April 2025 Visit

In April 2025 a group of 14 dharma friends accompanied Lama Chime and Lama Sonam to Rumtek, in the north east province of India, called Sikkim. The primary purpose was to visit the Karma Chokor Dechen (KCD) Nunnery, to reinforce our ongoing support of the nuns, and for many of us a unique cultural and spiritual opportunity. I was very fortunate to be able to stay at the nunnery with a few other female travellers. This provided me insight into the practices and routines of those who live there. 

At the time of our visit there were 30 nuns living at KCD led by Ani Tsultrim; 15 adults and 15 ‘little nuns’, plus a mother of one of the nuns who had travelled for medical treatment. Everyone was very welcoming and enjoyed practicing their English. I was fond of the ‘little nuns’ who ranged from 4-14 years old. They receive schooling 6 half days a week and many came with us on walks to visit nearby monasteries. We had some great meals, conversations, laughter and games of Uno after dinner. Some of us remain connected through Facebook.
~ Deb Royle