Found your way to Darjeeling and have the urge to visit a place that’s apart from the ordinary? Then, the Ghoom Monastery should be on your must-visit list. Located 6 to 8 kilometres from Darjeeling, amidst the picturesque landscapes of a hill town called Ghoom, lies multiple Buddhist monasteries. One such monastery is the Yiga Choeling Tibetan Monastery also famously known as Ghoom Monastery, situated near Tiger Hill. The primary reason this monastery gathers attraction from its daily visitors is the 15-foot-high special statue of the Maitreya Buddha, which translates to the “Coming Buddha” that is set inside the monastery. This statue and its surroundings radiate a sense of zeal for the Buddhist devotees and also for the common people who are keen on finding themselves.
History Of Ghoom Monastery
The Ghoom Monastery’s history dates back to 1850, when its external structure was first established by the famous Mongolian astrologer and monk Sokpo Sherab Gyatso, who was the head of the monastery until 1905. The Ghoom Monastery belongs to the Gelukpa or the Yellow Hat sect and is considered one of the holiest monasteries. The renowned Domo Geshe Rinpoche of Tibet personally blessed the Ghoom Monastery and commissioned the famous statue during his tenure.
One of the major reasons for this monastery’s attraction, as mentioned, is the 15-foot statue of the Maitreya Buddha (Gyalwa Shampa), which is painted in gold and encrusted with precious stone. In 1959, during the Chinese occupation in Tibet, many high-ranking abbots fled to India and became refugees in this very monastery. The Ghoom Monastery is the largest among the 3 monasteries in Ghoom. It is an esteemed place for the Buddhist community as it is also the storehouse of some rare Buddhist manuscripts.
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Timings And Best Time To Visit
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The Ghoom monastery’s timings are from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm to the public, but if you are lucky enough, you can visit the temple early at 7:00 am to witness several monks praying in the monastery. You can spend around 1-2 hours inside the monastery.
For an unforgettable view, the best time to visit the Ghoom Monastery is during the spring season, from March to May or autumn, from September to November. The Ghoom Monastery is also a year-round place to visit as it offers visitors a beautiful view of the majestic Kanchenjunga outside the monastery. However, be mindful during the monsoons as they cause landslides and can disrupt travel plans. The serene environment of the monastery is what attracts people, offering a place for seeking inner peace. Visiting the Ghoom Monastery on weekdays would be advisable since large gatherings are seen on the weekends.
Ghoom Monastery Darjeeling: Nearby Attractions
Apart from the Ghoom Monastery and its ethereal surroundings, there are many other places one can visit and explore to fulfil their travel leisure. Whether you want to immerse yourself in the local culture, explore breathtaking landscapes, or enjoy a peaceful retreat, the region is brimming with enticing destinations.
1. The Ghoom Monastery Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR)
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Located just 10 minutes from the monastery, the Ghoom Railway Station is the highest railway station in India. It is also considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its marvellous engineering that finds its routes through the magnificent Himalayas. Moreover, you can ride on the DHR and witness the breathtaking views, thus offering a unique travelling experience. The station also has an in-house museum that displays some magnificent relics. Moreover, the oldest toy train engine – The Baby Sivok- brings the most attention to this station.
Timings: 9 Am to 7 Pm
Entry Fee: Starting from 800 onwards
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2. Batasia Loop
Image Credit: Vikramjit Kakati for Wikipedia
Just a stone’s throw away from the Ghoom railway station is the Batasia Loop, which is a 100-year-old circular train track that is encircled by a spectacular mountain vista. Located on Hill Cart, there is no better place to get a 360-degree view of Darjeeling landscapes and the snow-covered peaks of the Eastern Himalayas. The loop is renowned for its distinctive design, allowing the train to circumscribe itself, thus making it a remarkable feat of railway engineering. You can also visit the Batasia War Memorial nearby, which is a poignant tribute to the Indian soldiers who lost their lives in WW1 and WW2.
Timings: 6 am to 5 pm
Entry Fee: 20 Rs.
3. Himalayan Mountaineering Institute
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The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute is one of the premier mountaineering institutes in the world and was founded on November 4th, 1954, by the then and first Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. Especially to commemorate the first successful ascent of Mount Everest by the late Sherpa Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary. It is located at a short distance from the Ghoom Monastery. It is a great place to visit if you are an adventure enthusiast since it offers a first-hand look into mountaineering courses and is also a training ground for aspiring climbers.
Timings: 9.00 am to 5.00 pm
Entry Fee: NA
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4. The Tiger Hills
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Up for a beautiful sunrise over Mount Kanchenjunga and Mount Everest, then head over Tiger Hill, which is not too far from the Ghoom Monastery. Tiger Hill is the highest point in Darjeeling, lying at an altitude of 2590 meters. Tiger Hill has breathtaking views to embrace at any time of the day, especially at sunset or sunrise. You can witness the beauty of the sun’s first rays hitting the snow-clad mountains of Kanchenjunga before it hits anywhere else in the city, and it is also the last place the sun rests during the sunset. This place leaves you with a new and picturesque view every time you see it.
Timings: 4 AM to 6PM
Entry Fee: Adult, INR 20. Child, INR 10
5. Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary
Image Credit: Dibyendu Ash for Wikipedia
If you are someone who always feels one with nature, then this sanctuary is a place to be. It is one of the oldest wildlife sanctuaries in India and is located a little on the outskirts of Darjeeling. It is home to various flora and fauna, including the elusive red panda, and provides habitat for barking deer, wild boar, etc. This is an outstanding sanctuary that consists of a blend of natural and man-made forests, thus making it a surreal experience for visitors. Apart from this, the sanctuary also offers trekking trails and breathtaking views of the Kanchenjunga mountain range.
Timings: All Time
Entry Fee: INR 50
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6. The Lamahatta Village
Image Credit: Manikanta1973 for Wikipedia
As the name goes by it, Lama means monk, and hatta means hut, meaning an “abode for a monk”. This is a newfound destination not touched by many travellers, making it a tourist rush-free area. Lama Hatta, situated on the Sikkim-Gangtok road, offers a calm, peaceful ambience where the mountain communities live in harmony and peace with the nature surrounding it. Lama Hatta can be considered a paradise for all the people, not just the monks, who long to find solitude. So, if you are ever around Lama Hatta, drop by and bask in all the positive energy and aura this place offers.
Timings: All Time
Entry Fee: NA
How To Reach Ghoom Monastery Darjeeling
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To reach the Ghoom Monastery Darjeeling, you need to, well, of course, first get there, which can be done by flight or railway at your convenience. Though Darjeeling does not have its own airport, the nearest airport to Darjeeling is the Bagdogra airport, which is close to Siliguri and is a 2-and-a-half-hour journey by road to Darjeeling. The nearest railway station to Darjeeling is the New Jalpaiguri railway station, and the distance between them by road is approximately 3 hours. To get to Ghoom Monastery, however, it is approximately 5.5km from the city centre of Darjeeling with a coverable distance of 15-20 min from the city centre. Apart from that, there are many local buses and taxis that take you to Ghoom.
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Ghoom Monastery Darjeeling: Essential Travel Tips
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- Apart from Ghoom Monastery, there is another monastery called Samten Choling Monastery, sometimes called Ghoom Monastery. So remember always to be specific and mention the Old Ghoom Monastery when visiting.
- For accommodation purposes, you can consider staying close to Ghoom Monastery for a more convenient experience. Apart from that, you have options from budgeted guesthouses to luxurious hotels.
- You can hire taxis or get onto shared, readily available jeeps and rickshaws to move around.
- Always head to any place hygienically, including carrying a usable water bottle to avoid littering.
- Respect the local costumes and traditions of the area, and also support the local businesses and artisans, as it helps them a lot.
- Remember that this is one of the holiest places of worship for the Buddhist community, so maintain respect and calmness at all times.
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Have you got the information needed to express your interest in the Ghoom Monastery? Then your next step should be booking your trip to Darjeeling as soon as possible so you don’t miss out on this place’s amazing historical and visual attractions. Be it nature or the medieval infrastructure, everything is worth the trip to Darjeeling.
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Cover Image credit: By Soumyasch for Wikimedia Commons.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ghoom Monastery
Which city is Ghoom Monastery situated in?
The Ghoom Monastery is situated on a quaint hill just about 6km from the city center of Darjeeling, a picturesque hill station of NorthEast India.
Is Ghoom Monastery the oldest Monastery in india?
The Tabo Monastery is the oldest Monastery in India but the Ghoom Monastery is considered to be one of the oldest monasteries in India as it was established in the year 1850.
Why is Ghoom Monastery so famous?
The Ghoom Monastery is famously known for the Maiteriya Buddha statue that is located in the Monastery. This statue is 15 feet tall and is painted in gold and encrusted with precious stones. Apart from that, this is also the place where you will find age-old Buddhist artifacts and scriptures.
Is there any dress code for visiting Ghoom Monastery?
Since monasteries are religious place of worships, it is advised to follow modest dressing style that cover shoulders and knees
Can visitors click photos inside the monastery?
While photography is allowed outside the monastery, clicking photos inside might need permission. So, check with the officials and know all the rules before visiting.
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