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Ghoom Monastery

Darjeeling, West Bengal, India
Ghoom Monastery, officially known as Yiga Choeling, is the oldest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in the Darjeeling region. Built in 1850 by the famous Mongolian monk and astrologer Lama Sherab Gyatso, it belongs to the Gelugpa or the Yellow Hat sect. The monastery is a significant spiritual hub and a s torehouse of rare Buddhist manuscripts and Tibetan translations of Sanskrit works like Kalidasa's Meghdoot. The primary attraction of this monastery is the 15-foot tall clay statue of the Maitreya Buddha (the Future Buddha), which is encrusted with gold and precious stones. Two huge lamps in front of the statue burn throughout the year. The walls of the monastery are adorned with beautiful Thangkas (Tibetan scroll paintings) and frescoes depicting various Buddhist deities and life scenes. It is situated at an elevation of 7407 feet, making it one of the highest railway-adjacent monasteries. The atmosphere is filled with the smell of incense and the low hum of monks chanting. The monastery also houses a large collection of Buddhist bells and drums. Outside the main hall, there is a large collection of prayer wheels that devotees spin while circumambulating the structure. The architecture is a blend of traditional Tibetan and local styles. Over the years, it has become a central point for the Buddhist community during festivals. The monastery offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling Ghoom market nearby. It provides a stunning view of the surrounding hills and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway tracks. A small museum on the premises displays ancient artifacts and manuscripts. It is a must-visit for anyone interested in Himalayan culture and spirituality. :

General information

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    Ideal Duration:
    1 Hour
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    Place Type:
    Religious / Heritage
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    Entry Fees:
    Entry: The entry to the monastery is Free.

    Photography: INR 10 for still cameras inside the hall.

    Videography: INR 50 for video recording.

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    Entry: The entry to the monastery is Free.

    Photography: INR 10 for still cameras inside the hall.

    Videography: INR 50 for video recording.

    :
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    Timing:
    Regular Timings: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily.

    Ideal Visit Time: Early Morning (9:00 AM) to see the morning prayers.

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    Regular Timings: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily.

    Ideal Visit Time: Early Morning (9:00 AM) to see the morning prayers.

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    Special Events:
    Buddha Jayanti: Grand celebrations with special prayers and masked dances.

    Tibetan New Year (Losar): Held in February, featuring traditional rituals and community gatherings.

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    Buddha Jayanti: Grand celebrations with special prayers and masked dances.

    Tibetan New Year (Losar): Held in February, featuring traditional rituals and community gatherings.

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    Best Photo Spots:
    Main Prayer Hall: Frame the giant Maitreya Buddha statue.

    The Exterior: Use the colorful Tibetan architecture and flags as a background.

    The Balcony: For a view of the mist-covered Ghoom valley and the rail...
    Main Prayer Hall: Frame the giant Maitreya Buddha statue.

    The Exterior: Use the colorful Tibetan architecture and flags as a background.

    The Balcony: For a view of the mist-covered Ghoom valley and the railway tracks.

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Photo Gallery

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Darjeeling
Queen of Hills • Tea Gardens

Things To Do

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    Prayer Participation: Observe the monks during their morning or evening chanting.

    Spinning Prayer Wheels: Walk around the monastery spinning the metal wheels for good luck.

    Photography: Capture the stunning frescoes and the giant Buddha statue (with a fee).

    Visit the Museum: Explore the collection of ancient Tibetan artifacts.

    Shopping: Buy traditional prayer flags and incense from the stalls outside.

    Enjoy the View: Look out at the Toy Train passing through Ghoom station.

    Meditation: Spend a few quiet minutes in the main prayer hall.

    :...

Hotels

● Arcadia Heritage Resort


Address: Ghoom, Darjeeling, WB

Distance: 2.0 km

Details: Set in a beautiful colonial building, this mid-range resort offers spacious, clean rooms with stunning mountain views. Guests can enjoy tasty food at ...

● Batasia Om Residency


Address: Hill Cart Road, Ghoom, WB

Distance: 0.9 km

Details: A cozy budget-friendly choice offering thoughtful conveniences. Facilities include room service, Wi-Fi, and clean, comfortable rooms, providing a smoo...

● Darjeeling Hillside Inn


Address: Hill Cart Road, Darjeeling, WB

Distance: 0.8 km

Details: A budget inn providing a simple yet satisfying experience. Key facilities include room service and well-maintained rooms, making it a reliable and cos...

● Himalayan Haveli


Address: Chota Batasia, Darjeeling, WB

Distance: 1.1 km

Details: An affordable budget lodge offering basic facilities like parking and simple rooms. It is a straightforward, no-frills option ideal for backpackers or...

● Hotel Broadway Mall Road


Address: Mall Road, Darjeeling, WB

Distance: 3.1 km

Details: A well-maintained mid-range hotel with a central location. It offers comfortable, spacious rooms, excellent room service, and is known for its conveni...

● Hotel Norbu Khangsar


Address: Shiva Gram, Batasia, WB

Distance: 0.9 km

Details: A 3-star budget hotel offering a comfortable stay. It features room service, Wi-Fi, and is situated in a convenient location, perfect for budget-consc...

● Mount Lungta Boutique Hotel


Address: Jorebungalow, Darjeeling, WB

Distance: 1.0 km

Details: A boutique mid-range hotel providing a cozy atmosphere. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, an on-site restaurant, and comfortable rooms, making it an ideal...

● Sterling Darjeeling


Address: Jorebungalow, Darjeeling, WB

Distance: 0.1 km

Details: A premier luxury hotel located just steps from Ghoom Monastery. It features spacious rooms, an in-house restaurant serving international cuisine, a sp...

● Summit Hermon Hotel & Spa


Address: Gandhi Road, Darjeeling, WB

Distance: 3.1 km

Details: A luxury retreat offering panoramic views of the Himalayas. Facilities include a full-service spa, multi-cuisine restaurant, and well-appointed rooms ...

● Vamoose Lepcha View


Address: Lepcha Jagat, Ghoom, WB

Distance: 0.3 km

Details: A charming budget homestay designed for comfort. It offers essential amenities like free breakfast, Wi-Fi, and a simple, welcoming environment for tra...

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Resturants

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Information

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    Why Famous:
    Oldest in Darjeeling: It holds the title of the oldest Tibetan monastery in the district, founded in 1850.

    Maitreya Buddha: Famous for its giant 15-foot statue of the "Future Buddha," a masterpiece of Buddhist iconography.

    Oldest in Darjeeling: It holds the title of the oldest Tibetan monastery in the district, founded in 1850.

    Maitreya Buddha: Famous for its giant 15-foot statue of the "Future Buddha," a masterpiece of Buddhist iconography.

    Rare Manuscripts: Known for preserving ancient Tibetan texts and translations of classical Indian literature.

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    Architecture:
    Tibetan Style: The structure features a grand prayer hall with a footprint of about 50 by 70 feet, characterized by colorful pillars and intricate woodwork.

    The Maitreya Statue: A 15-foot high clay and gold-plated statue, designed in the cl...
    Tibetan Style: The structure features a grand prayer hall with a footprint of about 50 by 70 feet, characterized by colorful pillars and intricate woodwork.

    The Maitreya Statue: A 15-foot high clay and gold-plated statue, designed in the classic Tibetan style with serene facial expressions and mudras.

    Prayer Hall: The ceiling is high to accommodate the giant statue, with small windows at the top allowing natural light to illuminate the Buddha's face.

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    How To Reach:
    By Air: From Bagdogra, it is a 3-hour drive via the Hill Cart Road.

    By Train: Accessible via the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train) to Ghoom Station.

    By Road: Located 8 KMs from Darjeeling on the main...
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    Near Tourist Places:
    Batasia Loop (1km), Tiger Hill (4km), Dali Monastery (3km), Peace Pagoda (5km), Rock Garden (10km), Mall Road (8km), Zoo (10km), HMI (10km), Senchal Lake (6km), Lepchajagat (10km)

Tourism Tips

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    Health & Safety: Maintain silence inside the prayer hall.

    Packing: Wear modest clothing as it is a religious site.

    Accommodation: Many stay in Darjeeling town and visit as a day trip or on the way to Tiger ...

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