The Rumtek Monastery is at an altitude of 5,800 ft. Sacred objects are housed within the complex and one of the most magnificent is the Golden Stupa, which contains the precious relics of His Holiness. The Monastery also has a three year retreat Centre, Shedra (monastic college) and a nunnery. The main structure of the monastery is in strict accord with traditional architectural designs of the Tibetan monasteries and is covered with murals and traditional Tibetan style paintings

The Karmapa is the supreme spiritual head of the Karma Kagyu, a school of Tibetan Buddhism. This lineage of profound meditation practice traces its origins to Shakyamuni Buddha and the primordial Buddha, Vajradhara. The Dharma Chakra Centre or the Rumtek Monastery the largest in Sikkim is home to the Lamas (Tibetan Buddhist monks) who perform sacred rituals and practices. In 1992, His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa was recognized through a prediction letter left by his predecessor. In the year 2000, His Holiness made a dramatic escape from Tibet to India where he currently lives in a temporary residence near Dharamsala, awaiting permission from the Indian Government to return to the Monastery, his seat-in-exile

Festivals:

Guru Rinpoche or Vajrakilaya Drupchen: The practice events lasts for 10 days and are followed by the chaam (traditional sacred Lama dance) of the eight manifestations of Guru Padmasambhava, Yidam deities and other protectors.

Losar (Tibetan New Year): The celebrations continue for three to eight days and the occasion is marked by a series of customary gatherings and rituals that encompass both riotous gaiety and pious solemnity. The best season to visit Sikkim is March to late May and October to mid-December.