels from about ₹1,500. For a quieter night closer to the monastery, the homestays of Borong, about 5 km beyond Ralang, put you near the hot spring and the Maenam trail. During cham festivals, book rooms well ahead.
About 6 km, roughly 15 minutes by car or 2–2.5 hours on foot downhill. A taxi from Ravangla costs about ₹400–700 return with waiting. Many visitors combine it with Buddha Park in one morning.
When was Ralang Monastery founded?
The original monastery dates its founding to 1768. It was rebuilt between 1975 and 1981. The new Palchen Choeling Monastic Institute nearby was completed in 1995 by the 12th Gyaltsab Rinpoche.
Which school of Buddhism does Ralang follow?
Ralang belongs to the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism, specifically the Karma Kagyu tradition headed by the Karmapa. Its founding is associated with a Karmapa's blessing, and it is linked closely with Rumtek near Gangtok.
What is the best time to visit Ralang Monastery?
Any dry month for an ordinary visit; October to December brings the clearest views. For festivals, plan around Pang Lhabsol (August–September) or the winter cham in the 10th Tibetan month (usually December). Dates vary yearly.
Is there an entry fee at Ralang?
No regular entry fee is charged at the time of writing. Donations at the altar are welcome. During festivals, food stalls and small fees for parking may apply. Check current status before you travel.
Can we photograph inside Ralang Monastery?
Ask first. Photography inside the assembly hall is often restricted, and never appropriate during prayers without permission. Courtyards and exteriors are usually fine. During cham, avoid flash and keep off the dance ground.
What is the difference between old and new Ralang?
The old monastery, Karma Rabtenling, is the original 1768 foundation, rebuilt in 1975–81, small and quiet. The new Palchen Choeling, completed in 1995, is a large monastic institute where monks study and most ceremonies are held. Both are worth seeing.
Can we stay near Ralang Monastery?
Most visitors stay in Ravangla, 15 minutes away. For a quieter night, homestays in Borong, about 5 km beyond Ralang, are simple and welcoming. During festivals, book well ahead as rooms fill with pilgrims.
Is Ralang suitable for elderly visitors?
Yes. Cars can reach close to both monasteries, and the main courtyard is level. Some steps lead to the halls. During festivals crowds and long sitting can be tiring; bring a cushion and find a shaded spot.
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