Yiga Choeling Monastery

The Yiga Choeling Monastery, commonly known as the Old Ghoom Monastery, is a significant Buddhist monastery located in Ghoom, near Darjeeling, West Bengal, India. Established in 1850, it is one of the oldest and most famous monasteries in the region.

The Old Ghoom Monastery houses a beautiful statue of Maitreya Buddha (the future Buddha) and various ancient Buddhist scriptures. The monastery is known for its serene ambiance and traditional architecture, attracting both tourists and devotees. Additionally, it offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills and the snow-capped peaks of the Eastern Himalayas.

The Yiga Choeling or Old Ghoom Monastery, located at an elevation of 8,000 feet, is Darjeeling's oldest Tibetan Buddhist Monastery. This shrine, founded in 1850 by Lama Sherab Gyatso, is part of the Yellow Hat sect known as Gelupka, which worships the 'Coming Buddha' or 'Maitreyi Buddha'. In the middle chamber is a 15-foot-tall figure of Maitreyi Buddha made completely of clay transported from Tibet. This statue was erected during the tenure of the monastery's second head, Lama Domo Geshe Rinpoche. There are also several rare Buddhist manuscripts on the site. Outside the monastery, visitors are treated to a stunning vista of the towering Kanchenjunga. The resident monks fly prayer flags in the traditional Tibetan manner.

@pajamatraveller

Since 2011 I wanted to visit Old Ghoom Monastery But never made it. 3rd time in Nov 2022 Finally I was able to see this beautiful place.
The Road condition was bad and so the Weather.. Still I was able to see it.
The Maitreya Buddha statue inside bring peace in mind.

Yiga Choeling Monastery is a Buddhist monastery located in the town of Ghoom, which is about 8 kilometers from the city of Darjeeling in the Indian state of West Bengal. The monastery was established in 1850 by Lama Sherab Gyatso, who was a disciple of the famous Tibetan Buddhist master, Lama Tsongkhapa.

The Yiga Choeling Monastery is also known as the Ghoom Monastery, as it is situated in the Ghoom area of Darjeeling. It is one of the oldest Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in the region and is considered to be an important cultural and religious center for the local community.

The monastery is famous for its beautiful Tibetan architecture, intricate murals, and stunning thangkas. It is home to several valuable artifacts, including a statue of Maitreya Buddha, which is believed to be over 200 years old. The monastery also has a large collection of ancient manuscripts, scriptures, and prayer flags.

One of the most important annual events at the Yiga Choeling Monastery is the celebration of the Tibetan New Year, which is known as Losar. During this festival, the monastery is decorated with colorful prayer flags, and traditional Tibetan music and dance performances are held.

Visitors to the Yiga Choeling Monastery can also participate in meditation and prayer sessions, as well as learn about Tibetan Buddhism and its rich cultural heritage. The monastery welcomes visitors of all faiths and backgrounds and is a popular destination for tourists interested in exploring the spiritual and cultural traditions of the Himalayan region.

The Ghoom monastery must be the cleanest & calmest place I found in Darjeeling. Beautiful place at hills lap.

Clear views of mountains. Floating clouds all around the monastery just makes it mesmerising.

The buddha murti so handsomely made.

You are not allowed to take photos inside the monastery. But you can still capture photo from outside the restricted zone.

We visited it early morning and sat in the Monastery for 20-30 mintues while watching the monks/lamas doing their prayers. Peaceful and serene. A must visit
Beautiful Monastery & temple in Ghum (Ghoom), both on the inside & outside of the building. Was relatively clean and well maintained and just off the main road & railway.

Also known as the Ghoom Monastery. A nice little place near the Batasia Loop. Very peaceful place to say the least.

It's a sacred place for Buddhist. Located near Batasia Loop in Darjeeling. There is a huge Budhha Idol inside the monastery.This is also know as Old Ghoom Monastery.

Old Ghoom Monastery is the popular name of Yiga Choeling. The monastery belongs to the Gelukpa or the Yellow Hat sect and is known for its 15 feet (4.6 m)-high statue of the Maitreya Buddha. The external structure of the building was established in 1850 by the Mongolian astrologer and monk Sokpo Sherab Gyatso, who was head of the monastery until 1905.
For the last two decades, the monastery has been going through severe crises in terms of both monks and finance. Till now, the grants-in-aid entitled to the monastery have not been received either from the government nor from any other source. Presently the monastery is meeting its needs through donations and contributions from local devotees.

Known as ghoom Monastery. Its a must visit down from tiger Hill. Look at magnificent Buddha and have a sip of tea. But local stuff at good price lower than those in the great markets

Oldest Monastery of Darjeeling area built in 1850. Beautiful murals and Buddha statue. Quite and calm place. Photography chargeable.
Approach lane from main road is broken. Generally taxi drivers of Darjeeling do not bring tourists here so you will have to tell them specifically to take you there.

Very beautiful and calm . Super exciting to see in Darjeeling. Only 20 rs entry fees

Truly spiritual essence of buddhism culture and heritage, feel the ambience and your soul will get the best pleasure. Situated in Darjeeling and toy trains also pass by blowing whistles. A must visit place.

Beautiful place to be. Oldest monastry here in darjeeling. founded in 19th century. Walk towards it from Ghum Station in winters and you will feel blessed. Right next to Sterling so if yu are staying there, great.

One of the oldest Monastery in Darjeeling. It is situated in peaceful and beautiful landscape just 15 minutes walk from Ghoom Railway Station. We can see religious God and Goddess paintings believed by Buddhism inside which can give spiritual power to one who prays there with clean heart. From the compound of Monastery on a clear day one can have a scenery of hills all around which is great for nature lovers.

Very peaceful and enchanting place. It'll surely detoxify your mind and body of every sure and put an aura of zen around you. A must visit when you're in Darjeeling.

Excellent for people who want to discover Buddhist spirituality in Darjeeling.
Being the oldest monastery in Darjeeling it is perfectly designed originally by a Mongolian astrologer monk.
This old monastery also hosts cremation rituals and has been a cremation ground for many buddhist families for many generations.

Old Ghoom Monastery is the popular name of Yiga Choeling. The monastery belongs to the Gelukpa or the Yellow Hat sect and is known for its 15 feet-high statue of the Maitreya Buddha.
Apart from the giant statue of Maitreya Buddha, the monastery also has an extensive collection of invaluable manuscripts that include the 108-volume Kangyur - supposed to have been spoken by the Buddha himself. The interior walls are a fantastic representation of Tibetan art.
Built in 1875
This is very old monastery.
After visiting the the monastery I was feeling so calm, peace full.
It around 8 km from Darjeeling
This is included 7 spot sightseeing in Darjeeling

This is one of the best monasteries you can visit. Being 168 years old there is this old world charm to it. The resident idol is Lord Maitreya which is 15 ft high. When you stand in front of the statue you are just mesmerized but it's sheer magnificence.
A must visit for those who are looking for a solitude time from the mundane life.

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First review written on: 08/04/2018, 07:57 am
One of the less travelled places by the tourists in Darjeeling. But this is indeed a must visit place for anyone who comes to Darjeeling. A beautiful place with a peaceful environment. It is one of the oldest monasteries of this place.