Ghoom Monastry

Ghoom Monastery, officially known as Yiga Choeling Monastery, is one of the oldest and most revered Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in Darjeeling. 

Located about 8km from the main town and perched at an elevation of approximately 8,000 feet, the monastery was established in 1850 by the Mongolian monk and astrologer Sokpo Sherab Gyatso.

Belonging to the Gelukpa (Yellow Hat) sect of Tibetan Buddhism, Ghoom Monastery is celebrated for its impressive 15-foot-high statue of Maitreya Buddha (the “Future Buddha”), which is one of the largest and most prominent Buddha statues in the region[4][5][6][3]. The statue, crafted from clay brought from Tibet, forms the focal point of the monastery’s serene prayer hall.

Inside, visitors find a peaceful spiritual atmosphere marked by the scent of incense, resonant chants, large drum, and intricate thangka paintings on the walls. The monastery also preserves rare Buddhist manuscripts and Tibetan translations of classic Sanskrit works. Prayer wheels, thanka scrolls, and bells contribute to its authentic ambiance.

Ghoom Monastery is not just a religious site but an important cultural landmark that reflects the rich heritage of Tibetan Buddhism in the hills of Darjeeling. It offers a blend of tranquility, history, and stunning Himalayan scenery—particularly breathtaking at sunrise or during the monks’ morning prayers.

The monastery is open daily from 9:00AM to 6:00PM. While entry is free, a small fee is charged for photography inside, and visitors are encouraged to dress modestly and maintain decorum out of respect for the site’s sacred nature.

A visit to Ghoom Monastery provides a unique chance to experience Buddhist monastic life, meditate quietly, observe monks’ rituals, and absorb the peace that pervades this storied sanctuary of the Darjeeling hills.