About Ralong Monastery
Ralong Monastery (Ralong Palchen Choling) is one of the most important Kagyu monasteries in South Sikkim, founded in the 18th century by the third Chogyal of Sikkim and rebuilt extensively in the 20th. It sits 10 km from Ravangla in a valley surrounded by ancient juniper and rhododendron forest at about 2,350m. The monastery is the seat of the Ralong Kagyu tradition in Sikkim and is known above all for the Chham festival (masked dance) held every October — a three-day religious performance that draws devotees from across Sikkim.
Why go to Ralong Monastery
Historic Kagyu monastery in old-growth forest
The juniper and rhododendron forest surrounding the monastery predates the building — ancient trees that give the approach a cathedral quality.
Spectacular Chham masked dance festival (October)
The annual Chham festival in October brings monks in elaborate costumes performing traditional dances in the monastery courtyard — one of the most vivid religious events in South Sikkim.
The significance of Ralong Monastery
One of the oldest and most revered Kagyu monasteries in Sikkim, founded by Chogyal Chador Namgyal (3rd Chogyal of Sikkim). The current incarnation was significantly restored in the 1980s with elaborate murals commissioned from Bhutanese artists.
What to see inside
Main Prayer Hall
Large central Buddha flanked by elaborate murals. The painted ceiling is particularly noteworthy — Bhutanese-style mandalas across the full span.
Chham Festival Courtyard
The open courtyard where the October mask dance takes place. The stone flagging and viewing terraces around the edge are designed for the event.
Old Forest
Ancient junipers and rhododendrons behind the monastery — unusual old-growth forest in an otherwise settled valley.
Etiquette — please read before you go
- Remove footwear
- Clockwise circumambulation
- No photography during active prayer
- Dress modestly
Festivals worth timing your trip around
Chham Dance (Ralong Chhaam)
October/November — 28th–29th day of 9th Tibetan monthThree-day masked dance festival performed by monks. Intricate costumes, large drums and traditional dance. Attendance open to all — one of the most accessible religious festivals in South Sikkim.
How to reach Ralong Monastery from Ravangla
10 km from Ravangla (20–30 min by vehicle). The road narrows in the last 2 km — a local driver familiar with the route is recommended.
Best time to visit Ralong Monastery
October to April for clear weather and the best driving conditions on the approach road from Ravangla. The October Chham festival (exact date varies by Tibetan lunar calendar — usually mid-October to early November) is the most compelling time to visit: masked dances, monks in full ceremonial dress, pilgrims from across South Sikkim. March and April bring the rhododendrons on the forest approach into flower. Monsoon months make the monastery road narrow and slippery; the approach through the juniper forest is harder to appreciate in rain.
Time of dayMorning puja is at 6–7am. The monastery is open to visitors through the day.
Things we always tell our guests about Ralong Monastery
- Ask your accommodation in Ravangla for the exact Chham festival dates in the current year — they vary by the Tibetan calendar.
- Photography of the Chham dances is permitted from the courtyard edges.
- The forest walk from the road to the monastery gate (10 min) is worth doing rather than driving all the way in.
- The founding Chogyal history of Sikkim has a direct connection to Ralong — the first coronation ceremony's sacred objects are linked to this lineage. Ask the resident monk at the monastery about the historical relationship with the Namgyal dynasty if you want the context that makes the site more than an architectural stop.
Ralong Monastery — your questions answered
More monasterys in Sikkim & Darjeeling
Other places in Ravangla
- TempleGardenTrekValley