culture · Ravangla, Pelling
Ralang's new and old monasteries
Ralang Monastery sits about 6 km from Ravangla and belongs to the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism. The new complex, formally the Palchen Choeling Monastic Institute, was completed in 1995 under the 12th Gyaltsab Rinpoche and follows traditional Tibetan design. It is large, with a wide courtyard where young monks study and play, and a main hall known for its collection of paintings and thangkas. Most visitors come by taxi from Ravangla and ask the driver to wait while they walk between the two buildings.
Just west stands the older Karma Rabtenling monastery, smaller and quieter, which was rebuilt between 1975 and 1981. Walk between the two to see how much has changed in a few decades: one is a working village gompa, the other a monastic teaching institute on a much larger scale. Ralang's calendar is full: Wikipedia lists Pang Lhabsol rites honouring Kangchenjunga, masked chaam dances in the 7th and 10th Tibetan months, a Mahakala festival and the Kagyed ritual that runs into early December.
Entry is free; leave a small offering if you wish. A taxi from Ravangla costs about ₹800–1,500 return with waiting, indicative, 2026, or ask at the stand for a shared jeep heading that way. Dress modestly, remove shoes and hats in the halls and ask before photographing monks or the inside of shrines. Dance dates follow the lunar calendar and draw large local crowds, so arrive early for a spot on the courtyard steps and check current status before you travel.
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How far is Ralang Monastery from Ravangla
Ralang Monastery is about 6 km from Ravangla by most accounts, a short drive downhill. A taxi with waiting costs roughly ₹800–1,500 return, indicative for 2026. Allow half a day to see both the new Palchen Choeling and the older Karma Rabtenling, and to sit in on morning prayers.
When are the masked dances at Ralang
Ralang holds chaam masked dances on the 15th day of the 7th Tibetan month, around Pang Lhabsol in August or September, and on the 29th day of the 10th month, usually in November or December. The Kagyed ritual runs into early December. Lunar dates move every year, so check current status before you travel.
Can I take photos inside Ralang Monastery
Photography in the courtyards is usually fine, but always ask before shooting inside the prayer halls or photographing monks, and never use flash near paintings and thangkas. Rules differ by hall and by day, especially during rituals. A polite question to the caretaker monk at the door settles it.
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