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  • 5/5 Sourav Kumar N. 2 years ago on Google
    The happiness after being here is unexplainable Amazing place 500m from ghoom railway station with short roads Due to covid it's closed but you can view things from outside
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Arun J. 11 months ago on Google
    Amidst the din and bustle of Darjeeling, the Yiga Choeling Monastery stands as an oasis of peace and solitude and is a must-visit place for tourists who are in the Ghum area. This is the Old Ghum Monastery, while the Samten Choeling Monastery is also known as the Ghum Monastery. Established in 1850 and belonging to the Gelukpa or the Yellow Hat sect, it is known for its 15 feet (4.6 m)-high statue of the Maitreya Buddha. During the Chinese occupation of Tibet in 1959, many high ranking monks fled to India and took refuge in the monastery. The Monastery houses a large collection of manuscripts and has beautiful frescoes covering its walls. Photography is permitted within for a price, which goes towards maintenance of the place. Kindly note that the path leading to this Monastery is narrow and cannot accommodate two vehicles side-by-side.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Ricky Dey D. 11 months ago on Google
    Ghum monastery is also known as yiga choeling monastery. It's a Buddhist monastery. One of the oldest and well known monastery in darjeeling. Located near batasia area. Daily prayers arranged by Buddhist lamas. Main temple is located in basement section.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tanmoy P. 2 years ago on Google
    It's a sacred place for Buddhist. Located near Batasia Loop in Darjeeling. There is a huge Budhha Idol inside the monastery.This is also know as Old Ghoom Monastery.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Som B. 9 months ago on Google
    The Yiga Choeling or Old Ghoom Monastery, located at an elevation of 8,000 feet, is Darjeeling's oldest Tibetan Buddhist Monastery. This shrine, founded in 1850 by Lama Sherab Gyatso, is part of the Yellow Hat sect known as Gelupka, which worships the 'Coming Buddha' or 'Maitreyi Buddha'. In the middle chamber is a 15-foot-tall figure of Maitreyi Buddha made completely of clay transported from Tibet. This statue was erected during the tenure of the monastery's second head, Lama Domo Geshe Rinpoche. There are also several rare Buddhist manuscripts on the site. Outside the monastery, visitors are treated to a stunning vista of the towering Kanchenjunga. The resident monks fly prayer flags in the traditional Tibetan manner. @pajamatraveller
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Arijit M. 11 months ago on Google
    Also known as the Ghoom Monastery. A nice little place near the Batasia Loop. Very peaceful place to say the least.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Pulakeswar B. 1 year ago on Google
    Yiga Choeling Monastery is a Buddhist monastery located in the town of Ghoom, which is about 8 kilometers from the city of Darjeeling in the Indian state of West Bengal. The monastery was established in 1850 by Lama Sherab Gyatso, who was a disciple of the famous Tibetan Buddhist master, Lama Tsongkhapa. The Yiga Choeling Monastery is also known as the Ghoom Monastery, as it is situated in the Ghoom area of Darjeeling. It is one of the oldest Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in the region and is considered to be an important cultural and religious center for the local community. The monastery is famous for its beautiful Tibetan architecture, intricate murals, and stunning thangkas. It is home to several valuable artifacts, including a statue of Maitreya Buddha, which is believed to be over 200 years old. The monastery also has a large collection of ancient manuscripts, scriptures, and prayer flags. One of the most important annual events at the Yiga Choeling Monastery is the celebration of the Tibetan New Year, which is known as Losar. During this festival, the monastery is decorated with colorful prayer flags, and traditional Tibetan music and dance performances are held. Visitors to the Yiga Choeling Monastery can also participate in meditation and prayer sessions, as well as learn about Tibetan Buddhism and its rich cultural heritage. The monastery welcomes visitors of all faiths and backgrounds and is a popular destination for tourists interested in exploring the spiritual and cultural traditions of the Himalayan region.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Rapden Dorjee S. 4 years ago on Google
    The oldest monastery in Darjeeling but it is located near ghoom, a 5 minute walk from ghoom will reach you there The monastery consists of Maitreya Buddha it's a 4.6 feet statue If you want to click photos inside the monastery you will be charged Rs 100 The monastery is not in good shape due to lack of funds Just below the monastery is the dead people burning ghat Old Ghoom Monastery is the popular name of Yiga Choeling. The monastery belongs to the Gelukpa or the Yellow Hat sect and is known for its 15 feet (4.6 m)-high statue of the Maitreya Buddha. The external structure of the building was established in 1850 by the Mongolian astrologer and monk Sokpo Sherab Gyatso, who was head of the monastery until 1905.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Dixit B. 1 year ago on Google
    Good monestery it's old and almost near to good transportation even in their gate darjiling railway is crossing, so really good place to watch it , in monastery story available for shopping.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 sudipto M. 1 year ago on Google
    Nothing special. Ordinary monastery. Tour operators just added it to increase the list. Avoid this place. Note about Darjeeling local sight seeing : in local sight seeing these are major placed - zoo, ropeway, batasia loop, rock garden, tiger hill and Japanese temple For this tour operators charge too much during season. Tiger hill and batasia loop is enjoyable during clear sunny weather. One has to visit tiger hill at 5am. On returning they will stop at batasia loop and ghum monastery. For these you have to hire car. For zoo and ropeway I am suggesting you two way. First, you can walk. From chowrasta (mall) to zoo it is just 2 km. No uphill walk. Plain n downhill. So easy. You can check the route in Google map. Very easy. From zoo ropeway is just 1km downhill and plain. While returning take local share taxi which is just Rs. 25 per head. Second way, you go to local taxi stand opposite Darjeeling sadar police station or nbstc stand. From there take local share taxi and get down at zoo. If you do not want to visit tiger hill but want to go batasia loop, take local share taxi which goes to ghoom and get down at batasia loop. You will get it at main road. This will save lots of money which the tour operators just snatch from you.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Madhurima B. 1 year ago on Google
    Since 2011 I wanted to visit Old Ghoom Monastery But never made it. 3rd time in Nov 2022 Finally I was able to see this beautiful place. The Road condition was bad and so the Weather.. Still I was able to see it. The Maitreya Buddha statue inside bring peace in mind.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Avik N. 1 year ago on Google
    Old Ghoom Monastery is the popular name of Yiga Choeling. The monastery belongs to the Gelukpa or the Yellow Hat sect and is known for its 15 feet (4.6 m)-high statue of the Maitreya Buddha. The external structure of the building was established in 1850 by the Mongolian astrologer and monk Sokpo Sherab Gyatso, who was head of the monastery until 1905. For the last two decades, the monastery has been going through severe crises in terms of both monks and finance. Till now, the grants-in-aid entitled to the monastery have not been received either from the government nor from any other source. Presently the monastery is meeting its needs through donations and contributions from local devotees.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Neellohit B. 2 years ago on Google
    Old Ghoom Monastery is the popular name of Yiga Choeling. Must visit place in Darjeeling.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Muhammad Ertugrul G. 4 months ago on Google
    Ghum railway station of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is the highest railway station in India. It is situated at an altitude of 2,258 metres (7,407 ft)....Enjoy the ride to Darjeeling....and Kalingpong...best experience with Himalayan Queen.....Steam Engine..

  • 4/5 Sandip P. 9 months ago on Google
    Yiga Choeling Monastery, also known as Rumtek Monastery, is indeed a significant Buddhist monastery located in Gangtok, Sikkim, India. Here's some information about Yiga Choeling (Rumtek) Monastery: 1. History: Yiga Choeling Monastery, or Rumtek Monastery, holds great historical and religious significance. It was originally built in the 16th century in Tibet but was re-established in its current location in Rumtek, near Gangtok, in the 1960s. The monastery is the largest and most important seat of the Kagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism outside of Tibet. 2. Architecture: The monastery's architecture reflects traditional Tibetan design and is visually stunning. The main building, known as the "Tsuklakhang," features intricate murals, thangkas (religious paintings), statues, and ornate woodwork. The monastery complex also includes various stupas, temples, and residential quarters for monks. 3. Religious Significance: Yiga Choeling Monastery is the seat of the Karmapa, the head of the Kagyu lineage, and is considered one of the most sacred monasteries in the region. It serves as a center for Buddhist study, meditation, and religious ceremonies. Many important Buddhist rituals and festivals are held at Rumtek Monastery, attracting devotees and tourists from around the world. 4. Golden Stupa: One of the notable attractions within Yiga Choeling Monastery is the Golden Stupa, also called the "Karma Shri Nalanda Institute for Higher Buddhist Studies." It houses the sacred relics and remains of the 16th Karmapa, Rangjung Rigpe Dorje. The stupa is adorned with gold and precious gems, making it an awe-inspiring sight. 5. Festivals: Yiga Choeling Monastery hosts several festivals throughout the year, with the most significant being the "Tse Chu" festival. This festival is celebrated annually to commemorate the birth of Guru Padmasambhava, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism. During the festival, masked dances, rituals, and other religious ceremonies are performed by the monks. 6. Accessibility: Yiga Choeling (Rumtek) Monastery is located approximately 23 kilometers from Gangtok, and it takes around an hour to reach by road. Visitors can hire taxis or join organized tours to visit the monastery. It's advisable to check the visiting hours and any specific entry requirements before planning a visit. Yiga Choeling Monastery, or Rumtek Monastery, is a must-visit destination for those interested in Buddhism, Tibetan culture, and the spiritual heritage of Sikkim. The monastery's rich history, architectural grandeur, and serene surroundings make it a captivating place to explore and experience the essence of Tibetan Buddhism.

  • 4/5 Sanjay M. 9 months ago on Google
    Nice place to visit for... if you are at darjeeling. One of the oldest monastery I think ... moreover You can buy darjeeling Tea and some traditional clothes... so visiting this place will be a nice option as its a peaceful and sacred place. 😀😀

  • 5/5 Tashi gyalpo B. 2 years ago on Google
    One of the oldest monastery. Estd. 1850

  • 5/5 Sowham B. 1 year ago on Google
    We visited it early morning and sat in the Monastery for 20-30 mintues while watching the monks/lamas doing their prayers. Peaceful and serene. A must visit Beautiful Monastery & temple in Ghum (Ghoom), both on the inside & outside of the building. Was relatively clean and well maintained and just off the main road & railway.

  • 5/5 Bharath H A. 1 year ago on Google
    Known as ghoom Monastery. Its a must visit down from tiger Hill. Look at magnificent Buddha and have a sip of tea. But local stuff at good price lower than those in the great markets

  • 5/5 Miss T. 1 year ago on Google
    Very beautiful and calm . Super exciting to see in Darjeeling. Only 20 rs entry fees

  • 4/5 Sandeep K. 3 years ago on Google
    Serene and quiet place located in Ghum around 7kms from Darjeeling. A quick visit can be refreshing

  • 5/5 Bankim C. 1 year ago on Google
    Holy and serene place. Very big statue of lord Buddha

  • 4/5 Umesh S. 2 years ago on Google
    This is one of the older Monastery in West Bengal. Approach road is very narrow, but a good tourist spot

  • 5/5 Abhisek D. 1 year ago on Google
    The Ghoom monastery must be the cleanest & calmest place I found in Darjeeling. Beautiful place at hills lap. Clear views of mountains. Floating clouds all around the monastery just makes it mesmerising. The buddha murti so handsomely made. You are not allowed to take photos inside the monastery. But you can still capture photo from outside the restricted zone.


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  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park

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