Culture · Ralang Monastery
Walk to old Ralang, Karma Rabtenling
Most visitors stop at the big new monastery and leave. Walk on to Karma Rabtenling, the original Ralang monastery founded in 1768 and rebuilt in 1975–81: smaller, older in feel and often almost empty.
Photo: Prof Ranga Sai · CC0, Wikimedia Commons
The old monastery stands a short distance from Palchen Choeling along the road towards Borong. It is the original Ralang, founded in 1768, which according to tradition was built where the Karmapa's grains from Tsurphu fell. Rebuilt between 1975 and 1981, it is modest in size, with a small assembly hall and a few caretaker monks.
The walk between the two takes 20–30 minutes on a quiet road through village fields. The contrast is the point: the new institute is grand and busy, the old monastery intimate and still. Ask the caretaker if the hall can be opened; a small donation is customary.
This is a good place to sit and reflect, away from the crowds that visit during the day. Late afternoon light on the old walls is lovely. Combine the walk with a drive on to Borong and its hot spring, or back up to Ravangla for the evening.
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Questions travellers ask
Before you book
Where is the old Ralang monastery?
A short distance from the new Palchen Choeling institute, towards Borong. It is about a 20–30 minute walk or 5 minutes by car. Ask locally for the old gompa or Karma Rabtenling.
Is the old monastery always open?
Not always. A caretaker usually lives nearby and will open the hall if asked. Mornings are the most reliable time. Leave a small donation if the hall is opened for you.
How old is the old Ralang monastery?
The monastery dates its founding to 1768. The present buildings were reconstructed between 1975 and 1981, so the structure is newer than the foundation, but the site and many objects inside carry the older history.
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