Tumlong, Gangtok - Timings, History, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 2 km from Phodong Monastery and 39 km from Gangtok, Tumlong is a historical village situated near Phodong in Sikkim. It is one of the historical places in Sikkim and among the top Gangtok Tourist Places.

Tumlong was historically the third capital of Kingdom of Sikkim after Yuksom and Rabdentse. As Rabdentse Palace was repeatedly attacked by the Nepal royal army, Tshudpud Namgyal, the then Chogyal of Sikkim shifted his capital from Rabdenste to Tumlong in 1793. Tumlong was the capital of Sikkim till 1894 when Chogyal Thutob Namgyal shifted his capital to present day Gangtok.

Tumlong Monastery is home to a small monastery and palace. This monastery was established in 1840 as a center for the monks who had arrived in the capital at the behest of the king. It lies at the top of the village at an elevation of 1473 m, quite close to the ruins of the Tumlong Palace. A Tibetan architectural splendor, Tumlong Palace exhibits a well-constructed edifice with slanting walls and tiny windows. A Chinese-looking square copper gilt canopy is located in the middle of the palace. This canopy is surmounted by a ball and a square spire. The palace has a broad thatched roof, which looks like a closed umbrella. It is surrounded by chortens.

One can also visit the Labrang and the Phodong monasteries which are situated nearby.

Timings: 8 AM - 5 PM