Ghoom Monastery
General information
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Ideal Duration:
1 HourPlace Type:
Religious / HeritageEntry Fees:
Entry: The entry to the monastery is Free.
Photography: INR 10 for still cameras inside the hall.
Videography: INR 50 for video recording.
:...Entry: The entry to the monastery is Free.
Photography: INR 10 for still cameras inside the hall.
Videography: INR 50 for video recording.
: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.
:...Buddha Jayanti: Grand celebrations with special prayers and masked dances.
Tibetan New Year (Losar): Held in February, featuring traditional rituals and community gatherings.
: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.
:Photo Gallery
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.
:...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.
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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...
Show AllRestaurants
● A D Restaurant Ghoom
Address: Market, Senchal, Ghoom, Senchal Forest, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734102
Distance: 1.2 km
Details: A D Restaurant Ghoom is nestled amidst the tranquil and lush beauty of the Senchal Forest, offering a peaceful dining escape. The restaurant is renown...
Food List: North Indian Thali, Dal Makhani, Paneer Curry, But...
● Delicaci
Address: Ghoom Monastery Rd, Ghoom, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734102
Distance: 0.2 km
Details: Delicaci is a vibrant restaurant located right on the Ghoom Monastery Road, making it an incredibly convenient stop for tourists visiting the historic...
Food List: Chicken Biryani, Mutton Curry, Paneer Tikka, Naan,...
● Ghoom Monastery Cafe
Address: Ghoom, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734102
Distance: 0.1 km
Details: Ghoom Monastery Cafe offers a unique opportunity to dine right in the serene atmosphere surrounding the iconic monastery. It is the perfect place to r...
Food List: Local Tea, Butter Cookies, Light Snacks, Warm Soup...
● Ghoom Restaurant
Address: Hill Cart Rd, Bhalikhop Basti, Katapahar, Ghoom, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734102
Distance: 1.0 km
Details: Ghoom Restaurant is a charming dining destination known for its delightful breakfasts and breathtaking views of the surrounding hills. It stands as a ...
Food List: English Breakfast, Hot Porridge, Vegetable Cutlets...
● Gurung Restaurant
Address: Lal Kothi Road, Ghoom, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734102
Distance: 3.7 km
Details: Gurung Restaurant is a well-established local eatery that serves consistent and delicious meals near the Ghoom area. It is known for its dedication to...
Food List: Thukpa, Steamed Dumplings, Chicken Fry, Vegetable ...
Show AllInformation
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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...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 highway to Siliguri.
By Local Transport: Any shared taxi going towards Kurseong or Siliguri will drop you at the Ghoom crossing.
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Weather and Best Time to Visit:
Winter: December to February for a misty, atmospheric experience.
Spring: March to May for clear weather and colorful surroundings.
Morning: The light inside the hall is best during the morning hours.
<...Winter: December to February for a misty, atmospheric experience.
Spring: March to May for clear weather and colorful surroundings.
Morning: The light inside the hall is best during the morning hours.
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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 ...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 Hill.
General: Always walk clockwise around the monastery and the prayer wheels.
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Reviews
FAQs
Ans:- As with any religious site, modest clothing is recommended. Avoid wearing shorts or sleeveless tops. You must remove your shoes before entering the main prayer hall. It is also customary to walk clockwise around the monastery and the prayer wheels as a sign of respect in Buddhist tradition.Ans:- Built in 1850, Ghoom Monastery (Yiga Choeling) is one of the oldest Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in the Darjeeling region. It was established by the Mongolian monk and astrologer Lama Sherab Gyatso. It belongs to the Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) sect of Tibetan Buddhism and has survived through the colonial and post-colonial eras.Ans:- Entry to Ghoom Monastery is free for all visitors. However, there is a small fee if you wish to take photographs (around ₹10) or videos (around ₹50) inside the main prayer hall. The proceeds from these fees go towards the maintenance of the monastery and supporting the resident monks.Ans:- Ghoom Monastery currently accommodates about 60 resident monks who belong to the Gelugpa sect. They spend their time in prayer, meditation, and studying Buddhist scriptures. Visitors can often see them engaged in their daily chores or ritual practices, providing a glimpse into their dedicated spiritual lifestyle.Ans:- It is located in Ghoom, about 8 kilometers from Darjeeling town. It sits at an altitude of 7,407 feet. To reach it, you take a small side road from the main Hill Cart Road near the Ghoom Railway Station. It is easily accessible by taxi or the famous Toy Train.Ans:- The monastery celebrates various Buddhist festivals, with the Tibetan New Year (Losar) being a major event. During these times, special prayers and mask dances (Cham) might be performed. Devotees also gather in large numbers on the 15th day of the Tibetan calendar every month for special prayers.Ans:- The monastery is generally open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily. Many tourists choose to visit early in the morning on their way back from Tiger Hill sunrise. Visiting during the morning prayer sessions allows you to hear the monks chanting and playing traditional Buddhist musical instruments.Ans:- The primary attraction is the 15-foot high statue of Maitreya Buddha (the Future Buddha). This majestic statue is painted in gold and encrusted with precious stones. It was built during the tenure of the second head of the monastery using clay brought from Tibet, making it highly sacred.Ans:- While you can observe the monks, it is best not to disturb them while they are praying or performing rituals. Some monks who are not occupied may be willing to have a short, respectful conversation or answer basic questions about the monastery. Always ask for permission before taking a portrait of a monk.Ans:- Yes, basic public restroom facilities are available near the monastery premises for visitors. Since it is a high-altitude area, it is always recommended to carry your own hand sanitizer and tissues. There are also small tea stalls nearby if you need to refresh yourself after the visit.Ans:- Yes, on a clear day, the monastery offers a magnificent view of the Kanchenjunga peak and the surrounding Himalayan range. The courtyard of the monastery provides a peaceful vantage point to admire the snow-capped mountains, adding to the spiritual and tranquil experience of the visit.Ans:- Yes, there are small stalls outside the monastery entrance and sometimes a small counter inside selling Buddhist items like prayer flags, incense, singing bowls, and postcards. Buying these items helps support the monastery. You can also find local handicrafts and woolen items sold by vendors nearby.Ans:- Yes, there is another monastery nearby called Samten Choling Monastery, which is sometimes also referred to as "Ghoom Monastery" by local drivers. If you want to visit the historic one with the large Maitreya Buddha, specifically ask for "Old Ghoom Monastery" or "Yiga Choeling Monastery."Ans:- You can take a private or shared taxi from Darjeeling town, which takes about 30 minutes. A more scenic option is taking the Toy Train "Joy Ride" from Darjeeling to Ghoom; the monastery is about a 10-12 minute walk from the Ghoom station. This combination is a favorite among tourists.Darjeeling Itineray And Cost:-
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