Situated on the top of Durpin Dara Hill in Kalimpong, the Durpin Monastery is one of the must-visit attractions for travellers looking for some spiritual endeavour coupled with a panoramic view of the Himalayas. Blessed with scenic beauty, this is one of the holiest shrines for the Tibetan Buddhists that was founded in 1970. Inside, you’ll find 108 volumes of Buddhist scriptures, known as Kangyur, placed by the Dalai Lama. From the artistic wall paintings, the spinning of prayer wheels, or the view of Kanchenjunga Range, Durpin Monastery will leave you with a soul-searching experience that stays with you long after your visit.
About Durpin Monastery
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Durpin Monastery or Zang Dhok Palri Monastery is a famous Buddhist temple in Kalimpong which is located at Durpin Dara Hill in West Bengal, India. This is a Tibetan Buddhist Monastery in Dharamsala hosting 108 volumes of Buddhist scriptures known as the Kangyur which has been placed by the current Dalai Lama while in exile. Established in 1970, it is situated on a hilltop from where one can have an excellent view of the Kanchenjunga Himal range. It has a Tibetan style and has wall paintings that explain the precepts of Buddhism. One can walk and pray through the cubicles, turn the prayer wheels, and feel the holy spirit inside this holy place.
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Durpin Monastery Timings & Entry Fee
The visiting hours and entry fees for Durpin Monastery, also known as Zang Dhok Palri Monastery. This guide helps you plan your visit to ensure you make the most of your time at this serene and spiritually significant site in Kalimpong.
Timings: 9:00 AM TO 5:00 PM
Fee: no entry fee
Durpin Monastery: Places To Explore Nearby
Explore the top attractions and scenic spots located within a 50 km radius of Durpin Monastery, each offering a unique experience in the heart of the Eastern Himalayas.
1. Chandraketugarh
Image Credit: SuvadipSanyal for Wikimedia Commons
One of the places to explore is this archaeological site which contains ruins of buildings belonging to the Gupta period giving people a glimpse of the past. Art lovers will be pleased to know that terracotta sculptures, pottery, and other historical relics can also be found here. The historical value of the site does not lie merely in the architectural features which have survived the test of time, but will also be of further historical and art historical importance for centuries to come. Excavated structures are available for the site and architectural decorations that have survived centuries of wear and tear are breathtaking; thus, it is one of the most important places to visit for archaeological aficionados of the Indian subcontinent.
Distance from Durpin Monastery: 25 km
Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Open daily)
EntryFee: INR 20 for adults; INR 10 for children
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2. Teesta Bazaar
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Teesta Bazaar is one of the most colourful market towns to explore located at the bank of Teesta River with adventures and culture. The town is famous for exciting rafting activities, so its visitors are both enthusiasts of the adrenalin activities and lovers of nature. The crowded commercial centre presents visitors with various choices of items such as handmade local crafts, and original Tibetan trinkets. Since it is a starting point for many treks across the region, Teesta Bazaar has a strategic value for any traveller interested in spending their time in the beautiful outdoors. A lot of activities are evident in the town and the strategic location of the town by the riverside makes it an eye attraction.
Distance from Durpin Monastery: 24 km
Timings: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Open daily)
Entry Fee: No entry fee
3. Pedong
Image Credit: ManaskaMukhopadhyay for Wikimedia Commons
This is a small town that is used to access the old New Silk Route trail and is ideal for tramping. The historical and cultural life of Pedong is represented by the Pedong Monastery which was built in 1837 and the historical Damsang Fort. The natural light foliage, extensive areas of gently undulating country, distant ranges, and forests attract visitors to the picturesque town with ease. Visitors will be able to shop at local markets, engage with locals and get a feel of the cosmopolitan flavour of Pedong which is Nepali dominated but has Bhutanese and Tibetan influences.
Distance from Durpin Monastery: 24 km
Timings: Open 24 hours (Accessible at any time)
Entry Fee: No entry fee
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4. Deolo Hill
Deolo Hill, the highest point of Kalimpong has a clear view of the Kanchenjunga range, Teesta river, and the valleys. The place is famous for paragliding and horse riding for the adventurer and is best for picnics and nature walks. The atmosphere is a spacious park on the hill with a trimmed green area, benches, and places where you can stop and have a beautiful view. Tourists can also spend the night at the helipad, which has been converted into a guesthouse, so that they can see touching dawns and dusks over the hills of the Himalayas.
Distance from Durpin Monastery: 10 km
Timings: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Open daily)
Entry Fee: INR 10 for entry to the park; additional fees for activities like paragliding
5. Kalimpong Cactus Nursery
Image Credit: Sumit Surai for Wikimedia Commons
It houses a huge variety of both exotic and strange plants, especially cacti and other types of succulents, thus it is one of the best places for the fans of various types of plants and flowers. The variety of the presented species proves the versatility and unique forms of desert plants. Much to the delight of those who visit the area, these wonderful plants come in every shade, and shape and have such spectacular patterns, despite their tenacity against harsh environmental conditions. The nursery also has a stewardship function and provides information on how the speciality plant species are grown and propagated as well as measures on how to conserve them.
Distance from Durpin Monastery: 5 km
Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Open daily)
Entry Fee: INR 20 per person
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Durpin Monastery Location & How To Reach
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Durpin Monastery, also known as Zang Dhok Palri Monastery, is situated atop Durpin Dara Hill in Kalimpong, West Bengal, India. This prominent Buddhist monastery is located approximately 4 km from the Kalimpong Bus Station and offers stunning views of the surrounding Himalayan ranges, including the majestic Kanchenjunga peak. To reach Durpin Monastery, you have several options:
By Air: The nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport, which is about 79 km away from the monastery. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Kalimpong
By Train: The closest railway station is New Jalpaiguri Railway Station, also approximately 73 km from the monastery. You can take a taxi or a bus from the station to Kalimpong
By Road: Kalimpong is well-connected by road to major cities like Darjeeling, Gangtok, and Siliguri. Once in Kalimpong, you can hire a local taxi or take a bus to reach the monastery.
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When visiting West Bengal, Durpin Monastery must be on your itinerary. This spiritual site can be regarded both as a cultural and scenic site, and it will enhance your trip. As soon as one enters the premises of this little gem of the East Himalayas, one can already figure out why Durpin Monastery is so highly regarded. Do not miss this opportunity to enhance your trip to West Bengal.
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Cover Image Credit : Bernard Gagnon for Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Durpin Monastery
Is photography allowed inside Durpin Monastery?
Yes, photography is allowed inside Durpin Monastery, but do not take flash pictures in any of the religious sections.
Are guided tours available inside Durpin Monastery?
There are no official guided ones; however, people can avail of local guiding services at the entrance for a more detailed tour.
What is the best time to visit Durpin Monastery?
The months of October to December provide the best view of the great Himalayas from Durpin Monastery as the water vapour in the atmosphere has dissipated thereby giving a high level of clarity.
Can visitors participate in the meditation sessions at the Monastery?
Yes, the visitors are usually allowed to accompany short sessions of meditation, however, it is recommended to check the schedule on arrival.
Is there any dress code for Durpin Monastery?
There is no particular dress code although, due to cultural sensitivity visitors are advised to wear decent clothing that covers the shoulders and the knee when touring the monastery.
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