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Perched on a hilltop in the serene town of Darjeeling, the monasteries stand as a beacon of spirituality and cultural heritage. When worshippers enter a monastery, they are welcomed by the calm hum of chanting monks and the warm smile of the Buddha. Visiting the beautifully crafted Darjeeling Monasteries, surrounded by breathtaking views of the Himalayas, offers a haven for seekers of peace, wisdom, and enlightenment. Let these monasteries be your refuge, sanctuary, and gateway to the divine.
Top 10 Darjeeling Monasteries to Visit
Here is a list of the top 10 Darjeeling Monasteries.
1. Ghoom Monastery, Darjeeling
Photo: Soumyasch / Wikimedia Commons
Ghoom Monastery, also known as the Yiga Choeling Monastery, is a famous Darjeeling monastery located in Ghoom. It is a part of the Yellow Hat sect of Tibetan Buddhism known as Gelugpa and was established in 1850 by Lama Sherpa Gyaltsho. It is sheltered by 50 monks and in the hall a 15-foot-high statue of Maitreya Buddha which is made with clay brought from Tibet. Its serene atmosphere, vibrant murals, and rich history make it a perfect destination for pilgrims and discoverers.
Location: Ghoom, Pussinbong Tea Garden, West Bengal
Timings: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Distance From Darjeeling: 6.7 Kilometres
How To Reach: Tourists can reach by road via NH-110
Suggested Read: Hill Stations Near Darjeeling
2. Bhutia Busty Monastery, Darjeeling
Photo: Sumit Surai / Wikimedia Commons
The Bhutia Busty Monastery, also known as the Karmaa Dorjee Chhoekhorling Monastery. It was founded in 1875 and belongs to the Karma Kagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism. This monastery is home to 100 monks and is a well-known centre for Buddhist studies. The monastery is one of the most famous monasteries in Darjeeling and is renowned for its stunning architecture and vibrant murals. It is a popular tourist destination and a place of spiritual and cultural significance.
Location: Bhutia Busty Road, Upper Bhutia Busty, Darjeeling, West Bengal
Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Distance From Darjeeling: 1.7 Kilometres
How To Reach: Easily accessible by road via Dr Zakir Hussain Road
3. Dali Monastery, Darjeeling
Photo: Sumit Surai / Wikimedia Commons
The Dali Monastery is one of the largest monasteries in Darjeeling, also known as the Dali Gompa. The monastery was founded in 1899 by Raja Dorje Phuntshog and belongs to the Kagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism. This monastery is sheltered by around 200 monks and a vast collection of Buddhist scriptures, artefacts, and relics. The serene atmosphere, vibrant murals, and rich history of Dali Monastery make it an ideal destination for worshippers, travellers, and anyone seeking spiritual and religious importance.
Location: Dali Monastery or Dali Gompa is also known as the Druk Thupten Sangag Choeling Monastery, India, Darjeeling
Timings: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Distance From Darjeeling: 2.9 Kilometres
How To Reach: Visitors can reach by road via Gandhi Road and NH-110
Suggested Read: Trekking In Darjeeling
4. Samten Choling Monastery, Darjeeling
Photo: Amitabha Gupta / Wikimedia Commons
The Samten Choling Monastery is a famous Darjeeling monastery founded in 1912 by Lama Angyal Rimpoche and belongs to the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery is home to around 100 monks and a 26-foot statue of Lord Buddha that was recently built as a main attraction. It is commonly popular by the name Ghum Monastery and is considered one of the oldest Monasteries that has Buddhist manuscripts and books for everyone who wants to learn Buddhism. This monastery also offers scenic views of the surrounding Himalayas, making it a must-visit destination for discoverers and pilgrims.
Location: Hill Cart Road, Ghoom, West Bengal
Timings: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Distance From Darjeeling: 5.5 Kilometres
How To Reach: Accessible by road via NH-110
5. Alubari Monastery, Darjeeling
Photo: Sumit Surai / Wikimedia Commons
The Alubari Monastery was founded in 1914 by Karma Theksum Choling, and it belongs to the Kagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism. It is also known as Yolmowa Mak Dhog Monastery and is thought to have been constructed to ward against the First World War. This monastery has a vast collection of Buddhist scriptures and artefacts and offers breathtaking views of the surroundings, making it a perfect spot for peace and wisdom.
Location: Tenzing Norgay Road, Darjeeling
Entry Fees: Free Entry
Distance From Darjeeling: 2.5 kilometres
How to Reach: Easily accessible by road via Tenzing Norgay Road
Suggested Read: Rock Climbing In Darjeeling
6. Tamang Buddhist Monastery, Darjeeling
Photo: Babasteve / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Tamang Buddhist Monastery was founded by the Tamang ethnic group, which is originally from Nepal. It is a relatively smaller monastery compared with other monasteries. This monastery is a beautiful example of Tibetan architecture and artefacts, and the calm glow of butter lamps creates an atmosphere of serenity and contemplation. This monastery is located on the top of the hill, offering scenic views of the Himalayas and valleys, making it a beautiful destination for worshippers and photographers.
Location: Tamang Buddhist Monastery Road, Ghoom, Darjeeling, West Bengal
Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Distance From Darjeeling: 832.5 Kilometres
How To Reach: Tourists can visit by road via NH-27
7. Makdhog Buddhist Monastery, West Bengal
Photo: Sumit Surai / Wikimedia Commons
The Makdhog Buddhist Monastery, founded in 1912 by Lama Domo Geshé Rinpoche, belongs to the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. This monastery invites visitors to immerse themselves in Buddhist teachings and meditation practices. The serene atmosphere, complemented by stunning frescoes, enhances the monastery’s beauty, making it an ideal destination for explorers and pilgrims seeking peace and tranquillity in this holy space. A visit to this sacred site provides a unique opportunity to connect with the rich spiritual heritage of Tibetan Buddhism.
Location: Alubari, Darjeeling, Alubari Basty, West Bengal
Timings: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Distance From Darjeeling: 2.5 Kilometres
How To Reach: Visitors can reach by road via Tenzing Norgay Road
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Darjeeling For Couples
8. Fagu Monastery, West Bengal
Photo: Anjan Kumar Kundu / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Fagu Monastery, also known as the Fagu Pemachenling Monastery, was founded in 1850 by Lama Sherab Gyaltsen, and it belongs to the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism. This monastery is surrounded by lush greenery and offers stunning views of the surrounding valleys. This monastery is known for its serene architecture and vibrant murals and is home to a vast collection of Buddhist scriptures, artefacts and relics. It allows tourists to explore the peaceful and spiritual ambience of the monastery, making it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Buddhism, culture, and spirituality.
Location: GOrubathan Khasmahal, West Bengal
Timings: Open 24 hours
Distance From Darjeeling: 92.4 Kilometres
How To Reach: Worshippers can reach by road via NH-17
9. Bokar Ngedon Chokhor Ling Monastery, West Bengal
Photo: Anjan Kumar Kundu / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Bokar Ngedon Chokhor Ling Monastery was founded in 1955 by Kyabje Bokar Rinpoche. Although relatively newer compared to other monasteries, it is a stunning example of Tibetan architecture, Buddhist scriptures, and artefacts. It is considered an important centre for Buddhist learning and practice. This monastery, nestled in the picturesque surroundings of the Himalayas foothills, makes it a must-visit destination for travellers and worshippers seeking for peace and wisdom.
Location: Mirik, West Bengal
Timing: 5:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Distance From Darjeeling: 39.9 Kilometres
How To Reach: Travellers can reach by road via Rishi Road
Suggested Read: Shopping In Darjeeling
10. Sherpa Monastery, West Bengal
Photo: Angesh Rathi / Wikimedia Commons /Image For Representation Only
The Sherpa Monastery, also known as the Himalayan Sherpa Buddhist Monastery, is a famous Buddhist monastery. This monastery was founded in 1915 by the Sherpa community, and it belongs to the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery is also known for its beautiful gardens, vibrant murals, peaceful atmosphere, and distinctive architecture. The monastery offers breathtaking views of the surroundings of the Himalayas and valleys, making it a perfect place for meditation and contemplation.
Location: Manbari Basti, Darjeeling, West Bengal
Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Distance From Darjeeling: 550 Kilometres
How To Reach: Easily accessible by road via Rockville Road/Saint Mother Teresa Road.
Darjeeling, a serene hill station in West Bengal, is home to surreal Darjeeling monasteries that represent the region’s rich history and culture. Each breathtaking Buddhist monastery offers visitors a unique blend of tradition, Tibetan architecture, vibrant murals, and scenic views, creating a tranquil atmosphere that acts as a reminder of the enduring power of faith and the connection to the divine. So, plan your visit to the monasteries with TripXL.
cover Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons
