Chokling Monastery
General Details: Chokling Monastery is one of the most visually stunning and spiritually significant monasteries in the Bir Tibetan Colony. Established by the third Neten Chokling Rinpoche in the 1960s, it serves as a center for the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery is famous for its large, intricately designed stupa and the massive statue of Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) housed within its main prayer hall. Surrounded by lush green lawns and colorful prayer flags, it offers an unobstructed view of the paragliders landing nearby. It is a place of deep quietude where visitors can witness monks engaged in their daily rituals, debates, and meditation. The architecture is a testament to the preservation of Tibetan art in exile.
General information
-
Ideal Duration:
Duration: 1 to 2 Hours.Place Type:
Category: Religious & Spiritual Center.Entry Fees:
Entry Charges: Entry to the Chokling Monastery is free for all visitors, including the prayer halls and gardens.
Photography Fees: While entry is free, there may be restrictions or small fees for professional commercial photography inside. ...Entry Charges: Entry to the Chokling Monastery is free for all visitors, including the prayer halls and gardens.
Photography Fees: While entry is free, there may be restrictions or small fees for professional commercial photography inside.Timing:
Regular Hours: The monastery is open to visitors from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM every day.
Ideal Visit Time: 5:00 PM is ideal as you can witness the evening prayers and the sunset over the landing site simultaneously. ...Regular Hours: The monastery is open to visitors from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM every day.
Ideal Visit Time: 5:00 PM is ideal as you can witness the evening prayers and the sunset over the landing site simultaneously.Special Events:
Masked Dances (Cham) During special Tibetan festivals, monks perform sacred masked dances representing the triumph of good over evil.
Gutor Festival: Held before the Tibetan New Year, it involves elaborate rituals to clear away the negativity of the past year. ...Masked Dances (Cham) During special Tibetan festivals, monks perform sacred masked dances representing the triumph of good over evil.
Gutor Festival: Held before the Tibetan New Year, it involves elaborate rituals to clear away the negativity of the past year.Best Photo Spots:
Golden Spires: The entrance gate with the monastery's golden spires and the Dhauladhar range in the back is a top spot.
The Great Stupa: The intricate carvings on the white stupa provide a detailed and culturally rich subject for close-up sh...Golden Spires: The entrance gate with the monastery's golden spires and the Dhauladhar range in the back is a top spot.
The Great Stupa: The intricate carvings on the white stupa provide a detailed and culturally rich subject for close-up shots.
Monk Courtyard: Capturing the monks in their maroon robes against the white walls of the monastery creates a striking visual.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
-
Observe Chanting: Sit quietly in the prayer hall during the morning or evening sessions to hear the monks' rhythmic chanting.
Circumambulate the Stupa: Join the locals in walking clockwise around the great stupa while spinning the prayer wheels.
Photography: Capture the stunning architecture and the contrast of the golden roof against the blue Himalayan sky.
Learn Buddhist Philosophy: Engage with the resident monks to learn about the history of the Nyingma lineage and Tibetan art.
Meditation: Use the quiet atmosphere of the meditation garden to practice mindfulness away from the tourist buzz.
Watch Paragliders: Enjoy a unique view of paragliders descending over the monastery's golden spires from ...
Information
-
Why Famous:
Stunning Stupa: Famous for the magnificent white and gold stupa that greets visitors at the entrance of the complex.
Guru Rinpoche Statue: Renowned for housing one of the most beautiful and large statues of Padmasambhava in the region. ...Stunning Stupa: Famous for the magnificent white and gold stupa that greets visitors at the entrance of the complex.
Guru Rinpoche Statue: Renowned for housing one of the most beautiful and large statues of Padmasambhava in the region. -
Architecture:
Tibetan Temple Architecture: The monastery features a classic Tibetan design with a white exterior, gold-plated roof ornaments, and vibrant murals.
Structural Dimensions: The main prayer hall (Dukhang) is approximately 2,500 square feet, fea...Tibetan Temple Architecture: The monastery features a classic Tibetan design with a white exterior, gold-plated roof ornaments, and vibrant murals.
Structural Dimensions: The main prayer hall (Dukhang) is approximately 2,500 square feet, featuring a 20-foot tall statue of Guru Rinpoche. The central stupa at the entrance stands nearly 40 feet high. -
How To Reach:
By Air: Gaggal Airport (DHM) is the nearest, located about 68 KMS away; taxis are readily available for the 2-hour drive.
By Train: The Pathankot Junction is the major railhead (142 KMS), while the local Ahju station is just 3 KMS away. -
Near Tourist Places:
Bir Landing Site (0. 8 KM), Deer Park Institute (0. 5 KM), Bir Tibetan Colony (0. 1 KM), Bir Tea Factory (2. 5 KM), Bangoru Waterfall (5 KM), Ghornala (6 KM), Baijnath (12 KM), Sherab Ling (6 KM), Tashi Jong (15 KM), Billing (14 KM).
Tourism Tips
-
Maintain Silence: Always keep your voice low and turn off your mobile phone when entering the sacred prayer halls.
Photography Rules: Always ask for permission before taking photos of individual monks or inside the main sanctum.
Reviews
Information about New and Updated Locations(28+) of Himachal Pradesh. Has Been Added :-
Card subtitle
Akhara BazaarBasheshwar Mahadev TempleBijli Mahadev TempleDechen Choekhor MahaviharaDhakpo Shedrupling MonasteryBir Tibetan ColonyChamunda Devi TempleChokling MonasteryChowgan Tea GardensDeer Park InstituteKotla FortMaharana Pratap Sagar Masroor Rock Cut TempleNaddi View PointSita PaaniShiv MandirTosh VillageTosh WaterfallsMore PlacesNote:-
Information provided here in good Faith and for reference only.
All information and pictures will be updated soon, please keep visiting.
Near Places
Andretta Artist's Village
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Barot Valley
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Billing Takeoff Site
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Bir Landing Site
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Bir Tea Factory
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Bir Tibetan Colony
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Chamunda Devi Temple
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Chokling Monastery
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Chowgan Tea Gardens
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Deer Park Institute
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewherein Other Cities