Darjeeling is a captivating hill station in the state of West Bengal, India. It offers a plethora of tourist attractions and is famous for its fantastic views of Mt. Kangchenjunga, the world’s third-highest peak. If you wish to appreciate the real essence of Darjeeling, you have to visit its monasteries. Each monastery here has a unique relevance of its own. However, some of the monasteries such as Bhutia Busty Monastery, YigaChoeling Monastery, and Ghoom Monastery outshine the others. Ghoom Monastery, for example, is famous for its huge statue of Maitreya Buddha. Another famous Buddhist shrine, Bhutia Busty Gompa is located about 1 km (0.2 mi) out of the city. It is regarded as the most scenic amongst all the monasteries in Darjeeling. So, read on to know about the most amazing monasteries to visit in Darjeeling, West Bengal.
1. Ghum Monastery
Also referred to as Yogachoeling Gompa, Ghum Monastery is one of the most famous monasteries in the district of Darjeeling. The monastery is situated in a locality called Ghoom and thus got its popular name. The Ghoom Gompa was set up in 1875 by a monk cum astrologer from Mongolia. As soon as you enter this monastery, you will find a mammoth size statue of Maitreya Buddha in a seating position. The monastery is decorated with drums, ornate scrolls, and bells. Similar to several other monasteries in this hill station, the monastery stores some very rare Buddhist manuscripts. The monastery is set about 8 km (4.97 mi) away from the main Darjeeling town. It has become a popular destination for all those people who seek solitude and solace.
Ghum Monastery
Address: Ghoom, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734102
Website: Ghum Monastery
2. Bhutia Busty Monastery
It is one of the most popular monasteries in the town of Darjeeling in West Bengal. Bhutia Busty Monastery is a branch and an important part of Phontag Monastery that belongs to the Nygpama Sect in Sikkim. The monastery enjoys a stunning location as it offers some great views of Mount Kanchanjunga. The monastery is easily accessible for tourists and visitors. Bhutia Busty Monastery features a big library that boasts an impressive collection of Buddhist and Tibetan books. These books offer an excellent and valuable insight into the culture and life of the Tibetans. You simply cannot afford to miss this monastery while vacationing in Darjeeling.
Bhutia Busty Monastery
Address: Bhutia Busty Rd, Upper Bhutia Busty, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734101
Website: Bhutia Busty Monastery
Opening hours: 4:30am - 7pm (daily)
3. Ging Gompa
Ging Gompa is about 200 years old and has been damaged significantly after the earthquake that occurred in September 2018. The monastery is situated around 10 km (6.21 mi) from the main town of Darjeeling. The earthquake has created massive cracks in its walls and pillars. Also, big chunks of concrete have fallen in its corridors. Despite its poor condition, the monastery should definitely feature on your bucket list when you are in this beautiful hill station. The construction of this monastery took place in 1818 in the district of Darjeeling. It belongs to the lamas of the Pemayangtse Monastery in Sikkim. It falls within the authority of the ecclesiastical department of Gangtok.
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4. Samten Choling Buddhist Monastery
Samten Choling Buddhist Monastery is a part of Vajrayana Buddhism’s Gelukpa sect and is also referred to as the yellow hat. You will find that this monastery boasts an impressive collection of books on Buddhism, which are very rarely found elsewhere. This monastery in Ghoom is set on a high altitude and is one of the most famous monasteries in the town of Darjeeling. Many say that the shrine was constructed by Lama Sherab Gyatso in 1875. The monastery is mainly popular for housing a mammoth statue of Lor Maitreya Buddha or future Buddha. It also boasts an extensive collection of texts on Buddhism.
Samten Choling Buddhist Monastery
Address: NH110, West Point, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734102
Website: Samten Choling Buddhist Monastery
5. Dali Monastery
Dali Monastery is situated in Dali and is hardly around 5 km (3.10 mi) from the town of Darjeeling. Although most people refer to this gompa or monastery as Dali Monastery, its original name happens to be Druk Sangag Choling Monastery. The actual name of the monastery is prominently mentioned on the exterior wall of the shrine and can be seen when one approaches the monastery while walking from the road, When one views this monastery from slightly far off and while positioned on the famous Hill Cart Road, the shrine looks simply amazing. One of the biggest monasteries, it features white shrines constructed in traditional Tibetan style and is set on a hill. It was originally constructed in the year 1971 during the period of Kyabje Thuksey Rinpoche who was a famous religious leader from Tibet. At present, it is the home and the headquarters of Drukchen Rimpoche the XII. He is the supremo of Kargyupa, a Buddhist sect. You should be prepared to climb several steep stairs here. There is a prayer room inside where monks offer their prayers while sitting in front of the drums.
Dali Monastery
Website: Dali Monastery
Opening hours: 5am - 6:30pm (daily)
Discover the best monasteries in Darjeeling
The town of Darjeeling is known for its scenic beauty and several famous tourist attractions including the famous Mall Road. It is an immensely popular tourist place also because of its pleasant weather even when it is hot in many parts of India. Visit the town and have a great time with your dear ones as it offers so much to do and see. Do stop by these amazing monasteries in Darjeeling, West Bengal and spend some peaceful moments of introspection when you are vacationing in this charming hilly town.
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