resort · Rumtek, Gangtok
Bamboo Retreat
comfort
Bamboo Retreat sits on a slope in the countryside around Rumtek, roughly 5–6 km from Rumtek Monastery and about an hour's drive from central Gangtok. It is small, with 12 rooms named after colours, and most have balconies over the valley. The common spaces are the draw: a library, a dining room hung with local artefacts and a meditation room.
The retreat also offers traditional hot-stone baths, cooking sessions and cultural activities, which you should book in advance and pay for separately. Food is home-style and served in the dining room. It is not a base for Gangtok nightlife or quick shopping trips, but for early mornings at Rumtek, walks to Old Rumtek and Ranka, and simply resting between long drives to the passes, it works well.
Why we like it
- Close to Rumtek Monastery for prayer-hour visits
- Quiet, small and set in gardens
- Library, meditation room and hot-stone baths
Watch out for
You need a car for almost everything, including Gangtok (about an hour), and evening options outside the retreat are close to nil.
Questions people ask
Good to know
How far is Bamboo Retreat from Rumtek Monastery
It is roughly 5–6 km from Rumtek Monastery, about 15–20 minutes by car on hill roads. That is close enough to reach the morning prayers or the golden stupa before day-trippers arrive from Gangtok. Arrange a car through the retreat or a Gangtok driver; there is no reliable walking route for most guests.
How far is Bamboo Retreat from Gangtok
Plan on about an hour by car from central Gangtok, depending on traffic at Ranipool and road works. A reserved car usually costs ₹1,500–2,500 one way, indicative 2026. It makes sense to stay here for two nights and do Rumtek, Old Rumtek and Ranka from the door, then move to Gangtok for Tsomgo Lake and MG Marg.
What activities does Bamboo Retreat offer
The retreat lists traditional hot-stone baths, cooking sessions and cultural activities, alongside a library and a meditation room that guests can use. Book activities ahead, as they depend on staff and season, and expect to pay extra for them. The rest is walking the lanes, reading and visiting the monasteries nearby.
Packages
Packages that can use this stay
per person, twin₹12,500 Build your own route Tell us your dates, who is coming and what you want to see. We draw the route and price it three ways. Start Working to a budget? Give us a number per person. We will tell you honestly what it buys, and where to save. Start Ask someone who has been A first plan and price within one working day. No payment to start. Start
Nearby
Other stays in Gangtok
