Ranka Monastery, also known as Lingdum Monastery, is much younger than many
other famous monasteries of Sikkim. It was founded in 1998 by the 12th
Zurmang Gharwang Rinpoche, the present head of the Zurmang Kagyud Buddhist
lineage. Built in true Tibetan style, its grand halls, open courtyards, and
stunning paintings make it an architectural delight.
The monastery was created as both a place of prayer and a training center
for young monks, called lamas. If you visit, you’ll see kids and teens in
red and golden robes reading prayer books and learning about Buddhism. The
main prayer hall is beautifully decorated, and a huge golden Buddha statue
sits peacefully in the lotus position at the center.
