SIKKIM VIPASSANA CENTER

Vipassana Meditation as taught by S.N.Goenka in the tradition of Sayagi U Ba Khin.

Traveling to Dhamma Sikkim
(updated on the 15th of Oct 2013)

New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) to Ranipool

NJP railway station situated in West Bengal is the nearest railway station from Dhamma
Sikkim. From NJP railway station direct Taxis (both shared or reserved) are available up to
Ranipool (in Sikkim). Shared Taxi would charge approx. Rs.200/- per person

Reserve taxi charge would be approx. Rs.1865/- (depending entirely on tourist seasons).

The second option would be, to travel to Siliguri (in West Bengal) approx. 14Kms from NJP.
This presents one with more options of travel. Buses and shared taxis are available from
Sikkim Nationalized Transport Bus Terminus (commonly known as SNT). Bus tickets are
available from Rs.135/-(INR) onwards depending on the type (A/c, non A/c etc.).
Shared taxis charge approx. Rs.200/-(INR) per head up to Ranipool, reserved taxi would
charge approx. Rs.1800/-(INR) (depending on tourist season).

For train timetables log on to http://www.indianrail.gov.in, click on ‘train between important

stations’.

Bagdogra airport to Ranipool

The closest airport is Bagdogra (112 km from Ranipool). There are several direct flights daily
from Delhi, Kolkata and Guwahati. A taxi journey from Bagdogra to Ranipool would cost
approx Rs. 2200/- (INR).depending on toiurist season.

Ranipool to Dhamma Sikkim

Ranipool is situated approx. 12 km from Gangtok. Dhamma Sikkim is approximately 14

kms(in the opposite direction of capital town Gangtok) from Ranipool. From here one can
hire a taxi which could charge up to Rs.300/ (INR)- till Dhamma Sikkim, Changey Senti.
Shared taxis are very rare and are available only during some hours of the day. In case of
assistance one can contact Durga Medical store (situated in Ranipool Bazaar), proprietor Mrs.
& Mr. Bharat Basnett (vipassana meditators) who could guide you accordingly.

Gangtok to Dhamma Sikkim

Dhamma Sikkim is approx. 24 kms from Gangtok. Shared taxi's are available from Lall
bazaar stand to Ranipool, they may charge up to Rs.50/- per person. Buses also ply from SNT
bus terminus to Ranipool. they charge approx. Rs.20/- per person. In case of assistance one
can contact Hotel Zephyr, proprietor Mr. karma Jigme Dawa (Vipassana meditator) near
P.S.Road, SNT or Mr. Palden Nima Bhutia who could guide you accordingly.
 SIKKIM VIPASSANA CENTER

Vipassana Meditation as taught by S.N.Goenka in the tradition of Sayagi U Ba Khin.

Welcome to Dhamma Sikkim

Dhamma Sikkim is one of the numerous centers around the world dedicated to the practice of
Vipassana meditation as taught by S.N.Goenka. Situated in the East district of the state,
around 24km from the capital town Gangtok, it is also one of the few centers in the North-
Eastern region of India. Residential courses are held throught the year except in the month of
January and July. Ten day courses generally start on the first wednesday of every month and
one Satipatthana course is held in the month of September. Last sunday of every month one
day course is held for which bus service is provided from S.N.T bus terminus.

Information for New Students

(updated on the 15th of Oct 2013)

Arrival and Departure

All students are asked to arrive between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m. on the day the course begins.
After registration is complete, a light meal and orientation will precede the start of the course.
The course will end at approximately 7:00 a.m. on day 11 of the course. All new students, as
well as old (returning) students taking a full course, are required to remain until the very end
of the course.

Things to remember

Please note: Students are asked not to bring to the course any personal food, computers,
PDAs, MP3 players, reading

materials or journals to write in. The items that have been listed below cover all seasons.
Please bring with you whatever is appropriate for the season during which your course will
be held.

Bedding

Bed-sheet and pillowcase are provided but you may also bring your own. November,
December, January, February are extremely cold months and sleeping bags are recommended
( we provide blankets).

Meditation Cushions

Meditation cushions and blankets are provided but you may also bring your own.

Clothing

Clothing for the duration of your stay. All students should observe the rules of modest dress
as outlined in the Code of Discipline. Shorts, tank tops, transparent, tight or revealing
clothing, etc. are not permitted. Tights or leggings should be worn only under a knee length
top or skirt/dress. In winter, between October and March: Jacket, woollen sweater, shawl,
cap, and socks will be useful. In monsoons between June and Sept umbrellas and
plastic/rubber slippers and shoes, and loose clothes that dry easily will be useful. Laundry
service is not available.
 Toiletries

 Towel
 Toothbrush and toothpaste
 Bathing soap
 Shampoo
 Shaving/Sanitary supplies
 Toilet paper, if required

For the comfort of the other students, please do not bring any perfumes or scented creams,
powders, shaving lotions, etc.

 Lock
 Small travel alarm clock
 Flashlight (with extra batteries and bulb)
 Any medicines that you are currently using
 Bottled water, if required. The center provides filtered drinking water.

FOR FOREIGN NATIONALS :

o Sikkim being a border state, Inner line permit has to be obtained from
“Rangpo” which is the border of West Bengal and Sikkim. Information can be
obtained from any travel agent.
o Courses are only offered in Hindi and English.

Temperatures:

During Winter : 4 – 11 degrees celcius( November - March)

During Summer : 18 – 29 degrees celcius( April – mid October)

__________________________________________________________________________
Dhamma Sikkim, Sikkim Vipassana Meditation Center
Changey Senti, Sikkim. Pin - 737106
India.
: Mr. Dhendup lama[91] 94343-39303, Mr. Palden Nima Bhutia[91] 9434179034,

Mr. Karma Jigme Dawa[91] 96352-60966