Located in the city centre of Gangtok, Do Drul Chorten is a symbol of religious calmness and eminence. The magnificent dome of this golden structure, which is the form of an umbrella, symbolises the spirit of Sikkim and invites travellers into its rich worshipping shrine of Buddhism. Whether you are a devoted pilgrim searching for enlightenment or a wandering traveller seeking historical exploration, this vibrant Buddhist sanctuary promises a great experience. The amazing architecture with delicate ornamentation, serene ambience and compelling history will make your visit to this temple unforgettable.
History Of Do Drul Chorten
Image Credit: Anjan Kumar Kundu for Wikimedia Commons
Located close to the Chorten Lhakhang and the Guru Lhakhang, the Do Drul Chorten, with its golden umbrella-shaped dome, is a place of pilgrimage for devout Buddhists. This is a major tourist attraction site in the village due to its quiet and peaceful ambience. Situated near Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, this religious retreat has the complete collection of Dorjee Phurba, Kangyur (Holy Books) and other items.
The stupa has 108 prayer wheels spinning with scriptural passages etched on the walls, a golden dome, and a spire. It is said that the castle’s construction chased away evil spirits known to harm everyone who passed by.
Also Read: Places To Visit In Gangtok
Do Drul Chorten Architecture
Image Credit:Anjan Kumar Kundu for Wikimedia Commons
The height of Drul Chorten, one of the best examples of Tibetan Buddhist architecture in Gangtok, Sikkim, is an average of 50 feet. This ancient kind of chorten is a half-sphere with a square platform at the base that tapers upward and has an umbrella-like golden top. It is incorporated completely out of stones and concrete. Its white structure is beautifully carved and surrounded by prayer flags.
There are also smaller structures around the central building, such as other chortens and large prayer wheels with mantras. People believe that spinning the wheels clockwise would earn the individual good karma. Linked with the stupa is a monastic college for young Lamas, where there is a chapel with paintings of PadmaSambhava and Guru Senang—Sid Zilzon. Located 500 metres above the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, the stupa commands a spectacular view of the surrounding mountain ranges. These stunning structures can be considered cultural and religious values representing the essence of the architecture typical for Tibetan Buddhism.
Places To Visit Near Do Drul Chorten In Gangtok
Do Drul Chorten, one of the famous stupas in Gangtok, is surrounded by a blend of natural beauty and cultural richness, making it a must-visit for travellers. Explore serene monasteries, lush gardens, and panoramic viewpoints that capture the essence of Sikkim. Here are some places to visit near this Buddhist stupa in Gangtok.
1. Namgyal Institute of Tibetology
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One of the oldest research centres in India is in Gangtok, Sikkim, which also displays typical Sikkimese architecture and was founded in 1958. This building houses a museum, two libraries, and a research centre, making it indispensable to Buddhist studies. This institute encourages research on Tibetans’ language, art, religion, and culture. The city’s museum contains one of the biggest archaeological and ethnographic collections of items in South and Southeast Asia outside of Tibet. Scholars spread the record of monastic life and worked on different projects to preserve Tibetan culture in Sikkim.
Distance from Do Drul Chorten: 0 km (adjacent)
Timings: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (Monday to Saturday)
Entry Fee: INR 10 (for Indians), INR 50 (for foreigners)
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2. Chorten Lhakhang
Image Credit:Prof Ranga Sai for Wikimedia Commons
This complex, built around the Do Drul Chorten Stupa in Gangtok, consists of two large statues of Guru Padmasambhava and 108 prayer wheels inscribed with Tibetan mantras. It comprises smaller chortens, such as the Jhang Chup Chorten, constructed to commemorate the life of Trulshig Rinpoche. Chorten Lhakhang is a religious shrine particularly for Buddhists, and Kyabje Dodrupchen Rinpoche is a well-known Nyingmapa Lama Buddhist practitioner.
Distance from Do Drul Chorten: 0 km (part of the same complex)
Timings: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
3. Jhang Chup Chorten
Image Credit: Bernard Gagnon for Wikimedia Commons
Slightly smaller than the central Do Drul Chorten in Gangtok, this is another Stupa built in 1962 to mark the ordination of the Trulshik Rinpoche. Located outside the main building, it is one of several satellite stupas erected to honour the great Buddhist saint. Thus, the Jhang Chup Chorten strengthens spiritual architecture in the region and adds to the importance of the Do-Drul Chorten complex.
Distance from Do Drul Chorten: 0 km (part of the same complex)
Timings: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
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4. Enchey Monastery
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Situated in East Sikkim and a Nyingma sect monastery of Buddhism, it was first established in 1909 by LAMA Drupthab Karpo and then reconstructed in 1948. It is a monastic element, having a hundred and twenty monks, and is often called the protector of Gangtok. The monastery’s structure has been devised to reflect China’s Gyanak Wu Tsang Monastery. It also has statues of Buddha, Avalokitesvara Guru Padmasambhava, and many other relics. It is said that Guru Padmasambhava vanquished local deities in this area, creating a ground for spirituality.
Distance from Do Drul Chorten: 2 km
Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
5. Tashi View Point
Image Credit:Soumendra Kumar Sahoo for Wikimedia Commons
This viewpoint is 8 km from Gangtok and offers spectacular views of the Himalayas, including Kanchenjunga. It is for people who like astronomy as it can be used for stargazing, has telescopes, souvenir shops, and local snacks, and opens daily from 5 AM to 6 PM. It was built by the fifth king, Tashi Namgyal, and is owned by the tourism division. With dunes, guests can observe sunrises and sunsets, see monasteries, or stay in nature with wild animals.
Distance from Do Drul Chorten: 8 km
Timings: 5:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
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Do Drul Chorten Entry Fee And Timings
Image Credit:Amitabha Gupta for Wikimedia Commons
The Do Drul Chorten remains open for tourists and spiritual buffs all year to help them seek inner peace and solace. It opens every day from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. This sacred stupa has a free entrance, meaning everyone can access it to experience a spiritual ambience and nice architecture.
Due to its ease of access, it is a great attraction for people interested in Gangtok’s cultural history.
How To Reach Do Drul Chorten
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Do Drul Chorten is located in Deorali of Gangtok, and therefore, it is easy to get a taxi or jeep to visit the place.
By Air: Fly into Bagdogra Airport (IXB), the nearest major airport. From there, you can take a taxi or bus to Gangtok.
By Train: New Jalpaiguri (NJP) is the nearest major railway station. From NJP, you can take a taxi or bus to Gangtok.
By Road: Gangtok is well-connected by road. You can take a shared taxi or private cab from Bagdogra Airport or NJP Railway Station to Gangtok. The journey takes around 4-5 hours.
Local Transport: Once in Gangtok, you can hire a local taxi or use shared cabs to reach Do Drul Chorten. It’s located on the way to the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, so you can also visit both attractions together.
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When planning your trip to Gangtok, it is recommended that you do not miss the Do Drul Chorten Monastery. It is not just a place to take a picture and quickly glance at the local traditions; it is an opportunity to discover the spiritual side and enjoy the calmness. Everything in Do Drul Chorten is designed to give visitors a good experience, such as using prayer wheels, mountain views, and other beautiful scenery that will make this place a jewel in the already beautiful city of Gangtok.
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Cover Image Credit: Bernard Gagnon for Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Do Drul Chorten
Are there restrictions on the use of cameras within the Do Drul Chorten?
Professional photography is allowed only outside the vicinity of the stupa, although obtaining permission will be a better idea while capturing the interior of the stupa.
Are there specified dress code standards at the Do Drul Chorten?
There is no formal dress code, however, it is appropriate to dress modestly to cover shoulders and knees.
Can the visitors also join the meditation sessions in the Do Drul Chorten?
Occasionally, some of the guided meditation sessions are conducted. It is best to ask guides or the Monastery management for the latest schedules.
When is the best time to visit to witness the Monks performing rituals at Do Drul Chorten?
Morning times especially during the dawn provide visitors a good opportunity to see monks at work and pray.
Is it possible to arrange a more detailed tour of the Do Drul Chorten?
Yes, local tour guides that can be hired from various local tour operators are capable of giving historical and cultural information on the chorten.
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