Biggest Monastery of Sikkim, Ralong Monastery

Biggest monastery of Sikkim, Ralong Monastery also known as Palchen Choeling Monastic Institute
is placed at an expanse of 6 km from Ravangla in the South Sikkim district. It is considered as one of the most important and sanctified monasteries of Sikkim. Initially, the original monastery was positioned 13 km away from Ravangla and trekking was the only way to reach the monastery which was very difficult. In 1995, a new monastery was constructed by the 12^th Gyaltsab Rimpoche so that the devotees and the visitor could reach easily to the monastery.

The main chaam is performed on the 28^th and the 29^th day of the tenth month of the Tibetan calendar. This monastery belongs to the Kagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism and houses about 100 monks. The monastery is constructed in Tibetan style of architecture and is an abode of antique paintings and arts. 

The Legend: According to the legend, 9^th Karmapa performed his traditional blessing (Rabney) while Chogyal returned from his pilgrimage of Tibet. While performing the conventional rituals, Karmapa tossed some amount of grains from the Tsurphu Monastery in Tibet (the main seat of Karmapa) which fell at the site where Ralong Monastery is located today.        

Pang Lhabsol Festival: The monastery conducts Pang Lhabsol festival yearly which attracts hordes of devotees and visitors from all over Sikkim and many other overseas countries. Kagyed (traditional dance) which is performed by the monks of this monastery is the major attraction of this grandiose event behind the celebration procedure of worshipping and praying the Kanchenjunga Mountain which takes place before the Kagyed.

Mahakala Dance: Another festivity which is conducted by the monastery in the month of November is the Mahakala dance.

Best time to Visit: The best time to visit the monastery is from the month of March to June when the weather god remains kind to this place bestowing enjoyable and agreeable climatic conditions. 

Accommodation: Ravangla is facilitated with number of luxurious as well as budget hotels which has all the new age amenities for a comfortable stay of a customer, some of them are Summit Newa regency (3 stars), Hotel Snow View (2 stars) and the Aryan regency (2 stars).

How to Reach: Once you reach Gangtok which is 65 km from Ravangla, you can hire taxis or get on a share taxi to reach Ravangla and from there you have to relish a 6 km walking journey to reach the monastery. The walking journey will enable you to explore and view astounding views of the surrounding regions. 

Nearest train station is at Jalpaiguri (NJP) at about 122 km from Ravangla while the nearest airport is placed in Bagdogra at about 123 km.  

Travel Tips:

Ø  Carry some light woolen cloths in summer and heavy woolen cloths in winter according to the time you travel.

Ø  Don’t breach any regulations of the monastery.

Ø  Do not take cameras inside the main shrine of the monastery as it is strictly prohibited.

Learning the culture and shopping some handicrafts or gift items from the market of Ravangla can be an ideal way to spend some time in this peaceful place.