Prehistoric Walls of Yiga Choeling Monastery, Ghoom Darjeeling

Himalayan reverie has always been intuitive and inspiring so this year to add more delight to your journey make sure you walk down the historic walls of the Ghoom monastery which is often termed as Yiga Choeling Monastery.

Yiga Choeling Monastery without a shoe of doubt is the oldest Tibetan Buddhist Monasteries within the shore of Darjeeling. As per the documents the prehistoric pedestal of the monastery was constructed in mid 80s.

Although people always end up by getting into the doors of the Samten Choling Monastery of Ghoom which is not the oldest and confers that they have visited an original halves of the Ghoom Monastery which is absolutely incorrect.

An original and historic is Yiga Choeling Monastery which is situated at a distance of about 7 km from Darjeeling and while planning a visit here make sure to be specific by highlighting the fact that you are looking for old Ghoom Monastery.

Nestled at an altitude of 7407 ft the Yiga Choeling Monastery is the pride of Darjeeling because an outer wall of it was outlined by the renowned monk and celebrated astrologer Lama Sherab Gyatso in 1850. 

Lama Sherab was the first administrator of this pristine monastery and he continued his service till 1905 and after his retirement he went back to his place Tibet.

As per the faiths the monastery belongs to the Gelukpa which is also known as Yellow Hat sect. talking about Yellow hat sect it was founded by Tsongkhapa. 

Within the walls of the monastery the things which you are recommended to see are 15 ft towering figure of the Lord Buddha which is also known as The Maitreya Buddha or the Gyalwa Shampa. The meaning of Maitreya Buddha or the Gyalwa Shampa is future. One must understand the statue you will come across is amongst the biggest and oldest as compare to other statue of Darjeeling. 

They say the statue was carved with the clay from Tibet and in front of the effigy you will see two enormous oil lamps that keep burning throughout the year to enlighten the glory of Lord Buddha.

Other things that one must remember to see within the doors of the old Ghoom monastery are images of Lord Buddha, deities of Lamas such as Chenrezig and Tsongkhapa are the key attractions of the monastery. Beside that traveller can also witness the large compilation of Buddha’s manuscripts like Kangyur and many more.

Things to Note

If you planning to trace the height of Statue within the frames of your camera then you will require paying Rs 10 and if you wish to film the whole ambiance then you would be asked to pay Rs 50. 

How to Reach

 By train- the nearest railway station to Ghoom monastery is New Jalpaiguri which is located at a distance of about 71 km and once you reach the main town of Darjeeling make sure to hire cab to reach Old Monastery of Ghoom.

By air- the nearest airport is Bagdogra which is located at a distance of approximately 78 km and it will take about 2 and half hours to reach Darjeeling from here.

The nearest nodal point to both New Jalpaiguri and Bagdogra is Siliguri which is located at a distance of 5 to 7 km and once you reach here make sure to get into shared sumo to reach Darjeeling.