Culture · Ravangla, Sikkim
Ralang monastery and its masked dances
Visit Ralang, about 13 km from Ravangla, home to an old Kagyu monastery and the large Palchen Choeling monastic institute. On festival days, it hosts some of Sikkim's most important masked dances, including those of Pang Lhabsol and the Kagyed.
Photo: Joydeep · CC BY-SA 4.0 · CommonsRalang lies below Ravangla, reached by a winding road through forest and villages. The old monastery, founded in the 18th century, is small and quiet. Below it, Palchen Choeling, the newer monastic institute, is a large complex with a richly decorated assembly hall, a courtyard for dances and hundreds of young monks in training.
Ralang is known for its cham dances. During Pang Lhabsol, which honours Kangchenjunga as Sikkim's guardian deity, and the Kagyed dance at the end of the Tibetan year, monks perform masked dances in the courtyard in elaborate costumes, accompanied by long horns, drums and cymbals. Dates follow the lunar calendar.
Visit in the morning to hear prayers and see daily life. On festival days, arrive early for a good spot, dress modestly and follow monks' instructions on photography. Ask your hotel in Ravangla for the year's dates and check current status before you travel.
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Comfort
Sikkim monasteries and ridges, 6 nights
Private car with driver
Questions
Before you book
How far is Ralang monastery from Ravangla?
About 13 km, 30–45 minutes by road. A taxi return trip costs about ₹1,200–2,000.
When are the masked dances at Ralang?
During Pang Lhabsol in August or September and the Kagyed in the Tibetan twelfth month, usually December. Dates follow the lunar calendar; check current status before you travel.
Can I photograph the dances at Ralang?
Usually you can photograph the courtyard dances, but not inside the prayer hall. Follow monks' instructions, do not use flash and do not step into the dance area.