Nunnery and Monastery Trail, Ravangla, South Sikkim

Path of Peace -
Ravangla Nunnery and Monastery Trail

This trail is a carefully curated spiritual and cultural tour in Ravangla, South Sikkim, exploring some of the region’s most revered Buddhist monasteries and peaceful nunneries. This serene trail connects ancient gompas, sacred Bon monasteries, and tranquil meditation spaces nestled amidst the Eastern Himalayas. Ideal for spiritual seekers, slow travellers, cultural explorers, and photography enthusiasts, the journey offers deep insight into Tibetan Buddhism, Bon tradition, monastic life, and local heritage—framed by panoramic mountain views, prayer wheels, and forested hills. A perfect escape for those seeking mindfulness, inner peace, and authentic Himalayan spirituality.

Full-Day Immersive Exploration of Ravangla’s Sacred Spaces in Silence and Serenity

Itinerary

9:00 AM | Start from from Homestay after breakfast

After breakfast, begin the day’s journey towards the first stop, travelling through peaceful village stretches and scenic hill roads that set a calm and refreshing tone for the experiences to follow.

Stop 1: Barfung Ani Gompa (Kyegüe Dhagmo Choslling Nunnery)

Start the circuit at this serene Karma Kagyu nunnery in Barfung village, accessed via the lesser-known road opposite Damazong English Academy School. Morning hours offer a peaceful atmosphere ideal for quiet reflection.
⏱️ Suggested time: 30–40 minutes

Stop 2: New Ralong Monastery (Palchen Choeling Monastic Institute)

Proceed towards New Ralong Monastery, one of South Sikkim’s grandest monastic complexes. Explore its expansive prayer halls, vibrant murals, and the towering golden Buddha statue.
⏱️ Suggested time: 60 minutes

Stop 3: Old Ralong Monastery (Karma Rabtenling Monastery)

Just a short drive from New Ralong, visit the historic Old Ralong Monastery — the spiritual foundation of Kagyu Buddhism in Sikkim, known for its quiet and contemplative atmosphere.
⏱️ Suggested time: 30–40 minutes

Stop 4: Mane Choekhorling Gompa (Buddha Park Complex)

Arrive at the Buddha Park (Tathagata Tsal) complex and visit Mane Choekhorling Gompa, a revered Nyingma monastery set within the landscaped monastic grounds.
⏱️ Suggested time: 60 minutes

Lunch Break

Take a relaxed lunch break to rest and refresh, enjoying a simple meal while soaking in the calm surroundings before continuing the day’s journey.
Location: Buddha Park area
⏱️ Suggested time: 45–60 minutes

Stop 5: Bon Monastery (Yungdrung Bon Monastery, Kewzing)

After lunch, drive towards Kewzing to visit Sikkim’s only Bon monastery. Experience its unique rituals, symbolism, and calm prayer environment.
⏱️ Suggested time: 30 minutes

Stop 6: Mangbrue Monastery (Kewzing Ridge)

Continue uphill to Mangbrue Monastery, set on a scenic ridge offering expansive Himalayan views. Ideal for meditation, photography, and quiet contemplation.
⏱️ Suggested time: 60 minutes

Stop 7: Kewzing Monastery

Return towards Kewzing village to visit this modest yet culturally significant community monastery reflecting everyday rural Buddhist life.
⏱️ Suggested time: 25–30 minutes

Stop 8: Doling Monastery

Conclude the circuit at Doling Monastery, reached via a forested trail with stone steps. The calm late-afternoon setting offers a spiritually fulfilling end to the journey.
⏱️ Suggested time: 25–30 minutes

6:00 PM : back to homestay

Arrive back at the homestay by evening to relax, unwind, and reflect on the day’s serene monastic journey amidst a peaceful village setting.

A Closer Look at the Monasteries and Nunneries

This section provides a closer insight into the sacred monasteries and peaceful nunneries of Ravangla visited during the journey. These spiritual landmarks—ranging from ancient Buddhist monasteries and tranquil nunneries to rare Bon monasteries—form an integral part of South Sikkim’s rich religious and cultural heritage. The brief introductions below highlight their history, spiritual importance, religious sects, and serene Himalayan settings, offering travellers a deeper understanding of Ravangla’s devotional traditions and timeless spiritual landscape.

Barfung Ani Gompa (Kyegüe Dhagmo Choslling Nunnery)

Located in Barfung Village, Barfung Ani Gompa, formally known as Kyegüe Dhagmo Choslling Nunnery, is a serene Karma Kagyu nunnery dedicated to the spiritual training of Buddhist nuns. Tucked away amid quiet hills and village landscapes, the nunnery is accessed via a lesser-known road opposite Damazong English Academy School, Barfung Village, adding to its secluded and peaceful character. The nunnery serves as a place of learning, meditation, and daily practice for resident nuns, reflecting the Kagyu tradition’s emphasis on study and contemplative practice. Its calm setting and simple architectural style make it a meaningful stop for visitors seeking reflection and insight into women’s monastic traditions in Sikkim.
Sect
Karma Kagyu (Tibetan Buddhism)
Location
Barfung Village, South Sikkim
Timings
Daytime visits recommended
Best Visit Tips
• Ideal for visitors seeking quiet and contemplative spaces
• Maintain silence and respect daily routines
• Seek permission before photography
• Best visited during the morning and afternoon hours

Barfung Ani Gompa (Kyegüe Dhagmo Choslling Nunnery)

New Ralong Monastery (Palchen Choeling Monastic Institute)

Perched amid rolling hills and streams of colourful prayer flags, New Ralong Monastery is a sanctuary of calm, devotion, and Himalayan grandeur. Situated to the northwest of Ravangla, around 11–12 km from the town centre, this prominent monastery—formally known as the Palchen Choeling Monastic Institute—was established in 1995 under the guidance of the 12th Gyaltsab Rinpoche. Recognised as one of South Sikkim’s finest monasteries of the Karma Kagyu order, the complex captivates visitors with its bold Tibetan design, ornate carvings, vivid wall paintings, and spacious prayer halls. The monastery unfolds around a broad ceremonial courtyard laid with traditional swastika-patterned stonework, framed by richly painted walls and gleaming golden roofs. At its heart stands an imposing two-level golden Buddha statue, serenely holding a shimmering blue alms bowl, commanding both reverence and admiration. The monastery serves as a vital centre of monastic education and spiritual discipline, housing more than 300 resident monks who pursue advanced studies in Buddhist philosophy, rituals, and meditation. During major religious occasions such as Pang Lhabsol, the Mahakala Dance, and the annual Chaam Masked Dances, the monastery transforms into a vibrant stage of sacred music, ritual movement, and age-old traditions. The soft light of early morning and late afternoon beautifully illuminates the monastery, making these hours particularly rewarding for photography and quiet exploration.
Sect
Karma Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism
Location
Around 11–12 km from Ravangla, reached via a short uphill approach road
Timings
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (approximate)
Festivals
• Pang Lhabsol (August–September)
• Losar – Tibetan New Year
• Kagyed Ceremonies & Chaam Masked Dances
Best Visit Tips
•Arrive before 10:00 AM for gentle light and a quieter atmosphere
• Observe morning or evening prayers for a deeper spiritual experience
• Interior photography is restricted—kindly request permission beforehand

New Ralong Monastery (Palchen Choeling Monastic Institute)

Karma Rabtenling Monastery (Old Ralong Monastery)

Tucked away against a scenic mountain backdrop, Karma Rabtenling Monastery, popularly known as Old Ralong Monastery, stands as one of Sikkim’s most sacred Buddhist sites and the earliest seat of the Kagyu lineage in the state. Founded around 1730 AD by Chogyal Gyurmed Namgyal, the fourth ruler of Sikkim, the monastery was established in fulfilment of a vow made to H.H. Changchhub Dorje, the 12th Karmapa, during the Chogyal’s pilgrimage to Tibet. Despite its modest scale and secluded setting, Old Ralong holds immense spiritual significance. The monastery was later rebuilt and reconsecrated under the guidance of the 14th Karmapa Thegchog Dorje, accompanied by auspicious signs that further strengthened its sacred status. In contrast to the larger and more accessible New Ralong Monastery, Old Ralong remains traditional, tranquil, and deeply contemplative. Located just 5 minutes (approximately 1.7 km) by road from New Ralong Monastery, it offers visitors a rare glimpse into the original spiritual roots of Kagyu Buddhism in Sikkim.
Sect
Karma Kagyu (Tibetan Buddhism)
Location
1.7 km / 5-minute drive from New Ralong Monastery and a short walk required from the road
Timings
Daytime visits only (no fixed public hours)
Festivals
• Losoong / Namsoong Festival
• Kagyed Ceremonies
• Occasional Chaam Masked Dances
Best Visit Tips
• Best visited early morning or late afternoon
• Ideal for those interested in Buddhist heritage and lineage
• Wear comfortable shoes; access involves a short walk
• Maintain silence and seek permission before photography
• Losoong / Namsoong Festival — ideal for photography, featuring vibrant rituals,
traditional costumes, and masked dances

Karma Rabtenling Monastery (Old Ralong Monastery)

Mane Choekhorling Gompa (Buddha Park Complex)

Established in 1912, Mane Choekhorling Gompa is a revered Buddhist monastery belonging to the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. Located within the Buddha Park (Tathagata Tsal) complex at Ravangla, the monastery is known for its graceful architecture and finely detailed murals, reflecting the artistic and spiritual heritage of early 20th-century Sikkim. Home to a small monastic community, the gompa offers a calm and contemplative environment. The rhythmic chanting of monks, the warm glow of butter lamps, and the lingering fragrance of incense together create a deeply soothing atmosphere, making it an ideal place for quiet reflection and prayer.
Sect
Nyingma (Tibetan Buddhism)
Location
Within the Buddha Park (Tathagata Tsal) complex, Ravangla
Timings
Daytime visits recommended
Festivals
Pang Lhabsol — observed here with traditional rituals honouring Mount Khangchendzonga.
Best Visit Tips
• Visit during prayer hours to experience the monastery’s spiritual ambience
• Take time to observe the murals and interior details
• Maintain silence and respect monastic practices
• Photography inside may require permission

Mane Choekhorling Gompa (Buddha Park Complex)

Bon Monastery (Yungdrung Bon Monastery, Kewzing – Ravangla)

Located near Kewzing Village, about 6 km from Ravangla, the Bon Monastery is the only monastery in Sikkim dedicated to the ancient Bon tradition, which flourished in Tibet prior to the arrival of Buddhism. Established in the latter half of the 1980s, the monastery reflects the determination of the local community to preserve this indigenous Himalayan spiritual heritage. Bon followers practice the living teachings of Lord Tonpa Shenrab, the founder of the Bon faith. Over time, several Bon rituals—such as the use of prayer flags and incense—were absorbed into Buddhism, and today Bon is recognised as an integral part of the wider Buddhist cultural landscape. The monastery houses around 20 monks, and its prayer hall is adorned with striking paintings of Bon deities and ritual imagery, creating a distinct spiritual atmosphere. Morning and evening prayers, accompanied by chanting, drum beats, and conch blowing, bring the monastery to life, offering visitors a deeply immersive experience. Rooted in reverence for nature and spiritual healing, the Bon tradition can be meaningfully experienced at this rare and culturally significant monastery.
Sect
Bon (Ancient pre-Buddhist Tibetan spiritual tradition)
Location
6 km from Ravangla, near Kewzing Village
Timings
7:00 AM – 5:00 PM (approx.)
Festivals
• Bon Losar (Bon New Year)
• Traditional Bon prayer ceremonies
Best Visit Tips
• Visit during morning or evening prayers for a richer experience
• Observe the distinct Bon rituals and symbolism
• Ideal for travellers interested in ancient Himalayan spiritual traditions
• Seek permission before photography inside the monastery

Bon Monastery (Yungdrung Bon Monastery, Kewzing – Ravangla)

Mangbrue Monastery (Kewzing)

Situated on a quiet ridge above Kewzing Village, Mangbrue Monastery is among the most scenic spiritual sites in South Sikkim. Located about 8 km from Ravangla, a short gravel approach leads to the hilltop, where traditional mendangs line the ridge, creating a distinctly sacred atmosphere even before reaching the monastery. The monastery stands beside a celebrated sunrise viewpoint, commanding wide Himalayan vistas. On clear mornings, the first rays of sunlight illuminate the snow-clad peaks of Mt. Khangchendzonga, Mt. Narsing, Mt. Jopuno, Mt. Kabru, Mt. Rathong, and Mt. Pandim, making the site especially rewarding for photography, meditation, and quiet contemplation. Inside, the monastery houses vibrant frescoes, finely woven silk and brocade thangkas, carved wooden elements, and a small collection of sacred texts and ritual objects. Nearby, a revered stone slab bearing miniature stupa carvings and the footprint of Guru Padmasambhava adds to the site’s spiritual importance. With its open mountain views, peaceful surroundings, and absence of crowds, Mangbrue Monastery offers an ideal setting for meditation. The ridge also holds historical significance, marked by an ancient boundary stone recalling a past territorial conflict between Sikkimese and Bhutanese forces.
Sect
Influenced by Nyingma and Kagyu village traditions
Location
8 km from Ravangla, above Kewzing Village and short gravel road and walk to the ridge
Timings
Open throughout the day
Festivals
• Local monastery rituals
• Village prayer ceremonies
Best Visit Tips
• Visit early morning for the best sunrise views and photography
• Ideal for meditation and quiet reflection
• Carry a light jacket; the ridge can be windy
• Maintain silence and respect local practices

Mangbrue Monastery (Kewzing)

Kewzing Monastery

Located near Kewzing Village in South Sikkim, Kewzing Monastery is a quiet and culturally significant Buddhist shrine reflecting the spiritual life of the local community. Established in 1974 AD, it was built to serve the devotional needs of nearby villages and continues to function as a centre for regular prayers and rituals. The monastery was initiated by Late Gomchhen Ongden, the then Head Lama of Tashiding Monastery, following the donation of land by village elder Antsho Mondal. With early patronage from Late Yongden Bonpo and collective support from villagers and donors, the monastery was completed under the supervision of Lama Tshampo Norzang. Originally founded as a Mani Lhakhang, it later developed into a Gonpa, with a separate Manilhakhang added to accommodate women devotees and ceremonial practices. Often visited alongside the nearby Bon Monastery, Kewzing Monastery offers visitors an authentic, crowd-free spiritual experience set amid the natural beauty of rural Sikkim.
Sect
Local Buddhist traditions
Location
Near Kewzing Village, Ravangla
Timings
Daytime visits recommended
Best Visit Tips
• Ideal for travellers seeking quiet, offbeat spiritual spaces
• Combine with Bon Monastery and village walks
• Best visited in the morning/afternoon hours
• Maintain silence and respect local customs

Kewzing Monastery

Doling Monastery

Set atop a small forested hillock, Doling Monastery, also known as Dorling Gompa, is one of the oldest and most revered monasteries near Ravangla. Located about 6 km from Ravangla town at Barfung Village, this serene monastery was founded in 1718 AD by Lama Rigdzin Longyang and follows the Nyingma (Red Hat) tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. Established during a time of turmoil following the Junggar invasion of Tibet, the monastery became a refuge for Nyingma masters who carried their lineage into the sacred southern lands of Sikkim. Over the centuries, Doling Monastery has been rebuilt several times—in 1840, 1920, and 1984—due to earthquake damage, yet it has preserved its original spiritual essence. Even today, the monastery is cared for by the descendants of its founding lineage. Built on a raised platform, the monastery offers expansive views of surrounding forests and mountain ridges. It is especially revered for its sacred stone imprints, including the footprint of Khangchendzonga’s horse and Lama Dorjelingpa’s footprint, preserved within the prayer hall. Access involves a short forest walk with over 500 stone steps from the Barfung Retreat, while a small nearby lake and fluttering prayer flags enhance the monastery’s tranquil setting.
Sect
Nyingma (Red Hat Sect)
Location
6 km from Ravangla, at Barfung Village
Timings
7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Best Visit Tips
• Visit in the morning for a calm, meditative atmosphere
• Wear comfortable footwear due to the stepped forest approach
• Maintain silence and seek permission before interior photography

Doling Monastery

Gallery

Pricing for the Ravangla Nunnery and Monastery Trail is flexible and depends on the group size, selected inclusions, and on-ground arrangements.

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Immerse yourself in rural charm, nature

A Day You'll Always Remember!

Full-Day Immersive Exploration of Ravangla’s Sacred Spaces in Silence and Serenity