Yiga Choeling Monastery
Visit Yiga Choeling Monastery in Ghoom, Darjeeling, home to a 15-foot Maitreya Buddha, ancient Buddhist scriptures, peaceful surroundings, and rich Tibetan heritage.
Yiga Choeling Monastery, popularly known as Ghoom Monastery, is one of the oldest and most significant Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in the Darjeeling Himalayas. Located in Ghoom, about 8 km from Darjeeling at an altitude of approximately 8,000 feet (2,438 m), the monastery offers a peaceful spiritual atmosphere, stunning Himalayan views, and a glimpse into the region's rich Buddhist heritage. Established in 1850 by the renowned Mongolian monk and astrologer Sokpo Sherab Gyatso, it belongs to the Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) school of Tibetan Buddhism and is considered the first Tibetan Buddhist monastery in the Darjeeling region. Over the decades, it has served as an important center for Buddhist learning, meditation, and religious practice.
The monastery is best known for its magnificent 15-foot golden statue of Maitreya Buddha (the Future Buddha), which is among the oldest and most impressive statues in the region. Inside the prayer hall, visitors can admire ancient Buddhist scriptures, including the sacred Kangyur and Tengyur collections, along with beautifully preserved Tibetan murals, colorful thangkas, prayer wheels, and continuously burning butter lamps that create a serene and spiritual ambiance. As an active monastery, Yiga Choeling hosts daily prayers, meditation sessions, and religious ceremonies. During major Tibetan festivals such as Losar and Saka Dawa, devotees and visitors gather to witness traditional rituals and celebrations.
Yiga Choeling Monastery welcomes visitors throughout the year, although the best time to visit is from March to May, when the weather is pleasant and flowers are in bloom, and from October to December, when clear skies offer spectacular mountain views. Early mornings provide the most peaceful experience. The monastery is generally open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and entry is free, though donations for its maintenance are appreciated. Visitors are encouraged to dress modestly and maintain silence inside the prayer hall to respect the religious environment.
Reaching the monastery is convenient, as it is only about 8 km from Darjeeling and can be accessed by taxi or shared jeep within 20 to 30 minutes. The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP), approximately 75 km away, while Bagdogra Airport is around 70 km from Ghoom.
Several popular attractions are located nearby, including Ghoom Railway Station, Batasia Loop, Tiger Hill, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train), the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, and Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park. Combining history, spirituality, architecture, and breathtaking scenery, Yiga Choeling Monastery remains one of the most rewarding places to visit in Darjeeling for those seeking peace, culture, and an authentic Tibetan Buddhist experience.