Ralang Monastery

Ralang Monastery is a prominent Tibetan Buddhist monastery located in Ralang village near Ravangla in Namchi District, Sikkim. Comprising the historic Old Ralang Monastery (1768) and the newer Palchen Choeling Monastery (completed 1995), it belongs to the Kagyu sect. Known for its traditional Tibetan architecture, extensive thangka collection, and annual Pang Lhabsol and Kagyed cham dances, it is an important religious and cultural centre set against Himalayan mountain views.

Visitors can expect a large monastic complex with two monasteries - the old heritage structure and the newer brightly painted Palchen Choeling with traditional Tibetan architecture, golden roofs, intricate woodwork and wall murals. Inside are prayer halls with large Buddha statues, thangkas, and scriptures. The complex is set in a quiet, forested hillside with views of surrounding mountains. Visitors can observe monks in prayer, walk around the monastery grounds and courtyards, and experience a calm spiritual atmosphere.

The original Ralang Monastery (Karma Rabtenling) was built in 1768 by the 4th Chogyal Gyurmed Namgyal of Sikkim after the 9th Karmapa blessed the site. It was rebuilt in 1975-1981 and the new Palchen Choeling Monastery was constructed between 1975 and 1995 under the 12th Gyaltsab Rinpoche to accommodate the growing monastic community. It is the largest monastery in Sikkim belonging to the Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism.

Ralang Monastery is a major centre of the Kagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism in Sikkim. It is renowned for its annual Pang Lhabsol festival dedicated to Mount Kangchenjunga and the Kagyed cham masked dances performed by monks in December. The monastery preserves important thangkas, murals and religious texts and serves as an important place of worship, meditation and Buddhist learning for the local community.