Ghoom Monastery(Yiga Choeling Monastery)
Darjeeling’s Oldest Tibetan Buddhist Monastery Housing the 15-ft Maitreya Buddha
Visual Explorer & Gallery
Curated photography showcasing Ghoom Monastery
Historic Yiga Choeling (Old Ghoom) Monastery, Darjeeling’s oldest Buddhist sanctuary built in 1850
Prayer flags and serene hilltop ambiance near Ghoom railway station
Misty pine-clad hills of Ghoom and Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary
Experience Ghoom Monastery
Built in 1850 by the revered Mongolian monk and astrologer Lama Sherab Gyatso, Yiga Choeling Monastery (popularly known as Old Ghoom Monastery) is the oldest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in the Darjeeling region. Belonging to the Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) sect, it is located near the highest railway station in India.
The monastery’s central sanctum houses a colossal 15-foot statue of Maitreya Buddha (the Buddha to come), sculpted entirely out of sacred clay brought from Tibet and coated in radiant gold leaf and precious stones.
Inside, two oil lamps burn continuously in front of the Buddha. The walls are covered in centuries-old frescoes and Thangkas, and the library preserves rare Tibetan Buddhist texts including the 108 volumes of the Kangyur.
Top Highlights & Activities
The 15-ft Maitreya Buddha
Stand in contemplation before the colossal golden clay statue of the Future Buddha.
Ancient Tibetan Manuscripts
View centuries-old hand-printed religious scriptures and Buddhist commentaries.
Continuous Sacred Butter Lamps
Observe the eternal flame maintained reverently by the resident lamas.
Seasonal Weather & Conditions
All Seasons
2°C to 20°CA peaceful, meditative stop usually visited en route back from Tiger Hill sunrise.
Permits & Documentation
No permits required.
How to Reach Ghoom Monastery
By Air
Fly into Bagdogra and proceed up Hill Cart Road.
By Train
Toy Train stops at nearby Ghoom Station.
By Road
Situated 7 km from Darjeeling town; conveniently paired with early morning Tiger Hill tours.
Essential Travel Tips for Visitors
- ✓Photography is strictly prohibited inside the main inner sanctum to preserve the sacred tranquility.
- ✓Walk clockwise around the prayer hall and stupas in accordance with Buddhist tradition.
Frequently Asked Questions
More Places to Visit in Darjeeling
8,482 ft (2,590 m)Tiger Hill
World-Renowned 4 AM Sunrise Illuminating Mount Kanchenjunga and Mount Everest
7,000 ft (2,134 m)Batasia Loop
Engineering Marvel Spiral Railway with 360° Panoramic Views of Kanchenjunga
7,000 ft descending to 6,000 ftDarjeeling Ropeway
Scenic Aerial Cable Car Gliding High Above Rolling Tea Valleys and Alpine Rivers
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